Hello, coffee friends, and welcome to our December Café Session! Can you believe we’ve made it to the final stretch of the year? December always feels like a strange mix of chaos and calm. Everyone’s rushing to wrap up projects, but let’s be honest—most emails at this point end with, “Let’s circle back next year,” because nobody’s really working. It’s that awkward limbo where we’re pretending to be productive while secretly just thinking about holiday plans and cookies.
Speaking of things worth getting excited about, how about those Broncos? They’ve somehow clawed their way into the conversation for a potential wildcard spot. It’s not over until it’s over, and January Playoffs could be within reach. Who would’ve thought? Let’s ride!
This month, we’re having a little fun imagining what coffee drinks Santa’s reindeer might order if they stopped by the café (Rudolph’s drink might surprise you), and we’re sharing creative ways to save or use leftover coffee during the holiday season. So whether you’re scrambling to finish the year strong or already leaning into that “new year, new me” mindset, grab your favorite holiday coffee and join us for one last caffeinated hurrah in 2024. Cheers to coffee, cookies, and maybe even a Broncos playoff run!
WHAT COFFEE DRINK WOULD EACH OF SANTA'S REINEEER ORDER?
What a fun and festive question! I have to admit, it's been a little tricky getting into the holiday spirit with the warm weather we're having here in Denver. Just last Friday, I was invited to skip work for a round of golf! With temperatures hitting 60°F this week, it feels more like park weather than the middle of ski season. Guests are slowly transitioning to hot drinks, but some mornings I’m setting up the patio with a warm cup in hand, and others I’m sweating by 7:45 a.m. getting everything ready. But let’s put on those Santa hats and start channeling that holiday cheer!
When deciding what drink each reindeer would order, I thought about customers I’ve served over the years whose go-to drinks match the personality of Santa’s sleigh crew. Here’s what I came up with:
- Dasher: Charging through the door, always in a hurry, Dasher grabs a plain black coffee—quick, bold, and straight to the point.
- Dancer: Grooving to their headphones in line, maybe busting out a move or two, Dancer goes for a Matcha Latte—smooth and energizing to keep the rhythm going.
- Prancer: Light on their feet and always looking for something refreshing, Prancer would sip on a Peach Mango Rise Refresher—a subtly sweet tea drink with a caffeine boost.
- Vixen: With a flair for the classic (and maybe a hint of mischief), Vixen opts for a Vanilla Latte—a timeless favorite with a touch of charm.
- Comet: Straight to the point and packed with energy, Comet grabs a Nitro Cold Brew—the strongest, most caffeinated option on the menu.
- Cupid: Sweet and slightly out of the ordinary, Cupid goes for a White Chocolate Lavender Latte—a unique blend that’s as delightful as their name.
- Donner: Donner keeps us guessing with an unexpected choice: a Turmeric Latte with a shot of espresso—a drink that’s complex and full of surprises.
- Blitzen: Let’s be honest, Blitzen’s name says it all. They’d be the one to add a little something extra to their coffee—an Irish Coffee fits the bill perfectly!
- Rudolph: The youngest of the bunch deserves a warm treat. Rudolph’s go-to is a classic Hot Cocoa—sweet, comforting, and perfect for leading the way.
DO YOU KNOW ANY CLEVER WAYS TO SAVE LEFTOVER COFFEE OVER THE HOLIDAYS?
Over the years, we’ve discovered plenty of creative ways to use coffee, from repurposing the grounds as fertilizer in the spring to crafting cocktails with leftover brew. So, how can we put that coffee to good use during the holidays?
The first idea that comes to mind is tiramisu. This iconic dessert pairs beautifully with a fresh shot of espresso, but why not try a recipe that uses leftover coffee to soak the ladyfingers? Add a splash of rum, let it all soak in, and then assemble your cake. The result? A rich, coffee-infused treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Another clever trick is swapping water for leftover coffee in your baking recipes. This is especially great for chocolate-based desserts, as coffee enhances the depth of flavor. Think brownies, chocolate cakes, or even cookies. If you’re like me and love pairing coffee with chocolate, this is a game-changer!
Beyond sweets, coffee can elevate savory dishes, too. Try adding a splash of leftover coffee to your ham drippings for a holiday gravy. Mix in a little cream, and you’ve got yourself a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress at the dinner table.
But my personal favorite? Take yesterday’s pot of coffee, pop it in the fridge, and when the time is right, use it to make an iced Irish coffee. Leftover coffee never goes to waste when you’re mixing it with a bit of holiday cheer!
