by Oliver McCrae | Jul 9, 2025 | Coffee
10 Genuinely Fun Coffee Facts You Probably Haven’t Heard
At Hessian Coffee, we love discovering the fascinating side of coffee, from how it grows to how it ends up in your cup. Sure, you may already know coffee fuels early mornings and late nights, but did you know it also sweats, pops like popcorn, and has been to space?
Here are 10 genuinely fun, and sometimes downright strange, facts about coffee to share with your fellow caffeine enthusiasts.
1. Coffee Beans Can “Sweat”
Freshly roasted coffee beans naturally release aromatic oils onto their surface. This is called coffee sweating, and it’s why your beans can look glossy. No need to panic—those glistening oils mean they’re fresh and brimming with flavour.
2. Caffeine Is a Plant’s Secret Weapon
Ever wondered why the coffee plant produces caffeine? It’s not just for your morning buzz. Caffeine evolved as a natural pesticide, paralyzing and poisoning insects that tried to snack on its leaves. Luckily, humans are a bit more resilient.
3. Decaf Coffee Isn’t Naturally Caffeine-Free
Decaf beans don’t grow that way. They’re processed with special methods—like soaking them in solvents or using supercritical CO2 extraction (which sounds like something out of science fiction). Fun fact: the removed caffeine often ends up in soft drinks.
4. Dark Roasts Don’t Have More Caffeine
Despite their bold taste, dark roasts actually contain slightly less caffeine by volume than lighter roasts. The longer roasting process burns off a bit of the caffeine. So if you’re chasing a bigger buzz, go for a lighter roast.
5. Coffee Cherries Are Edible—and Sweet
Coffee beans come from a bright red fruit called a coffee cherry. The pulp tastes like a mix of hibiscus and cherry. In ancient Ethiopia, people mixed the pulp with animal fat to create what might be history’s first energy bars.
6. Some Beans Are Processed by Birds
Move over civet coffee—Brazil has Jacú bird coffee, made from beans that wild Jacú birds eat and pass through their digestive system. The result? A rare, naturally processed coffee that sells for hundreds per pound. (Yes, seriously.)
7. Roasting Coffee Sounds Like Popcorn
When roasting, beans go through what’s called first crack—a loud popping that sounds just like popcorn—and sometimes a quieter second crack. If you roast past second crack, congratulations: you’ve made charcoal.
8. You Can Flash-Chill Coffee in 60 Seconds
Thanks to innovations like Snapchill, hot coffee can be chilled to icy temperatures in under a minute without dilution. Perfect for those who don’t want to wait hours for cold brew.
9. Professional Tasters Slurp—Loudly
In coffee cupping sessions, professionals use big spoons and slurp noisily to spread the coffee evenly over their palate. It may sound like bad manners, but it’s the best way to evaluate aroma and taste.
10. Astronauts Drink Coffee in Space
NASA invented a special capillary cup so astronauts could sip coffee without floating blobs. Before that, they had to drink it out of sealed bags—like sad space juice pouches. Now, they can enjoy real sips in zero gravity.
Whether you’re a casual sipper or a die-hard enthusiast, coffee is full of surprises. Next time you brew a cup, remember: you’re participating in a tradition that spans centuries, continents, and even outer space.
by Oliver McCrae | Jul 3, 2025 | Coffee
🌞 Chill Out This Summer: 10 Best Coffee Drinks to Keep You Cool
When the heat rises, there’s nothing better than a refreshing, ice-cold coffee to keep you caffeinated and energized. Whether you’re brewing at home, stocking your office with premium cold brew, or exploring new recipes, here are 10 delicious coffee drinks perfect for summer.
From classics like iced lattes to adventurous twists like espresso and tonic, there’s something here for every palate.
🧊 1. Iced Latte
A classic summer staple. Fresh espresso poured over ice and cold milk, customizable with your favourite syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) or milk alternatives (oat, almond, soy).
✅ Tip: Try a dash of cinnamon or honey syrup for extra flavour.
🧊 2. Espresso and Tonic
Light, bubbly, and incredibly refreshing. The bitterness of espresso pairs beautifully with the crispness of tonic water, creating a sophisticated drink that’s not overly creamy.
✅ Perfect for: Those who prefer a less milky, more effervescent coffee.
🧊 3. Cold Brew
Smooth, naturally sweet, and low in acidity, cold brew is brewed slowly in cold water for 12–24 hours. Serve over ice with milk, or simply black to appreciate its mellow taste.
✅ Bonus: It’s ideal for making in big batches to keep in the fridge.
🧊 4. Vietnamese Iced Coffee
A rich and creamy treat combining robust espresso (or strong drip coffee) with sweetened condensed milk, poured over ice.
✅ Taste: Bold, sweet, and slightly caramelized.
🧊 5. Affogato
Technically a dessert, but perfect for summer afternoons. A scoop of vanilla ice cream drenched in a shot of hot espresso.
✅ Tip: Swap vanilla for hazelnut gelato for a gourmet twist.
🧊 6. Iced Mocha
Chocolate lovers rejoice. Espresso, milk, and rich chocolate syrup over ice, topped with whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
✅ Pro Tip: Use dark chocolate syrup for a more grown-up flavour.
🧊 7. Japanese-Style Iced Coffee
This method involves brewing hot coffee directly over ice. The result is a clean, crisp cup with bright acidity and a refreshing finish.
✅ Why it’s great: It preserves delicate flavours you’d lose with cold brew.
🧊 8. Coffee Smoothie
Blend chilled coffee with banana, ice, and a splash of milk for a nutritious and energizing drink. Great as a breakfast on the go.
✅ Variations: Add cocoa powder, nut butter, or protein powder.
🧊 9. Iced Caramel Macchiato
Layer cold milk and vanilla syrup over ice, pour in espresso, and finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
✅ Flavour: Sweet, layered, and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
🧊 10. Caffè Shakerato
An Italian favourite. Freshly brewed espresso shaken vigorously with ice and a little sugar until frothy. Strain into a chilled glass for an elegant, refreshing treat.
✅ Pro Tip: Serve in a martini glass for extra style.
☕ Ready to Elevate Your Summer Coffee Game?
Whether you’re sourcing artisan coffee beans for home brewing or offering office coffee solutions through Hessian Vending, we’re here to keep you cool and caffeinated all season long.
👉 Explore Hessian Coffee
👉 Learn About Hessian Vending
by Oliver McCrae | Jul 1, 2025 | Coffee
🎶 Brewed Awakening: 5 Essential Coffee Songs to Enjoy with Your Cup
At Hessian Coffee, we believe great coffee isn’t just a beverage, it’s an experience. Whether you’re brewing artisan coffee beans at home or stocking your workplace with premium coffee, the right soundtrack makes every cup more satisfying.
Here are five of the best coffee-themed songs to energize your day.
☕ 1. “Black Coffee” – Ella Fitzgerald
A timeless jazz classic about the bittersweet comfort of black coffee. Ella’s velvety voice pairs perfectly with your favourite dark roast or specialty coffee.
📺 Watch:
☕ 2. “One More Cup of Coffee” – Bob Dylan
Haunting and poetic, this track from Dylan’s Desire album is ideal for reflective mornings over a freshly brewed cup.
📺 Watch:
☕ 3. “Coffee & TV” – Blur
A Britpop anthem with jangly guitars and an unforgettable animated milk carton. Quirky, nostalgic, and perfect with your gourmet coffee delivery.
📺 Watch:
☕ 4. “Coffee” – Sylvan Esso
Smooth, modern indie-electronic vibes for a laid-back coffee break or a moment to unwind in the office breakroom.
📺 Watch:
☕ 5. “Cup of Coffee” – Garbage
A beautifully melancholic ballad that pairs perfectly with a contemplative latte or a quiet afternoon espresso.
📺 Watch:
Bonus Tracks for Your Coffee Playlist
☕ Explore More with Hessian Coffee & Hessian Vending
Whether you’re sourcing specialty coffee beans for home brewing or breakroom coffee service to fuel your team, Hessian has you covered.
👉 Shop Artisan Coffee Beans
👉 Discover Office Coffee Solutions
Stay connected, stay caffeinated, and keep the music playing.
by Oliver McCrae | Apr 1, 2025 | Recipe
Here’s how to make your own Hessian Coffee Soda Crush — a refreshing, effervescent drink with the zesty and vibrant flavours of 1883 Chocolate Cookie Syrup, and the tang of fresh lime. This citrusy, fizzy treat is the perfect way to brighten up your day and enjoy something refreshing and sweet.
Ingredients:
-
1 oz 1883 Chocolate Cookie Syrup (for the bold, sweet flavouring)
-
5 oz sparkling water (for a fizzy and refreshing base)
-
2oz raspberry puree (for a citrusy flavouring)
-
1oz blood orange juice (for a citrusy flavouring)
-
Crushed ice (to keep it chilled and invigorating)
-
Lime slices (optional, for garnish)
-
Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Glass: Start by filling a glass with crushed ice. The cold, crisp ice is essential for that refreshing sensation.
-
Add the 1883 Chocolate Cookie Syrup: Pour 1 oz of 1883 Chocolate Cookie Syrup into the glass. This syrup captures the sweet chocolatey flavour that is the secret heart of your Soda Crush.
-
Add the Sparkling Water: Pour 5 oz of sparkling water into the glass to create that bubbly, effervescent base. Stir to combine the water, juice, and puree allowing the citrus notes to infuse throughout the drink.
-
Garnish: For an extra touch of freshness, garnish your Soda Crush with lime slices and a few sprigs of mint leaves. These optional garnishes not only look beautiful but also enhance the drink’s refreshing flavours.
Enjoy Your Soda Crush!
Take a sip and relish the bright, zesty flavour of lime, paired with the effervescence of sparkling water, and sweetened kick of the syrup. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it at a gathering, the Hessian Coffee Soda Crush is sure to impress.
At Hessian Coffee, we believe in the magic of expertly crafted beverages. Our syrups, like the 1883 Chocolate Cookie Syrup, are carefully selected for their exceptional quality. Each drink is an experience in refreshing goodness, perfect for moments when you want something light and effervescent.
by Oliver McCrae | Mar 24, 2025 | Recipe
Here’s how to make your own Hessian Coffee Banana Knight — a deliciously smooth and indulgent coffee drink with the sweet, tropical flavours of the 1883 Banana Syrup, and a touch of creamy chocolate. This indulgent blend is the perfect treat for those moments when you want something extra special.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of cold espresso (or ½ cup of Hessian Coffee blend)
- 1 oz 1883 Banana Syrup (for the rich, sweet taste of ripe bananas)
- 8 oz vanilla ice cream (or your preferred milk alternative)
- 1 oz Chocolate sauce (to add a velvety layer of chocolatey goodness, and flare to the glass)
- Banana slices (optional, for garnish)
- Chocolate powder or sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cold Espresso: Start by making a fresh shot of cold espresso, or if you prefer regular coffee, brew ½ cup of strong coffee. Choosing a high-quality coffee like Hessian Coffee elevates the flavour, making your Banana Knight even more delicious.
- Add your ice cream: Mixing in your vanilla ice cream, to add that cold-thick texture to your Banana Knight.
- Add the 1883 Banana Syrup: Pour 1 oz of 1883 Banana Syrup. This syrup captures the natural sweetness and flavour of bananas, adding a tropical touch to your drink. and a little bit of your chosen chocolate sauce.
- Pour the Espresso/Ice Cream/Syrup Mix: Drizzle the chocolate sauce up and around the inside of the glass, for that extra dazzling touch, then pour the espresso mix into the mug.
- Top It Off: For a finishing touch, garnish your Banana Knight with banana slices and a light dusting of chocolate powder or sprinkles. These optional garnishes add a bit of flair and enhance the indulgent experience.
Enjoy Your Banana Knight!
Take a sip and enjoy the delightful combination of banana, chocolate, and coffee. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with a friend, the Hessian Coffee Banana Knight will quickly become your new favourite drink for those moments of indulgence.
At Hessian Coffee, we believe in the magic of expertly crafted beverages. Our coffees are freshly brewed, and our syrups, like the 1883 Banana Syrup, are carefully selected for their exceptional quality. Each cup is an experience in warmth and indulgence, perfect for moments when you want something extra special.
Summary:
Treat yourself to the Hessian Coffee Banana Knight – a creamy and indulgent coffee drink with the tropical sweetness of banana and the rich richness of chocolate. Made with 1883 Banana Syrup and chocolate sauce, this delicious drink is perfect for any occasion when you want a comforting, dessert-like treat. Perfectly balanced with espresso and banana flavourings, the Banana Knight is a must-try for any coffee lover.
