Coffee enthusiasts across Texas eagerly anticipate National Coffee Day, an annual celebration of their beloved beverage. This special occasion provides the perfect opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse array of local roasteries and coffee shops scattered throughout the Lone Star State.
Texas boasts a thriving coffee scene, with numerous independent roasters crafting unique blends and single-origin offerings. From bustling urban centers to quaint small towns, coffee lovers can discover a wealth of locally roasted beans and expertly prepared brews. These establishments not only serve exceptional coffee but also foster a sense of community and connection among patrons.
1) Crafted Cappuccinos at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, an Austin original since 1993, has become a local institution for coffee enthusiasts. This lakeside café takes pride in its expertly crafted cappuccinos, made with locally roasted beans.
The skilled baristas at Mozart’s carefully prepare each cappuccino, balancing the perfect ratio of espresso to steamed milk. They top their creations with a velvety layer of milk foam, often adorned with intricate latte art.
Mozart’s commitment to quality shines through in their coffee sourcing. They use fair trade, ecologically sourced green beans, ensuring both ethical practices and exceptional flavor profiles.
The café’s picturesque setting on Lake Austin adds to the cappuccino experience. Customers can savor their drinks while enjoying stunning waterfront views from the spacious deck.
Beyond cappuccinos, Mozart’s offers a wide range of coffee drinks and freshly baked desserts. Their menu includes gluten-free and vegan options, catering to various dietary preferences.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703. Website: mozartscoffee.com
2) Signature Cold Brew from Summer Moon Coffee
Summer Moon Coffee, founded in Austin, Texas in 2002, has become renowned for its unique oak-roasted coffee. Their signature cold brew stands out as a refreshing favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
The cold brew is crafted using Summer Moon’s specially roasted beans, steeped for hours to extract maximum flavor. This process results in a smooth, less acidic brew with subtle notes of chocolate and caramel.
What sets Summer Moon’s cold brew apart is their famous “Moon Milk.” This sweet cream adds a velvety texture and rich flavor to the cold brew, creating a perfect balance of boldness and sweetness.
Summer Moon offers various cold brew options, including the classic Black Moon and the indulgent Half Moon, which features a generous pour of Moon Milk. For those seeking an extra kick, the Winter Moon combines cold brew with espresso shots.
Summer Moon Coffee has multiple locations across Texas, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Visitors can enjoy their signature cold brew and other coffee creations at these shops.
Summer Moon Coffee
Website: www.summermoon.com
Locations: Multiple across Texas (check website for specific addresses)
3) Espresso Bonbons at Cuvee Coffee
Cuvee Coffee, a renowned Austin-based roastery, offers a unique treat for coffee enthusiasts: Espresso Bonbons. These delectable confections combine the rich flavors of espresso with smooth chocolate, creating a perfect blend of sweetness and caffeine.
The bonbons are handcrafted using Cuvee’s signature espresso blend, which is carefully extracted to capture its full-bodied taste and aromatic notes. The espresso is then expertly infused into high-quality chocolate, resulting in a luxurious bite-sized indulgence.
Coffee lovers can savor these espresso bonbons as a special treat on National Coffee Day or any time they crave a sophisticated coffee-inspired dessert. The bonbons offer a convenient way to enjoy the essence of espresso in a portable, shareable format.
Cuvee Coffee’s commitment to quality and innovation shines through in these unique confections, showcasing their expertise in both coffee roasting and flavor pairing.
Cuvee Coffee
3108 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
Website: cuveecoffee.com
Phone: (512) 382-1599
4) Texas Pecan Flavored Beans by H-E-B
H-E-B, a beloved Texas grocery chain, offers a unique coffee experience with its CAFE Olé Texas Pecan flavored beans. This medium roast blend combines the rich taste of coffee with the distinct flavor of Texas pecans.
The coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, sourced from over 20 coffee regions worldwide. The beans are carefully roasted to bring out notes of creamy caramel and pecans, creating a smooth and classic finish.
CAFE Olé Texas Pecan coffee is available in various forms. Customers can choose from ground coffee, whole beans, or single-serve cups. The whole beans allow coffee enthusiasts to grind them to their preferred consistency.
Launched in 1997, CAFE Olé has become a staple for Texas coffee lovers. The Texas Pecan flavor is part of H-E-B’s Totally Texas product line, celebrating the tastes and traditions of the Lone Star State.
H-E-B stores across Texas
Website: www.heb.com
5) Organic Light Roast from Third Coast Coffee
Third Coast Coffee Roasting Company in Austin, Texas offers a selection of organic light roast coffees. This roastery focuses on fair trade, organic, and transitional coffee beans sourced from farmer cooperatives around the world.
Their commitment to quality is evident in their small-batch roasting process. This approach ensures freshness and allows for precise control over the roast profile, resulting in a delicate and nuanced light roast.
Third Coast Coffee’s organic light roasts showcase the unique flavors of each bean origin. These coffees typically feature bright acidity, floral notes, and subtle fruit undertones characteristic of lighter roasts.
The company’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond their coffee sourcing. They prioritize environmentally friendly practices throughout their roasting and packaging processes.
Coffee enthusiasts can find Third Coast Coffee’s organic light roasts at their Austin location or through their online store. Their roast-to-order service guarantees peak freshness for every bag of coffee.
Third Coast Coffee Roasting Company
10515 Old Manchaca Road, Austin, Texas 78748
Website: thirdcoastcoffee.com
6) Nitro Brew at Greater Goods Coffee Co.
Greater Goods Coffee Co. in Dripping Springs, Texas offers a standout nitro brew for coffee enthusiasts. This innovative cold brew method infuses nitrogen into the coffee, creating a smooth, creamy texture with a cascading effect reminiscent of a Guinness beer.
The nitro brew at Greater Goods features their expertly roasted coffee beans, known for their high quality and distinct flavor profiles. The nitrogen infusion enhances the natural sweetness of the coffee, reducing the need for added sugar or cream.
Visitors to Greater Goods can enjoy this refreshing beverage in their welcoming café space. The nitro brew is served cold, making it a perfect choice for hot Texas days.
As the 2021 Micro Roaster of the Year and a 2023 Good Food Award winner, Greater Goods Coffee Co. demonstrates their commitment to excellence in every cup, including their nitro brew offering.
Greater Goods Coffee Co.
160 McGregor Lane, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Phone: 512-858-2680
Website: greatergoods.com
7) Whiskey Barrel Rye from Mess Hall Coffee
Mess Hall Coffee offers a unique twist on traditional coffee with their Whiskey Barrel Rye blend. This specialty roast combines the bold flavors of rye whiskey with the rich notes of premium coffee beans.
The process begins with high-quality, single-origin Ethiopian coffee beans. These beans are carefully aged in authentic rye whiskey barrels, absorbing the complex flavors and aromas of both the spirit and the oak.
After aging, the beans are expertly roasted to bring out the perfect balance of whiskey and coffee notes. The result is a smooth, full-bodied brew with hints of spice, caramel, and oak.
Coffee enthusiasts can expect a distinct aroma that hints at the whiskey-infused flavors to come. The taste offers a harmonious blend of coffee’s natural characteristics with the subtle warmth of rye whiskey.
Mess Hall Coffee’s Whiskey Barrel Rye is an ideal choice for those seeking a unique coffee experience. It provides the energizing effects of coffee without any alcohol content, making it suitable for any time of day.
Mess Hall Coffee
123 Main Street, Austin, TX 78701
www.messhallcoffee.com
(512) 555-1234
8) Rich Mocha at Bennu Coffee
Bennu Coffee, a beloved Austin institution, offers a standout Rich Mocha that coffee enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. This specialty drink combines high-quality espresso with rich chocolate and a hint of ancho chile spice.
The mocha’s base is crafted using beans sourced from Texas Coffee Traders, a local company known for its artisanal coffee and fair trade practices. This commitment to quality shines through in every sip.
The addition of ancho chile brings a unique twist to the classic mocha, adding a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. It’s a perfect blend of sweetness and spice that sets Bennu’s Rich Mocha apart.
Bennu Coffee provides a cozy atmosphere for enjoying this delightful beverage. With 24-hour service, customers can indulge in a Rich Mocha any time of day or night.
Bennu Coffee has multiple locations in Austin, including 515 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704. For more information, visit their website at bennucoffee.com.
9) Artisan Latte at Flat Track Coffee
Flat Track Coffee offers a unique artisan latte experience in Austin, Texas. This specialty coffee shop and roastery takes pride in crafting exceptional espresso-based beverages.
Their lattes showcase the rich flavors of their house-roasted beans. The baristas at Flat Track Coffee pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each latte is prepared with precision and care.
Flat Track Coffee’s commitment to quality extends to their milk selection and steaming techniques. The result is a perfectly balanced latte with silky microfoam and bold espresso notes.
Visitors can enjoy their artisan lattes in a welcoming atmosphere that combines coffee culture with a passion for cycling. The shop’s location makes it a popular spot for both coffee enthusiasts and local cyclists.
Flat Track Coffee: 1619 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX. Open daily 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. Website: flattrackcoffee.com
10) Cinnamon Dolce from Stinson’s Bistro & Coffee House
Stinson’s Bistro & Coffee House offers a delightful Cinnamon Dolce latte that captures the essence of sweet, spiced comfort. This neighborhood gem prides itself on serving high-quality espresso and coffee drinks.
The Cinnamon Dolce latte at Stinson’s blends rich espresso with steamed milk and a house-made cinnamon dolce syrup. The drink is topped with a light layer of foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added aroma.
Stinson’s uses locally roasted beans to create their signature espresso base. The cinnamon dolce syrup is crafted in-house, combining brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon flavors for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
Patrons can enjoy this aromatic latte in Stinson’s cozy bistro setting. The cafe also offers a selection of fine wines and classic cocktails for those looking to transition from day to evening drinks.
Stinson’s Bistro & Coffee House
123 Main Street, Austin, TX 78701
www.stinsonsbistro.com
(512) 555-1234
Understanding The Coffee Culture in Texas
Texas boasts a vibrant coffee culture rooted in history and fueled by local innovation. The state’s love for coffee has evolved into a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with local roasteries playing a crucial role in shaping the Texan coffee experience.
Historical Overview
Coffee arrived in Texas with early settlers, quickly becoming a staple beverage. By the 19th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major cities, serving as social hubs for businessmen and politicians.
The Great Depression saw a rise in home brewing, with Texans developing a taste for strong, bold coffee. This preference persists today, reflected in the popularity of dark roasts across the state.
Post-World War II, Texas saw an influx of international influences, introducing diverse coffee preparations and flavors. This multicultural impact continues to shape the state’s coffee scene.
The Role of Local Roasteries
Texas’s coffee renaissance began in the 1990s with the emergence of small-batch roasters. These pioneers focused on sourcing high-quality beans and perfecting roasting techniques.
Local roasteries have become cornerstones of Texas coffee culture, offering:
- Unique flavor profiles tailored to regional preferences
- Educational experiences through cupping sessions and workshops
- Support for sustainable and ethical sourcing practices
Many roasteries collaborate with local businesses, creating custom blends for restaurants and cafes. This partnership has fostered a sense of community and pride in Texas-roasted coffee.
The growth of local roasteries has also spurred a wave of specialty coffee shops across the state, each showcasing the distinct character of Texas-roasted beans.
Celebrating National Coffee Day
National Coffee Day on September 29th brings coffee lovers together to honor their favorite brew. Texas roasteries and communities embrace this occasion with special events and distinctive regional traditions.
Community Events and Gatherings
Local Texas coffee shops host tasting events on National Coffee Day, showcasing their unique roasts. Some offer guided “cupping” sessions, teaching participants how to evaluate coffee aromas and flavors. Roasters often provide behind-the-scenes tours, demonstrating their craft and sourcing practices.
Many cafes feature live music or art displays, creating a festive atmosphere. Some partner with local bakeries to pair coffee with complementary treats. Charitable events are common, with proceeds supporting coffee farmers or community initiatives.
Unique Texan Coffee Traditions
Texas puts its own spin on National Coffee Day celebrations. Some roasters create special blends inspired by regional flavors, like pecan or mesquite. Cold brew takes center stage in warmer areas, with creative infusions like lavender or chile peppers.
Food trucks and pop-ups often collaborate, serving coffee-infused dishes. Texan breweries sometimes join in, offering coffee-flavored beers. Rural areas may host coffee-themed trail rides or outdoor brewing demonstrations.
Coffee art competitions showcase local talent, with latte designs featuring Texan motifs. Some cities organize coffee crawls, encouraging exploration of various local roasteries and cafes.
Sustainable Practices in Texas Roasteries
Texas coffee roasters are increasingly adopting eco-friendly methods and supporting local farmers. These practices aim to reduce environmental impact while ensuring high-quality coffee production.
Eco-Friendly Roasting Techniques
Many Texas roasteries have invested in energy-efficient roasting equipment. These machines use less electricity and natural gas, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Some roasters have also implemented heat recapture systems, which reuse the heat generated during roasting to warm their facilities.
Packaging choices play a crucial role in sustainability. Several Texas roasters now use compostable or recyclable bags for their coffee beans. Some have even introduced refill programs, encouraging customers to bring their own containers.
Water conservation is another priority. Advanced roasting technologies require minimal water usage, and some facilities have installed rainwater collection systems for non-roasting operations.
Supporting Local Farmers
Texas roasters are building direct relationships with coffee farmers. This approach ensures fair compensation and promotes sustainable farming practices. Many roasters visit farms personally to understand and support their growing methods.
Some Texas companies focus on sourcing shade-grown coffee. This method preserves forest habitats and promotes biodiversity. Roasters often educate consumers about the environmental benefits of shade-grown coffee through their marketing efforts.
Fair trade and organic certifications are common among Texas roasters. These certifications guarantee ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly cultivation methods. Roasters frequently highlight these certifications on their packaging and websites.