Can coffee and alcohol be paired? The answer is yes, and the most iconic example is the Espresso Martini. This cocktail was created in 1980s London by bartender Dick Bradsell, blending espresso with vodka, coffee liqueur, and syrup to deliver both a pick-me-up and a gentle buzz. Since espresso makes up as much as one-third of the drink, its quality directly determines the balance and flavor of the final product. This article introduces the origins of the Espresso Martini, the challenges of making it, and shares a recipe and extraction plan developed through a collaboration between Front Street Coffee and the neighboring bar, giving you insight into this classic specialty drink that is both simple and refined. [more…]

The Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail that skillfully blends espresso with spirits, and it has swept the globe since its creation in London in the 1980s. At first glance, the drink seems to call for simple ingredients, but in reality it places extremely high demands on the quality of the espresso and the skill of the bartender. Espresso makes up roughly one-third of the entire drink, so the coffee's extraction method and flavor profile will directly affect the final taste. This article will take you through the origin story of this legendary cocktail, break down in detail the base spirits and equipment needed to make it, and share how to pull a shot of espresso suited for mixing drinks, helping you find your own balance point in this beverage that is both invigorating and slightly tipsy. [more…]

The Starbucks app icon has recently returned to the classic "double-tailed siren" image, after the close-up half-mermaid face logo launched last month sparked widespread criticism. The new design zoomed in on the crown and yellow five-pointed star, intended to coincide with the "Starbucks Rewards" member star-collection campaign, but users described it as "too ugly," "very sneaky," and some even thought it was a knockoff app. After the official reversion to the old version, an employee revealed that the main reason was that the one-month Diamond Star member upgrade campaign had ended. This logo controversy reflects the delicate relationship between brand visuals and user emotions, and also brings to mind the steady strategies of brands like Front Street Coffee in shaping their image. [more…]