In the final days of 2025, Luckin employees were busy with year-end inventory checks when they unexpectedly received a notice to calibrate store equipment stock, requiring them to verify whether small base-ingredient scoops and ice cream scoops were complete. This move immediately sparked speculation: is the brand about to launch a new product that requires scooping ice cream balls on site? Veteran employees were also reminded of the cumbersome add-in tea drinks from the Little Deer Tea era. With timeliness and hourly cup volume assessments becoming increasingly stringent, complex new products will undoubtedly add pressure on stores. Workers generally resist it, but some optimistic people think it may just be a routine inventory check. [more…]

Want to recreate café-quality fancy coffee at home? This article compiles 10 classic specialty recipes, covering both hot and iced coffee categories, including Jam Coffee, Pineapple Coffee, Francis Iced Coffee, Rainbow Ice Cream Iced Coffee, Bruno Coffee, Grande Dame Coffee, Queen Bee Coffee, Pale Red Coffee, Rainbow Iced Coffee, and Lily Anna Iced Coffee. Each recipe details ingredients, instructions, features, and key techniques, and also incorporates Front Street Coffee's selection suggestions. Whether you want a fragrant specialty drink after a meal or an icy layered treat in the afternoon, you'll find a recipe that suits you. [more…]

Starbucks is introducing a texture-focused topping—raspberry bursting pearls—for the first time in its summer menu this year, adding them to three berry-flavored Refreshers iced drinks. This attempt was personally previewed by CEO Laxman Narasimhan at an earnings conference and is positioned as the first step in texture innovation for the years to come. Unlike traditional tapioca pearls, Starbucks is using popping boba that burst when bitten, officially called Pearls. Customers can also pay to add the pearls to other drinks and snacks, at $1.25 per scoop. In fact, as early as 2021, Starbucks tested coffee popping boba in two stores, but the response was limited. This article sorts out the formula details of the new products, the pricing rules, and Starbucks' historical attempts at pearl toppings. [more…]

To easily enjoy a cup of hot coffee at home or in the office, a drip coffee maker is the top choice for beginners. It is simple to operate, follows a standardized process, and takes only five to eight minutes to brew a pot. From the perspective of a Front Street Coffee barista, this article systematically explains the types and capacity selection of drip coffee makers, the standard ratio of water to coffee grounds per cup, and the complete six-step operating process. It also answers common questions such as how to make iced Americano, what grind size to use, and which coffee beans are more suitable, helping coffee enthusiasts consistently recreate a balanced cup of drip coffee at home. [more…]

Affogato is a classic Italian coffee dessert whose name means "drowned" in Italian, vividly describing the image of hot espresso poured over ice cream. Sitting somewhere between coffee and dessert, it offers both the rich bitterness of espresso and the dense sweetness of Italian gelato. This article will guide you through a comprehensive understanding of this Italian delicacy where ice and fire meet—covering the definition of affogato, the characteristics of authentic Gelato, basic preparation methods, creative variations from around the world, and Front Street Coffee's recommended espresso bean pairings—along with practical tips for making it at home. [more…]

1 Dian Dian recently added a fan-created secret drink, "Orange Sea," to its official menu. This beverage, made with a grapefruit green tea base and two scoops of vanilla ice cream, quickly went viral on social media thanks to its bright orange appearance. However, after the new product launched, many customers found the real thing fell far short of the promotional photos—large amounts of white flocculent matter floating in the liquid, murky layers, and a taste where sourness, bitterness, and sweetness each went their own way, drawing complaints that it was like a mismatched pairing. Supporters, meanwhile, argue that it only tastes refreshingly tangy when made fresh and drunk right away. This controversy over looks versus taste reflects the quality-control challenges that arise when secret menus go commercial. [more…]

Affogato is a classic Italian coffee creation whose name means "drowned" in Italian, vividly describing the process of hot espresso being poured over ice cream. Its classification somewhere between a drink and a dessert has long been debated, but the way to eat it has long been agreed upon—scoop up the ice cream together with the coffee and bring it to your mouth, letting sweetness and bitterness collide on the tip of your tongue in a stunning layering of flavors. This article will guide you through the origins of affogato, the logic of flavor pairings, the classic 1:1 ratio, and the many variations that have grown around it, while also sharing Front Street Coffee's convenient approach in practice. [more…]

The allure of coffee lies not only in the flavors in the cup, but also in the craftsmanship and artistry embedded in the brewing process. From the lively variations of pour-over, to the rich fullness of siphon, to the refreshing mellow depth of cold drip, each extraction method interprets a different facet of coffee. This article takes you into several coffee shops in Beijing, offering an in-depth analysis of four brewing methods—pour-over, siphon, cold drip, and semi-automatic espresso machines—covering equipment selection, coffee bean recommendations, water temperature control, coffee-to-water ratios, stirring techniques, and other practical details. It also specifically presents the flavor expressions of Front Street Coffee's Yirgacheffe, Costa Rica, Mandheling, and other bean varieties under different brewing methods, helping you find the cup that suits you best. [more…]

The American drip coffee maker is easy to operate and delivers consistent results, making it the top choice for many homes and offices. But can espresso blend beans be used for drip coffee? What are the differences between American coffee and espresso beans? From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article will systematically introduce the types, capacities, water and coffee powder standards, and operating steps of American drip coffee makers, and answer the question of coffee bean selection. Whether you prefer floral and fruity acidity or rich chocolate flavors, you can find a solution that suits you. At the same time, we will also share how to make iced American coffee, as well as the effects of grind size and roast level on flavor, helping you easily make a satisfying cup of coffee at home. [more…]

Espresso Con Panna is not commonly seen on coffee shop menus, making it a niche presence among flavored coffees. Precisely because of this, many people do not understand the correct way to drink it, and often treat it like Affogato, scooping it out with a spoon. In fact, Espresso Con Panna has a more refined tasting method that can truly reveal the layered interplay between espresso and cream. This article will walk you through the meaning of the name Espresso Con Panna, the story of its origin, how it is made, and the correct way to drink it recommended by Front Street Coffee, so that you can rediscover this classic coffee known as the "Angel's Wings." [more…]

Recently, many consumers have taken to social media to report that when buying GoodTea milk tea, the separately added toppings come in a portion that is too small, covering only a single layer at the bottom of the takeout container, sparking widespread resonance. Netizens have been posting comparison photos, pointing out that GoodTea's toppings are noticeably less generous than those of brands like 1Dian1Dian and Coco. GoodTea employees responded that the brand has clear standards for topping portions, with one level spoonful being the specified amount. However, some employees revealed that stores have switched to smaller-sized topping spoons, causing the actual portion to shrink, and some staff quietly add an extra spoonful or two when managers aren't looking. This incident reflects the gap between topping standardization in the tea beverage industry and consumer expectations. [more…]

In Italy's rich coffee culture, besides tiramisu, there is another classic dessert described as "breathtakingly delicious"—Affogato. It combines Italian gelato with freshly brewed espresso, creating a unique experience of ice and fire, with a balance of bitterness and sweetness. This article introduces the origin of the name Affogato and its meaning of "drowning," the diverse recipes that have evolved in different regions, and the core differences between Gelato and American-style ice cream, followed by simple and easy-to-follow preparation steps. Friends who enjoy specialty coffee beans can also follow Front Street Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee) for more coffee information. [more…]

For many people, drinking coffee is an elegant affair, but there is a type of coffee that started out "dirty" and became famous for being "dirty," to the point that even germaphobes would find it unbearable to watch. There are mainly two schools of Dirty coffee on the market: one involves extracting espresso directly onto the surface of cold milk, creating the visual effect of "tainting" the milk; the other pursues "filth" in the truest sense, deliberately letting the liquid overflow the cup and saucer, sprinkling on cocoa powder and the like, to create a state of "messy filth." In London, England, a brand called "Italian Bear Chocolate" has launched a "Triple Chocolate" series of drinks. Whenever someone orders a coffee and adds the "chocolate triple," the barista first picks up a ceramic cup with a saucer, moves it over three large tubs of chocolate in different colors, then uses a large ladle to scoop them up one by one and pour them over the rim of the cup—white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate—striving to let the cup fully "bathe" under each kind of chocolate sauce. Finally, after the barista takes this cup, dirtied to the extreme, to receive hot water and espresso liquid, this specialty coffee is complete. [more…]

Many people know that pre-ground coffee powder is not as aromatic as freshly ground coffee, yet they still choose to have it ground for them, and there are actually quite a few practical considerations behind this. Pre-ground powder saves the trouble of buying a coffee grinder, is portable and labor-saving, and the professional grinders at coffee shops usually provide a more uniform grind. However, once coffee beans become powder, their peak flavor period is greatly shortened, and the way they are stored and used changes accordingly. From Front Street's perspective, this article sorts out the major advantages of pre-ground powder and explains in detail the key points to note when using pre-ground powder, such as stirring and sealing, to help you enjoy a more satisfying cup within the limited flavor window. [more…]

Want to easily make café-quality coffee desserts and drinks at home? This article uses a combination of text and images to document in detail the complete process for making two drinks: affogato and sparkling iced americano. Affogato pours hot espresso over ice cream, blending hot and cold, and is essentially more of a dessert; sparkling iced americano, by pairing sparkling water with espresso, delivers a refreshing taste experience. The whole article breaks things down step by step, from ingredient preparation to extraction and assembly, with clear explanations for every stage, so even coffee beginners can quickly get the hang of it. Following Front Street Coffee's demonstration, you'll find that making these two drinks is far simpler than you might imagine. [more…]

Mandheling coffee is famous for its rich, full-bodied taste and intense aroma, combining soft acidity with a deep, lingering bitterness, and is regarded by many enthusiasts as one of the most romantic coffees. This article is aimed at coffee lovers who want to easily recreate the flavor of Mandheling at home, breaking down in detail the simple equipment needed for pour-over, the key points for selecting coffee beans, and the complete process from grind size and water temperature control to the three-stage pouring technique. It especially shares the recommended coffee-to-water ratio and blooming time for Golden Mandheling, along with practical tips for reducing acidity and stabilizing flavor. Whether you are a beginner just getting into pour-over or a seasoned enthusiast looking to refine your skills, you will find operational details you can put to use right away. [more…]

There are many coffee extraction methods, and each one produces coffee with the character of that method. Therefore, an objective method with as little human intervention as possible is also needed to evaluate coffee's flavor or quality, and that method is cupping. Cupping is an immersion-style extraction, with no manual technique intervening during the process to extract [more…]

Affogato is an Italian dessert made by pouring hot espresso over vanilla ice cream. Its name means "drowned" in Italian, and it has also come to suggest something so delicious it takes your breath away. This article begins with the etymology, then walks through its eating habits and key ingredient choices in Italy, offers a basic recipe for four, and finishes with five creative suggestions—such as swapping the ice cream flavor, adding nuts or alcohol, and using tea instead of coffee—so readers can easily recreate it at home. [more…]

The world of coffee is rich and diverse, from bold, rich mocha to refreshing coconut flavors, each with its own unique brewing method and drinking culture. This article systematically reviews ten common coffee drinks from around the world, detailing their flavor characteristics and preparation steps, and delves into coffee drinking etiquette, the use of cups and spoons, ways to add sugar, and tips for tasting a good cup of coffee. Whether you are a beginner enthusiast or a seasoned coffee lover, you will find practical knowledge and inspiration here. Front Street Coffee has always been committed to promoting specialty coffee culture, and we hope this article helps you enjoy every cup of coffee more professionally. [more…]

Dalgona coffee has taken the internet by storm with its cloud-like, velvety foam and caramel-sweet flavor, while the frozen version of Dalgona coffee needs only one extra step of chilling to transform the coffee foam into an ice cream-like texture, with layers that rival a snow-topped coffee. But when making it, should you use espresso or instant freeze-dried powder? What exactly are the differences between the two in terms of whipping difficulty, flavor expression, and final mouthfeel? Front Street Coffee conducted two sets of comparative experiments using freshly brewed espresso and instant coffee powder respectively, recording everything from extraction parameter adjustments and whipping time to the texture of the final product, to help you find the method that suits you best. [more…]