A few weeks ago, we posted a blog about some alternative sweeteners you could try with your coffee, I figured I’d do something similar. With our 2nd annual Brew-BQ underway, we asked you guys to come up with creative recipes that include coffee as an ingredient. For this blog, I’ve sort of turned that idea on its head and tried to come up with some creative things to add to your coffee instead! Okay, so maybe some of these ingredients aren’t that outrageous, but as I perused the infinite vastness of the Internet, these were the few that stuck with me.

1. Butter: I figured I’d mention this one first, as I considered it both shocking and mundane at the same time. Shocking because how could butter possibly be good for you? Mundane because it’s a common household item. In any case, from what I’ve read, butter allegedly helps lessen the bitterness of coffee and make the drink creamier (provided, of course, that you’re using unsalted butter). Next time you’re in Tibet, be sure to pick up some grass-fed yak butter, apparently it works best.
2. Salt: Now this is an additive I actually have tried in my coffee. I remembered hearing about putting salt in coffee a few years ago in college and wound up giving it a try. Similar to what was said about butter, salt is supposed to suppress the bitter flavors in the coffee (and make it taste more like coffee?). Now, I won’t say that all coffee is inherently bitter, especially considering all of the different methods of preparation, roast profiles, origins, etc., but a little bitterness isn’t really a bad thing. Honestly, adding salt to coffee simply made it taste more like salt in my experience. Maybe I put in too much, but who knows. Also, unlike the butter, salt can be added before or after brewing, but I’ve never tried the latter.
3. Brown Sugar: Yep, I’m putting this one on here as well. While bleached white sugar sweetens coffee, brown sugar also adds a bit of molasses flavor to the mix, which might not be a bad thing. I imagine, as opposed to actually adding molasses itself, brown sugar probably won’t impact the viscosity of your drink as much. Alternatively, you could try cane sugar.
4. Cardamom: For those of you who don’t know what cardamom is, it’s the third most expensive spice in the world. More specifically though, it’s one of the key ingredients in masala chai and, according to our CS manager, it blends well with coffee. Cardamom tastes somewhat similar to cinnamon or ginger and ground cardamom can be added to coffee prior to brewing.

Our Second Annual Brew-BQ Contest is in full swing and this year's prize is the impressive Gaggia Brera super-automatic espresso machine in black (MSRP $849). All you have to do for a chance to win is submit an original recipe with coffee as one of the ingredients. Upload a photo of the finished product with your entry by 2 p.m. EST on July 15, 2013 and we'll put it up for a fan vote. The recipe with the most votes gets the prize!

To get you started, we've got two tempting recipes that'll whet your appetite:

Espresso Milkshake

• Double shot of espresso (more or less to taste)
• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
• Squirt of chocolate syrup
• 1/4 cup milk

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.

Coffee Rub

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground coffee
• 2 teaspoons (packed) golden brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients in a small bowl. The rub can be made up to one week ahead of time and be safely stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This rub is perfect for steaks or hamburgers.

For most of us, work and coffee go hand in hand. Getting through the 9-5 without a cup or two of our favorite brew is unimaginable. And, this working relationship is stronger than ever, according to a 2003 Flavia Wirthlin study.

• 61% of employees feel that their employers care about their well-being, if they provide good hot beverages, including coffee and tea, on the premises.
• 85% of employees and 90% of decision makers believe quality coffee and tea contribute to increased productivity and morale.

Those are some pretty impressive statistics, but the latest research shows that in addition to the caffeine jolt, ambient noise from a coffee shop may also help increase creativity and productivity. The Journal of Consumer Research found that background noise, at 70 decibels -- similar to what you'd hear in a busy cafe -- brought about the most creativity and productivity. All those writers working in your local coffee shop aren't posers after all. They're just there for the mental stimulation.

What do you think of the findings? Are you more productive with a bit of coffee and a little ambient noise?

With the first day of summer about a week away, we're jumping in headfirst with a set of sales you're not going to want to miss. It's time to restock and refresh your coffee bar for the long summer days ahead.

If you're a fan of classic Italian espresso, be sure to check out the Gaggia Semi-Annual Sale Event. Some of our most popular machines, grinders, and packages have been newly discounted. There's no coupon needed, so look for the red sale copy to save big.

You could also shop our Summer Sizzler Sale for great deals. Savings are steep here--there are opportunities to take up to 50% off original retail prices as well as a coupon good for an extra 7% off. Be sure to use the code SUMMERSEVEN at checkout to maximize your discount.

Last, but certainly not least, we've got a coffee extravaganza going on for a limited time only. For the next four days, everything from pods to whole bean and ground coffee and espresso are on sale. Take advantage of it while it lasts, now is a great time to stock up for summer and beyond. There's nothing worse than running out of coffee first thing in the morning.

We want to hear from you! Which one of our sales is your favorite? Is there something you've got your eyes on and are just waiting for a sale to make it yours?

If you're looking for a sweet and unique treat for your next gathering, we may have just the thing. These drunken coffee Jello squares contain Kahlua for a bit of a kick, making them great as after-dinner desserts or cocktail-hour snacks.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 3/4 cups strong coffee
• 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
  3 packets of Knox unflavored gelatin
• 3 tbsp. Kahlua or coffee liqueur
  

Directions

Follow the instructions on the package to make your gelatin mix. Add the coffee into the mixture and gently whisk. Pour in the condensed milk and Kahlua and continue to whisk. Pour the mixture into an 8x8” pan and refrigerate for a few hours, until set. If there are bubbles on the surface, remove the pan from the refrigerator after 20 minutes and skim the top layer off with a spoon before putting the back in the fridge to set. Once the gelatin is set, simply cut, serve, and enjoy.

We've been contest crazy for the past couple of weeks and it's time to reveal our winners. A Gaggia Espresso Color and ROK manual espresso maker were on the line, so without further ado, let's find out who took home the swag.

The candy-apple red Gaggia Espresso Color went to Hiam Arfa of Seattle, WA. This popular semi-automatic machine is ground and ESE pod compatible, so Hiam will have two ways to brew great espresso. He'll also be able to steam and froth like a pro, as the Color comes equipped with a Pannarello steam wand. Got machine envy? You can still snag your own and save big. For a limited time only, we're offering 7% off all sale-priced Gaggia products with coupon code GAGGIASEVEN.

Our second winner, the proud owner of the ROK manual espresso maker, is Rick Primmer of Portland, ME. We decided to give away the eco-friendly ROK in honor of World Environment Day on June 5. Since this annual event, sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, is geared towards reminding us to be conscientious of the impact our actions have on the environment, the ROK was the perfect match. This manual espresso maker comes in a reusable tin and even includes a hand-powered frother for Earth-friendly cappuccinos. More impressively, all of the ROK's metal parts are covered by a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. We're getting our first full ROK shipment at the end of this month. Pre-order today, if you're interested in this espresso maker. It's going to be a hot item this summer.

Last, but not least, voting continues for our Father's Day Design a Mug for Dad contest. Be sure to cast your vote and help us pick our last winner.

Let your palate do the traveling with this easy Thai Iced Coffee recipe. A local favorite that’s gone international, this refreshing drink is a great treat on hot summer days.

Recipe makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of strongly brewed black coffee. (If your coffee maker has a pre-infusion cycle, activate it for best results. The stronger, the better!)
• 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk (to taste)
• 3/4 cup of fresh milk

Directions:
Brew 4 cups of very strong drip coffee and place in the refrigerator to chill.
In a small bowl, combine condensed milk and fresh milk. Stir until the condensed milk is dissolved and thoroughly mixed with the fresh milk. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
When you’re ready to serve, fill four glasses with ice. Evenly divide the milk mixture into each glass, leaving room for coffee. Pour coffee over the milk mixture and enjoy!

Before you reach for your old standby or a favorite mug, take a moment to consider if it's the right vessel for your drink. Extracting espresso into a cappuccino cup or drinking drip coffee out of a latte cup won't do the beverage any favors. Each type of drink has its own set of unique characteristics that greatly benefit from proper service.

In short, different drinks call for different cups. If you're not sure whether you should be pouring your beverage into a mug, cup, or demitasse, read on for a primer on best practices.

Drip Coffee
One of America's favorite beverages, the cup of Joe is as easygoing as they come. Typically served in a mug or thermos, the ultimate goal is to prevent heat loss. Ideal serving temperature falls between 180-185 degrees Fahrenheit and the National Coffee Association USA recommends preheating your cup for best results.

Espresso
A true classic on its own and an irreplaceable base for many specialty beverages, espresso is a concentrated drink that's celebrated the world over. The World Barista Competition (WBC) insists that a shot of espresso be served in a 2-3 fl. oz. demitasse with a handle. The cup's diminutive size helps minimize air exposure and preserve drink temperature. Most espresso cups are narrower at the bottom and wider at the rim. This design is believed to be best for flavor concentration and crema presentation.

Cappuccino
Prepared with a single shot of espresso, steamed and frothed milk, all in equal parts, the ideal cappuccino should be topped with at least one centimeter of foam. WBC standards prescribe a 5-6 fl. oz. cup with a handle for proper presentation. Cup and drink volume must match for proper aesthetics. Like espresso cups, most cappuccino cups narrow at the bottom and are accompanied by matching saucers.

Cafe Latte
The cafe latte is most commonly served in a wide cup resembling a bowl. Again, as is in the case of a cappuccino, content and cup volume should be equal -- that is to say, the cup should be filled to the top. The wide rim lets baristas easily pour steamed milk over the espresso to create latte art.

Now that you know the basics, consider trying your hand at designing a mug. Submit an entry in our Father's Day Design a Mug for Dad Contest for a chance to win a Handpresso Auto.

Deep in the woods, the stars above, and the hard ground underneath. Yes, my friends, it's that time of year again. When we throw ourselves at nature's mercy, risking exposure, bear attacks, and poor cell reception in the name of character-building outdoorsy fun. That's right, it's time, yet again, for camping. Surviving in the great outdoors is one thing, but surviving without coffee is another matter entirely. So, as you gear up to face the challenge that awaits you, I recommend that you consult the following list of items intended to increase your chances of making it out alive.

	Handpresso Wild Hybrid Outdoor Set: The ideal companion for any espresso outdoorsman, the Handpresso Wild Hybrid is about as portable as you can get when it comes to brewing espresso. Offering the flexibility of brewing with both ground coffee and ESE pods, the Wild Hybrid will see you through to safety. The entire outdoor set includes one Handpresso Wild Hybrid, four Unbreakable Cups, one heavy duty thermo-insulated flask, and two napkins. Oh, and did I mention that the carrying case is actually a thermo-formed Extreme Vibration Attenuation (EVA) case, designed to withstand up to 50 pounds per square inch? Groovy.
	Bodum 15oz Travel Press Coffee Maker: If you're looking for regular coffee instead of espresso, the Bodum Travel Press has got you covered. Made from durable, lightweight plastic, this 15 oz press can go wherever you go, and needs only hot water and ground coffee.
	ROK Espresso Maker: We've been counting down the days left until the ROK's arrival. Needless to say, it'll be hitting US shores soon and is available for preorder. While it may be a bit bigger than the other items on this list, the ROK is still quite portable. Lightweight, durable, and conveniently packed in a storage case, the ROK uses no electricity whatsoever. Just heat some water over a roaring campfire, add some coffee and you're good to go.

Today is World Environment Day and we’re doing our part, one cup at a time, to make beverages more environmentally friendly. Like most good things in life, green habits start at home. That’s why we’re giving you a chance to take the earth-friendly ROK Manual Espresso Maker home. From now until noon EST on June 7, you can submit your email at our giveaway page to be entered into a random drawing for the ROK, which comes packaged within a reusable tin. A tamper/measuring spoon, detachable double spout, and stainless steel manual milk frother are also included in the prize.

The ROK is on pre-order until June 15, but the winner will get his or her espresso maker in advance of the release. Guilt-free beverages with miniscule carbon footprints, now that’s what we call a win-win.