Ready-Made Coffee Is Caribou’s Specialty

Mention gourmet coffee companies and the first company you're likely to think of is Star-something or other. But another company is beating Starbucks in national taste tests.

Caribou Coffee has been ranked first in national taste tests and is the second largest coffee-house company in the world. Those taste tests compared Caribou's coffee favorable to over 40 other brands. Caribou's product must be pretty tasty to rate that highly.

The company was started in Edina, MN, by John and Kim Puckett. The Pucketts then sold the venture to Crescent Capital, an Atlanta, GA, investment firm. From a single store, Caribou has grown to 450 coffee houses nationwide.

Coffee beans and ready-made coffee, both hot and cold, are available at those stores, along with gourmet products like lattes, smoothies, loose-leaf tea and blended drinks. The friendly Caribou staff is happy to make your brew your way. Show your java preference by picking up Caribou Coffee clothing and accessories, such as tote bags and key rings. Of course, the coffee houses also have tasty treats to go with your java. It's a great place to stop for your morning "starter fluid" or a mid-day pick-me-up. Bring your friends to a great place to socialize.

If you have a loved one who's a coffee addict, show your style by giving a gift of Caribou Coffee. They'll admire your good taste and enjoy your gift. With luck, they'll share it with you. Buy your own too, so you have it on hand when you can't get to the coffee house itself. It's also nice to have a supply on hand when you have surprise guests over.

Going green is big business these days and Caribou has been doing its share to protect the environment. Caribou is working the Rainforest Alliance to produce an environment-friendly coffee. That effort has not always gotten the most favorable press but the company is determined to be environmentally aware in its business dealings. The company was also the first volunteer sponsor of the Specialty Coffee Association of America's Producer Support Fund to help other members who cannot afford to take part in association activities.

All this success has not come without controversy. In the days immediately after September 11, 2001, some people protested against the company because one of its largest stockholders was the First Islamic Investment Bank of Bahrain, whose chairman was Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi. Later in the year, al-Qaradawi stepped down from the post.

Now that the controversy has died down, the company can concentrate what it does best - making great coffee. There's a reason that Starbucks is rated second to Caribou. Why not stop in and find out what that reason is? Look in your phone book or online to find the nearest Caribou Coffee outlet and grab a cuppa today.

October 20 2008 | coffee | No Comments »

Coffee: Recipes with and without Liqour

Then names of all the different kinds of coffee, blends, and roasts can all very confusing. Despite the love for coffee around the world, there are definitely some people who find all the gibberish confusing; especially the language of those high end coffee shops. However, once you become a frequent of these shops, the language is sure to become second nature.

Let us start with the Frappe. However, be careful because the 'e' here is silent. This is a common beverage throughout Europe as well as Latin America. It is cold espresso with a small amount of sugar and milk and then it is blended with ice. However, flavors can be added like brandy or crme de cacao. It is served with a straw, which can be frustrating for those around who have to hear the noise for the slurping.

Then there is Cappuccino Borgia. This is named oddly after a famous poisoner. It is a quarter cup of peeled orange with a half cup of ice cream, chocolate of course. Further to this, the orange juice and quarter cup of milk, blended with espresso make this a perfect Italian tradition.

Coming back to the 21st century, there is what is known as the Calypso Cooler. This Caribbean drink is chilled coffee, super strong, with ripe bananas and two cups of ice cream, coffee flavored. Then there are several tablespoons of rum added. You are most definitely sure to lose your luggage with this drink in hand.

Staying on the topic of alcohol and coffee it is essential to not forget the marvelous specialty coffee: Caffee Zabaglone. This is dry Marsala with quite a bit of sugar. Then added is a dash of salt and four egg yolks. It is wisked together and cooked until thick. Then Italian roast is added when it is at room temperature. This drink is perfect for breakfast and to cure that hangover from the night before. Two benefits in one drink.

Modern New Orleans in France is known for its double strength American roast coffee. It is then mixed with heavy cream, egg nog, and bourbon. This is known as a Mardi Gras. Although the 's' is silent, the crowd most definitely is not.

Turkish coffee is strong and dark but then added to it is cardamom. However, it is not alone. The Scandinavians also have Cardamom Kaffee. This is prepared with cognac and curacao with sugar and cardamom. It should be heated in the microwave and then ignited with a match. This can be enjoyed with about a half cup of really strong coffee. No matter what the recipe, they are all known to give you a kick.

September 28 2008 | coffee | No Comments »