The Tala Blog
Featured Article
The Case for a Third Place
In a world that increasingly happens behind a screen, third places give us a reason to slow down, step outside, and simply be around other people. Marissa makes the case for coffee shops as modern third places — spaces where small, everyday interactions can foster connection and community.
Fall Drink Menu 2026
It was a long summer … and we’re ready for a change! Introducing our fall drink menu: a lineup of drinks made for chilly afternoons and cozy hangs. This year’s menu brings back a mix of familiar favorites and warm flavors built for cool-weather sipping.
From Concept to Cup: Creating Funky Monkey
You may know her as the icon of the summer, but to me she’s just a casual Tuesday morning latte. The coveted Funky Monkey, our banana bread-inspired latte, was whipped up in my own kitchen years before she ever entered the seasonal menu chat at Tala.
ChanTALA Matcha Highlight
Meet our new favorite drink to sip on: the Chantala Matcha. Going hand in hand with our pivot to unsweetened matcha, the Chantala Matcha combines our decadent, earthy matcha with a balanced vanilla syrup and our homemade blueberry-strawberry whipped cream, garnished with tangy freeze-dried raspberries. Trust me, it tastes and looks as good as it sounds.
Winter Drink Menu 2026
Letting go of the holiday drinks feels easier when winter brings a lineup this good. Our 2026 Winter Seasonal Drinks lean into warmth, balance, and depth—built for cold days and slower moments. This is the time of year when we get to fine-tune and experiment, creating some of our most thoughtful and layered drinks. The result is a menu that feels comforting yet intentional, meant to be enjoyed one sip at a time. Read on and find the winter drink you’ll be craving next.
Holiday Drink Menu 2025
The holiday season has settled in, bringing with it all the warmth, joy, and familiar comforts we’ve been waiting for. This year, we’re inviting you into a Cabin Christmas at Tala—a cozy retreat brimming with pine and plaid that brings that tucked-away feeling of winter in the woods. Our cafes are dressed for the season, and of course, the holiday drinks have arrived. The favorites you love are back (we know!), along with a few new creations—one special drink for each cafe.
The Return of The Baklava Latte
It started as an experiment, and now it’s the drink our regulars refuse to let us take off the seasonal menu. The beloved Baklava Latte was formerly an exclusive drink at our Libertyville café, but it was met with such rave reviews that we knew it needed a semi-permanent spot on the seasonal menu at all of our cafes.
Fall Drink Menu 2025
The fall drink launch is here! 🍂 While pumpkin spice might start showing up as early as August, we know that this time of year is about more than just one flavor. As the air turns crisp and cozy routines return, our fall menu is all about capturing the comfort and warmth of the season—whether that’s with a classic you look forward to every year or something new to discover. Check out our two returning fall faves, one (kind of) new fall drink, and the café-exclusive concoctions you’re sure to love!
Holiday Drink Menu 2024
The holiday season is upon us, but it wouldn’t be complete without our iconic holiday drink lineup. Some of our most popular beverages of the year make their debut today: Gingerbread Latte, Candy Cane Lane, and more. Find out what’s in store for the 2024 holiday drink launch!
Fall Drink Menu 2024
The long-awaited Fall drinks are here! We’ve been having people ask about the Pumpkin Spice Latte since July, so we know that there are some excited folks out there. This year, we have your top-three favorite drinks returning, along with a unique drink for each cafe location!