The Tala Blog
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Spring Drink Menu 2026
Spring is finally here, and so is our long-awaited seasonal lineup.
With a mix of café exclusives and returning favorites like the Ube Latte, Main Squeeze, and Dirty Horchata, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Decaf - How does it happen?
Decaf coffee commonly has a negative connotation. You hear sentiments such as “death before decaf” or “what’s the point without caffeine?” However, when it receives the same care as other coffees, decaf coffee can be delicious! Still, there are barriers that remain for someone interested in drinking decaf. Two main questions arise: “How is coffee decaffeinated?” and “Is it safe?”
Espresso Martini
It would be irresponsible of me not to warn you about how perfect this recipe is as a pick-me-up. It’s tailor-made for those late afternoon/early evening slumps. Swing by before we close at six to grab your espresso and a splash of vanilla.
Introducing 93 Octane
Today we are launching 93 Octane in our Winnetka Cafe only. This drink, made with plum jam, brown sugar, and cardamom is sure to make a splash with its deep fruity goodness. Learn the story behind this new drink.
Exploring the Coffee Bean Belt
Each region within the coffee bean belt offers unique growing conditions that shape the diverse flavors and characteristics of coffee. Factors such as soil composition, climate, altitude, and bean variety all contribute to the distinct profiles of coffees from these areas. This results in a rich tapestry of flavors, from bright and fruity to earthy and robust.
Summer Drink Menu 2024
Summer is officially here, and so is our summer drink lineup! Now that we have six summer seasons under our belt, we have a lot of favorite drinks to choose from. Customers often ask us earnestly to bring back their favorite drink from previous years, but the problem is everyone has a different favorite. This year we decided to take the guesswork out and get scientific about it with an Instagram poll (nothing screams scientific like social media, right?!).
Finca Cruz Loma: Pichincha, Ecuador
A new and exciting single origin is joining the roster for Tala Coffee Club members: Finca Cruz Loma. This lively, honey-processed coffee dances on your palate with flavors of sangria, apricot, and nougat, offering a unique and delightful tasting experience.
Tariku Kare: Sidama, Ethiopia
Introducing the exquisite coffee from Refisa Washing Station, located in Nensebo woreda, Oromia, Ethiopia. This is one of those coffees that will stick in your memories and that you'll tell stories about later when you think of some of the better coffee experiences you've had.
Finca Angamaza: Loja, Ecuador
Finca Angamaza—a coffee from producer Angel Capa Carrion in Ecuador that’s passionately both grown and processed at a very high elevation, truly making this coffee shine and sparkle with immense sweetness. It’s the kind of coffee that you will think back to later in the day, long after you have your last sip in the cup.
Fall Drink Menu 2020
This is maybe the most anticipated of all seasonal menu changes. For weeks we’ve been getting questions about when we’ll switch to our fall menu and what will be on it and if we’re back back (insert personal favorite) from last year. I’m not sure if its the crisp changing air, the return to a more regular schedule or maybe just the passage of time and craving for change. Whatever the case, it seems like we aren’t the only excited ones to bring on the Fall flavors.