The Tala Blog
Featured Article
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.
Tala To-Go: Sipping, Strolling, and Sculptures
Join us on a “Tala Adventure” as we take our coffee beyond the café and into the heart of the communities we love. Alo takes us on her adventure to a local art festival and to grab a bite to eat.
San Diego Mill: Tarrazu, Costa Rica
This coffee was noticeably sweet, effervescent, and creamy. "Cherry cola Italian soda" was the experience that immediately came to mind when I first tasted it.
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.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
If you’ve ever come to Tala looking to order an iced coffee, you were likely met with something along the lines of, “Unfortunately, we don’t carry iced coffee. Is cold brew okay?” At Tala, we empathize with the fact that having to change up your daily order can be jarring. But if you enjoy your coffee cold and black, we believe we're doing you a favor with our singular option.
Cold Brew Chia Seed Pudding
In college, my roommates and I pretty much lived off of chia seed pudding. As health-conscious but nevertheless thrifty students, we found a big bag of chia seeds could go a long way to fulfilling our needs. We’d all chip in on a Costco-size bag and then have fast, easy meals for weeks. The best part for us then was how easy and versatile it could be. We tried endless variations so we never got bored of the flavor.
Behind the Bar with Grace
Grace joined the Tala crew in the summer of 2023 and, as of this month, is now the new manager of the Highwood location. All the way from Hartford, Wisconsin, Grace made the big move to Illinois to study international relations and environmental studies. You’ve probably seen her in the cafe with a big warm smile on her face. You can come see her at Tala most days of the week!
London Fog Popsicles
Though summer is coming to an end, these London Fog popsicles will keep the good vibes going. A frozen twist on the classic London Fog drink, they’re the perfect way to cool down and relax anytime! This super easy recipe can be made for a single serving or multiple—ideal for any occasion!
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.
Neighborly Playlist
Have you ever wondered what we’re listening to during our time in the iconic Tala van? We asked some of our frequent Neighborly drivers for their go-to playlists, songs, artists, podcasts, and more. Here’s a glimpse of what you might hear from the Tala van as it travels to and from our roastery: