The Tala Blog
Featured Article
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.
Dads Of Tala
This Father’s Day, we wanted to shine a light on the amazing dads who are part of the Tala family. We’re excited to share what they had to say about their favorite parts of being a dad, what surprised them, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Ube is a purple yam originally from the Philippines, known for its nutty, vanilla-like flavor and stunning color. We use it in our ube latte syrup, but this flavor deserves a spotlight beyond the cup. Its natural sweetness and subtle earthiness pair beautifully with cinnamon, brown sugar, and creamy frosting for the most decadent cinnamon rolls.
Mastercol: Huila, Colombia
We’re beyond thrilled to share our most exciting Colombia releases to date: Mastercol. This is a small but mighty lot—a natural-processed, single-varietal coffee sourced from just ten smallholder farmers across La Argentina, Oporapa, and San Agustín in Huila. It's a rare find, a dazzling combination of history, technique, and varietal, and we only have a small amount, so consider this your heads-up not to wait on trying this vibrant new coffee.
What’s Your Tea Personality?
In honor of those iconic Seventeen and Teen Vogue days, I’ve brewed up a throwback-style quiz to help you find your perfect Rishi tea match! Whether you’re a grounded Jade Cloud or a bold China Breakfast, your ideal steep is waiting.
BBQ Coffee Rub Recipe
Say hello to the coffee BBQ rub!! This smoky, rich, slightly sweet rub will have your brisket, ribs, or even veggies singing. The best part? You can make it with leftover beans or already used coffee grounds, earning you full sustainability points and some serious flavor.
A Tala Timeline
As we approach Tala’s Birthday Month, we reflect on the eight years of history we have under our belt. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or are just joining us on the journey, we hope you’ll enjoy taking a little walk with us down memory lane.
A Beginner’s Guide To Coffee Harvesting Seaons
Just like any other fruit, coffee is seasonal. There are portions of the year that coffee is being cultivated and another portion when coffee cherries are ripe for picking. Lucky for us, coffee is grown in many different countries around the world. Each country has a different harvest season, with some countries having multiple harvests per year.
What does Tala Mean?
This is one of our most common FAQs. If you’ve ever asked someone at Tala this question, they may have answered with “It means sweet, and beautiful,” which is true, but it isn’t the full story. Let’s explore the full meaning and thought behind our name: Tala Coffee Roasters.
Moms of Tala
As we approach Mother’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible moms and motherly figures who make Tala feel like home. Whether they're raising little ones, offering a listening ear, or simply bringing kindness and strength to every shift, these women embody the heart of motherhood in all its forms.