We recently launched our summer drinks at our cafes, and this year, we decided to bring back one of our all-time favorites: The Kopi & Kaya. It’s been a few years since we’ve had it on the menu, and we’ve gotten a lot of questions about it—mostly, what is kopi and what is kaya?

There’s nothing like stepping into our Libertyville cafe and being greeted with the intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee and the friendly faces of our staff. But arguably one of the best parts of the experience is the song you get to jam out to while you sip your coffee. Our baristas have the freedom to curate their own playlists for our café, bringing their own personal flare to the shift. Have you ever wondered what they have next on the queue? We’ve gathered a few favorites from each of our Libertyville baristas (so you can curate a playlist of your own!).

Simply put, Gatuya Factory PB is one of the most exciting and delicious Kenyan coffees we’ve tasted in the past two years. This lot hits the cup with an undeniable, mouth-watering juiciness and a candy-like sweetness that makes it nearly impossible to put down. With crystal-clear flavors of blackberry, grenadine syrup, and apricot candy, it checks every box we look for in a standout Kenya coffee—and then some.

As part of our 8th birthday celebration at our Libertyville Roastery, we hosted a coloring contest, and let’s just say, our community showed up with some serious creativity! We were blown away by the range of entries — from playful to impressively detailed — and had a tough time narrowing down our favorites. Check out our gallery of all of the amazing entries below!

Just one sip, and you’ll see why we’re so excited about this one. Nganzo: Kibirizi is bursting at the seams with big, sugary flavors—it’s the kind of coffee that instantly transports you to your happiest, most candy-fueled memories. Think brown sugar, molasses cookies, chocolate syrup, lemon tart, and soft dried fruits all layered together in one golden, syrupy, deliciously over-the-top cup.

While we don’t have a formal kids’ menu, we definitely have a handful of drinks that cater to young tastes (or those looking for something sweet, comforting, and caffeine-free). Whether you’re a parent stopping in with your little one or just someone who’s craving a nostalgic break from the usual espresso routine, these drinks are for you.

This past week, our team came together to celebrate the start of summer with a summer cookout at our Libertyville Roastery — a perfect way to enjoy good company and great weather. Our evening was filled with delicious food, plenty of over-caffeinated staff members, and lots of laughter!

The summer heat is clearly here to stay, and so are some of your favorite refreshing drinks. We’re keeping the Ube Latte and the Main Squeeze on this season. We’re excited to also bring back two crowd favorites: The Orange You Glad and the Kopi & Kaya. In addition to these four, you’ll find an incredible cafe exclusive drink at each location as well.

Macchiato? Ristretto? Gibraltar? The coffee world comes with its vocabulary that most people don’t think about when ordering a drink at their local coffee shop. Understanding the language of coffee can enhance each sip, so we decided to compile a list of common words we often use in our day-to-day that might help you navigate menus, talk shop, and deepen your appreciation for the craft. Consider this your go-to guide for deciding on coffee, one word at a time!