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.
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!
Staff Bucketlists
Summer comes but once a year and it can be difficult to keep track of all the fun plans and ideas you had at the beginning. Writing them down and creating a bucket list is one of the simplest ways to set those intentions and meet your summer goals! I wanted to see how our Tala team would do when tasked with setting those plans in motion- and got to check in to see how it went!
The History of Tala Cyclists
Tala Coffee Roasters, in addition to specialty coffee, often hosts a line of cyclists snaking their way through the cafe on weekdays and weekends–opting for more traditional fare like the single shot or Gibraltar. The history between Tala and the cycling community runs deep, extending back to when the Highwood cafe first opened its doors in 2018, and has expanded ever since.
Kayon Mountain Farm: Guji, Colombia
It’s been a while since we’ve had an African coffee on our shelves, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring one back, especially this one. Kayon Mountain Farm is no stranger to our lineup, and for good reason. Quite possibly our most-loved coffee of the year, this naturally processed lot from Guji, Ethiopia, is back for another round.
Libertyvilles 2nd Birthday Recap
This past Memorial Day weekend, here at Libertyville, we celebrated our second birthday! Two Septembers ago, the cafe at the roastery opened its doors for the first time, bringing longtime Tala fans a glimpse into the process, as well as another cafe to love.
Libertyville Turns Two!
We’re celebrating TWO YEARS at our Libertyville Cafe this week! To mark this occasion, we’re inviting you to comment below with your favorite memory at the Libertyville Cafe for your chance to win a $100 cafe gift card.
Global Matcha Shortage
Matcha has exploded in popularity, thanks to social media trends, its striking bright-green color, and the rise of specialty cafes serving it up in lattes, baked goods, and more. But behind the buzz lies a growing challenge: matcha supply simply isn’t keeping up with demand.
La Muralla, Huila: Colombia
Yet another Colombian coffee—and trust us, your taste buds will thank you, and so will your inner flavor adventurer. Meet your new crush: La Muralla, a radiant Pink Bourbon lot bursting with the juicy charm of raspberry pie, the citrus snap of blood orange, and the sparkling refreshment of limeade. It’s not just a coffee—it’s a flavor parade perfectly timed for the dog days of summer.
Behind The Bar With Alejandro
Our “Behind The Bar'“ series highlights one of our team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our team puts a smile on the faces of so many each day by simply serving delicious beverages and being an authentic presence in each person’s day. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.