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.
How Do I Get Better at Tasting Coffee?
If you’ve ever taken a sip of coffee and wondered how some people can pick out tasting notes like peach, jasmine, and caramelized sugar, you’re not alone. Tasting coffee is a skill — one that develops over time.
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.
Tala-Ween Party Recap
Last Saturday, we threw our Ice Cream Social and Costume Party and had a great turnout! The cafe was buzzing all day, and our one-day-only affogato special was a huge hit, with espresso poured over Oberweis ice cream
What Can You Expect When Planning an Event with Tala?
Looking for the perfect space to host your next event? Why not use your favorite coffee shop? Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, shower, corporate get-together, reunion, or holiday bash, we’re here to help make your next event one to remember.
Rung’eto Kii: Kirinyaga, Kenya
We’re thrilled to share our newest single-origin release: Rung’eto Kii, a vibrant and beautifully classic Kenyan coffee from Kirinyaga. Coffees like this one remind us exactly why Kenya remains one of the most celebrated coffee origins in the world. After a few challenging years for producers, it’s exciting to see Kenya’s coffee legacy shining bright once again, and this cup captures everything we’ve been missing.
Behind The Bar With Emily
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.
Latte Art Throwdown Recap
Last Saturday, we hosted our very first Latte Art Throw Down at our Roastery in Libertyville! We had an amazing turnout of baristas, home coffee enthusiasts, cafe folks, and community members all coming together to compete and celebrate the craft of latte art. The night was a wonderful reminder of the incredible coffee community that we are so lucky to be a part of.
La Argentina & Pitalito: Huila, Colombia
Yet another impressive coffee from Huila, Colombia! This time it's the super exciting Chiroso varietal. This one from the farmers in La Argentina & Pitalito jumps out with ripe, strong, jammy cherry filling sweetness, tangerine juice concentrate, and round apple flavors. A truly beautiful coffee we're excited to share at an incredible price, punching way above its weight class.
Coffee Horoscopes
The ~cosmos~ have spoken. Your destiny? Delicious. Gone are the days of circling your horoscope with a glitter gel pen and feeling known by the universe from a paragraph that told you to “embrace your sparkle”. Lucky for you, we’re bringing back that magic… coffee edition.