The Tala Blog
Featured Article
The Case for a Third Place
In a world that increasingly happens behind a screen, third places give us a reason to slow down, step outside, and simply be around other people. Marissa makes the case for coffee shops as modern third places — spaces where small, everyday interactions can foster connection and community.
Long Miles - Bumba Hill: Kayanza, Burundi
Some coffees you admire from afar. Others you wait for. And then there are the ones that feel almost fated — the lots you’ve tasted in years past, remembered fondly, and quietly hoped would one day return to your cupping table.
For us, coffees from Long Miles Coffee have always lived in that category. Pun fully intended — we’ve been waiting long for Long Miles. And finally, the moment has arrived.
February Events
The mornings feel colder, the days feel shorter, and the motivation to leave the house ultimately feels… negotiable. But if there’s one thing we believe, it’s that the best way to get through the cold months is by filling them with warm drinks, good company, and experiences that make you forget about the temperature entirely.
We’ve Got A Lot Of Mugs
They say a cup of coffee is only as good as the vessel it’s consumed out of — or at least, I say that.
As a chronically indecisive human in both coffee and everyday life, I’ve laid out my ideal lineup of Tala drinkware based on practicality and usage, acting as my determinant, go-to guide for choosing the perfect coffee-consuming vessel each day, hopefully it’ll help you too!
A Cozy Comeback - Meet The Igloolong
Meet the Igloolong, our newest winter seasonal drink, and a true Tala success story.
What originally started as one of our Winnetka café’s exclusive winter drinks quickly became a fan favorite, ultimately earning it a permanent spot on our Winter Seasonal Menu this year.
Winter Drink Menu 2026
Letting go of the holiday drinks feels easier when winter brings a lineup this good. Our 2026 Winter Seasonal Drinks lean into warmth, balance, and depth—built for cold days and slower moments. This is the time of year when we get to fine-tune and experiment, creating some of our most thoughtful and layered drinks. The result is a menu that feels comforting yet intentional, meant to be enjoyed one sip at a time. Read on and find the winter drink you’ll be craving next.
Mastercol - Terra: Huila, Colombia
Mastercol – Terra is our first fresh-crop coffee of the new year from Huila, Colombia, arriving after an exceptional run of standout Huila lots throughout 2025. It immediately caught our attention as a double-fermented, single-varietal Caturra from Mastercol—one of our most trusted producer groups and long-term partners since 2017. This is a coffee that feels both familiar and exciting, building on everything we love about the region while offering a renewed sense of vibrancy.
Amoret Espresso Blend
Amoret Espresso Blend is the foundation of our espresso drinks—it’s the coffee we build our milk-based drinks around and the blend that defines our approach to balance, sweetness, and texture. Designed specifically to shine in espresso and milk, Amoret delivers an experience that is both technically precise and emotionally resonant.
Ruca House Blend
Ruca House Blend is our homage to the classic cup of coffee—the comforting, familiar, endlessly drinkable cup that feels right at any moment of the day. Designed to be extremely approachable without sacrificing quality, Ruca is a blend that welcomes the casual coffee drinker while still earning the respect of the seasoned connoisseur.
Tala Holiday Party: Cozy Cabin Christmas
We hosted our annual holiday party last Saturday at our roastery, featuring the same theme as the cafes: Cozy Cabin Christmas. Everyone came dressed in their best flannels to eat some barbecue and play bingo. We try to get all of the staff together as much as possible, but it was especially nice to have everyone here to celebrate the holidays!