Hola chicos, a few years ago (whilst in my twenties) if you would’ve asked me if I wanted to have a cup of coffee I would’ve probably said no thank you. I was never really a fan of coffee. It is so weird. I didn’t like the flavour and I even used to hate the smell of my Dad’s fresh coffee from the kitchen every morning and actually several times a day!! He is really addicted to coffee or rather, he’s a “Coffee Lover” maybe? I used to only drink coffee when I had my law exams to study for, as there were so many articles to learn for different Codes (Peruvian Law). It was too much to take in, so I really needed coffee but I wasn’t in love with it! After having my girls and having so many sleepless night I kind of found myself drinking more coffee, even though I was and still am, breastfeeding Sienna a little bit. The coffee began to be my best friend and we really get along very well now. It was there through so many moments that I needed to stay up and think clearly, so that is when my proper love of it started. Now if somebody asks me if I want a cup of coffee I usually say YES PLEASE straight away!! So now I’m a “Coffee Lover” like my dad!
When I was invited to attend an event to learn everything about coffee, I just had to say YES and of course I was in heaven. I felt so lucky to be invited by the lovely people of Nespresso who held their fantastic #coffeewithcurrys event at The Fable Bar & Restaurant in Holborn. This place is beautiful. It really made me go WOW when I arrived!
I was invited amongst a group of bloggers to have the chance to express our inner Barista, focussing on coffee inspired activities, we were given a unique insight into the Nespresso brand and their different blends, to coffee cocktail making and latte art. We had a Nespresso expert and a trained mixologist who gave us all the coffee based advice we needed.
As soon as we arrived they greeted us with some juices and drinks together with some nibbles. The idea was to get to know each other before the workstation started.
After a short introduction, we were split into small groups to be part of 4 different interactive workstations. My group was the smallest of all. We were just 4 but actually it was better as we were able to interact even more. The first workstation we did was the Latte Art.
- Latte Art Station
We were able to have a chat with a professional barista who was really nice and fun. He taught us how to make a perfect latte. This was more difficult than I thought! All four of us had a go after him. He said that mine was good but to be completely honest I think he was being nice with me! LOL
We then had the chance to test our creative side using coffee stencils and chocolate sprinkles. We were supposed to create our coffee masterpieces but unfortunately mine was anything but a masterpiece!! It was actually really bad!! But thank goodness he did a demonstration of how to do this first so you can see how its supposed to look!
2. Nespresso Chat Station
We were given a unique insight into the Nespresso brand and how they are trying to have a positive effect towards our society. They have implemented new ways to protect their coffee farmers around the world. Hundreds of farmers in Costa Rica, Mexico and Colombia joined the program (The AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program) and committed to a method of coffee production that was both sustainable and environmentally friendly. They are assisting farmers to attain certification standards through their long-term partners, Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade, and by significantly expanding the AAA Program in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan. How fantastic is that?
We then were introduced to their different Coffee Machines which you could get through Currys. They have lovely options and I was really sold into the idea of getting one!! Maybe I should wish loudly so someone can hear me? 😉 They also explained to us about their capsules and the different flavours available. Apparently their capsules can be recycled which is obviously a great help for the environment. I’m all for stopping filling our landfills!! Recycling is the best option for a better world.
3. Cocktails Station
We were so lucky to learn from a trained mixologist who explained to us different blends and what was the best way to highlight certain flavours. We were given the chance to mix our caffeine drinks which was so much fun to do! We prepared 2 different Coffee Cocktails.
Vanilla Sky (recipe)
This cocktail tastes like Baileys so I really really like it!!! It is creamy and sweet!! You can see from the photo above that I was really enjoying it! 😉
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 50ml black label johnnie walker
- 50ml vanilla gomme
- 1 Dulsao do Brasil Espresso pod
- 100ml cream
Preparation:
Add all the ingredients in a mixer with some ice and then move it very quickly and strongly!
Finally, serve it in a cognac glass.
Kraken Coffee (recipe)
This cocktail was so strange. I have never tried something like this before! It had peanut butter which I didn’t like. I like it with bread but not in a drink, although it could be quite appealing for peanut butter lovers!! Here is the recipe:
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 50ml Kraken Rum
- 1 Dharkan Espresso pod
- 20ml gomme syrup
- 2tspn Peanut Butter
- Chocolate Powder
Preparation:
Add all the ingredients with some ice into a mixer and again move it very, very quickly! Then pour it into a martini glass but using a strainer and a a sieve. You could also put more chocolate powder on top.
4. Coffee Flavours Station
This station was very interesting for me as we learnt all the different flavours that we could get with the coffee from a Nespresso expert. We smelled different odours, some of which were incredibly sweet or incredibly bitter. It was all about our tastebuds too. So we had Acid like fresh lemon or lime; Bitter like dark chocolate; Sweet like summer fruits; and Salt like sea water. They showed us a sensory wheel which was really useful to better illustrate all these different flavours.
We did some coffee tasting too which was complemented with some different types of chocolates (dark chocolate, milk chocolate or strawberry chocolate). These made it a totally different experience for me.
Coffee Treats & Group Shot
At the end we were given coffee flavoured treats that were delicious. I really enjoyed trying these. We also finished with the traditional photo of the whole group. I don’t know if you can find me as I’m at the back and because I’m short you can hardly see me!! LOL
Goody Bag
We got a fantastic goody bag! We had a cupcake with the Currys logo (super yummy), some Nespresso chocolates that were yummy too and both were finished super quick after I arrived home, LOL! I also got a box with 4 multicoloured aluminium cups! They are so pretty! I love them.
I would like to say thank you so much to Nespresso and Currys for this #coffeewithcurrys event. Have a look at Currys post about the event here. I would also like to say thank you to Haydy from Joe Bloggers who always has the most amazing events to offer to us bloggers! 🙂
Do you like coffee? Are you a fan of Nespresso? Have you tried their Coffee Machines? What do you think of this event? Leave your comments below as I would love to know what your thoughts are.
*Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this event and talk about it, however all the opinions are my own. Some of the photos are not mine, they were provided by the brand.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
Linking up with:
I’m drooling over your post! Sounds like a fab day and the pics are great I’m obsessed with those recipes! I love the taste of Baileys so that one would suit me well. Nespresso is delicious isn’t it, like having a coffee shop in your kitchen it’s great x
Ooh what a fab event, I have been looking at Nespresso machines today, I really need one in my life, and the flavours look incredible x
This sounds like so much fun. I used to only drink coffee ocassionally in a cafe. Three kids later I’m a total coffee lover and have at least 2 cups a day. I keep looking at these capsual machines but haven’t invested in one yet. It’s good to know that you can get fairtrade coffee as this is one of the things that has put me off a little up to now.
I don’t like coffee at all I have to say, although my husband is seriously coffee mad. This looks like a really fun and interesting day though. It’s nice to hear how much they are doing for the environment too.
Well its always fun to go and learn about products. I’m not a coffee drinker but would love t do something like this for Hot chocolate 🙂
Wow, what a fab day that sounds! Who knew there was so much to know about coffee?! I can’t stand coffee, but I do love the smell of it! And hubby is a big fan of a latte! I am actually considering getting him a coffee machine for Christmas! But as I don’t know anything about coffee, it is hard to choose which one! I will definitely be looking into the Nesspresso ones now! xx
Ewwwww coffee! Hate it!!! Hate the smell of it! However it looks and sounds like you had a fab time 🙂 Looking beautiful 🙂
Gemma xx
Looks like such a great event! It’s a shame really but my mummy hates coffee 🙁 she’s a tea drinker. I think she’s strange as everyone else we know loves coffee!!! #KCACOLS
You get to go to the best events, this looks amazing. I love the smell of coffee, probably more than the taste although I o like coffee. The Christmas flavoured gingerbread ones are great. I have only tried a Nespresso machine a couple of times and it makes delicious coffee. Glad you had a great day.
Amanda. #KCACOLS
I don’t drink coffee – it’s just not a taste i enjoy but I love the smell – weird huh?! Looks like a brilliant event, really fun and great for coffee lovers! #KCACOLS
I definitely love the smell more than the taste, but like you I used to hate coffee but now I really like it – since we bought a ….two you guessed it…..Nespresso machine! Could not do without it! Great read thank you. Merry Xmas Franca xx #KCACOLS
It might be because I am still in my 20’s but I cant stand the taste or smell of coffee, even though I have two small children, one which is currently having a bottle as I type this one handed. I just cant face it. I am an environmentalist so reading how they are trying to help the environment is fantastic! Great post, Merry Christmas #KCACOLS
This looks like an incredible event, I’d be right in my element here! I love coffee but I’ve quit in hopeful anticipation of another pregnancy soon. I LOVE coffee and miss it very much! Great, fun post to read 🙂 #KCACOLS
I’m not a coffee person at all – I can’t even have Revels in case I get the coffee one! ;/ My other half *loves* coffee though so I’ve been getting more used to the smell of it around the house. He would love this! #KCACOLS
This sounds like a really fun event – the latte art section looked brilliant. I love my Tassimo coffee machine – they do a Costa range need I say more lol 🙂 Thanks for hosting #KCACOLS
Debbie
Were you twitching when you left? That’s a lot of coffee. I absolutely LOVE coffee and expresso and even tea but never drink it past noon for I have horrible restless leg syndrome and it messes with it horribly. Looks like it was a fab time! Thanks so much for hostessing #KCACOLS, glad you are feeling better, and enjoy your holidays!
I have already commented on this, so I just wanted to pop back and say hi from #kcacols (love your linky!) xx
Goodness that looks like a cocktail bar! What fun – and no kids! #KCACOLS
Great post! I’ve not had a proper coffee the whole time I was pregnant, and after a horrible night last night I’ve fancied one all morning so I am so glad I’ve read this as it’s given me the energy to get up and make one! Scrummy christmas coffees are such a treat. xx #KCACOLS
Sounds like you had a great day! I love the small of coffee but can’t stand the taste! I wish i did like it. #KCACOLS
Wow what an amazing place. It’s so beautiful!!! I absolutely LOVE coffee so much. I’ve been on so many coffee courses to learn how to make the perfect coffee. To get the milk just right and to do latte art. I am obsessed. I would have LOVED to have attended this. It sounds like so much fun and those cocktails look so delicious! I’m glad you had a nice time. I really want one of those nespresso machines. They are so good. xxx #KCACOLS
WOW! Sounds like so much fun! I am more of a tea person though.
#KCACOLS
Oh wow what a fab day Franca! Weirdly I’m just the same as you, I didn’t drink coffee and never ‘chose’ it. However, when I was pregnant I started to like it, and now I love my latte with the other mums after swimming and, well, any chance I get.
#kcacols
PS. your art and stencils look brilliant 🙂
Oh i love coffee! That vanilla sky sounds and looks delicious! #KCACOLS
This sounds fun. I switch in & out on whether I prefer coffee or tea, but I’m on coffee currently. Happy Christmas! #KCACOLS
Oh, that sounds lovely! I adore coffee 🙂
What a fun event. I’m like you, I only developers love of coffee in the past few years. Lattes are now my special treat. I mostly drink decaf though and for this reason I’m not sure I can be classed as a real coffee lover? I had a really bad head once after drinking a strong coffee! I’m sure I just need to find a the right variety 🙂 #KCACOLS
Looks like you had a great day Franca although I have to say I hate coffee myself and am definitely more of a tea lover! #KCACOLS