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Espresso Supply: Torani syrups make the drink

To stock your espresso bar, you will need to locate a source for beans, flavorings, and recipes as a minimum to get started. If you interested in roasting and grinding your own coffee beans, there are resources for you, too.

The Beans

If you have a favorite blend of espresso, then the hard part is over. Many of the main stream brands are selling their beans ground and whole in the coffee section of grocery stores and in their own coffee stores. These are brands like Tully’s, Starbuck’s and my personal favorite, Seattle’s Best.

Another way to find out a little more about the company that supplies you is to go online and investigate their Web sites. Seattle’s Best Coffee web site breaks down the coffees they offer by dark, medium, and light roasts, decaf coffees, flavored coffees, and organic shade grown coffees. There are also tips on brewing that just right cup of java and where to find the nearest store. Beyond the mainstream roasters, are other companies who roast their own beans that are less known and are easily located on the internet. They sell their roasts by the pound as well if you want to try something different.

Roasting and Grinding Your Own

What if you want to experience the process entirely and develop your own roast? Hey, it’s possible. You can even name if after yourself or your pet. Just as you can buy roasted coffee beans in bulk and grind your own, you can also buy green coffee beans, roast them your way, and grind your own. All you need is a coffee bean roaster for this step, which, as you may have guessed by now, is also available online. There are home and commercial versions of the coffee bean roaster. One such place online that dabbles in green beans and roasters is Burman Coffee. You’ll find a wealth of information on home roasting, roasters, and an assortment of beans from all of the coffee bean growing regions of the world. Burman Coffee is a coffee trader which means they know more than beans about coffee beans.

Getting Creative with Flavorings

Torani has essentially dominated the flavoring market for over 70years. The syrups bottled by Torani are made from natural ingredients from around the world and are an impressive selection of fruit, nut, and spice flavorings. There is also an impressive line of sugar-free syrups so the diet-conscious can indulge in delicious lattes and Italian ices without the sugar. These flavorings can be used to create specialty lattes. You may have a favorite recipe that involves shots of espresso, a flavoring or two, some milk which may be skim or whole, and possibly whipped cream, cinnamon, or nutmeg on top. The internet is a great source for recipes as are friends. One of my favorite recipes was handed down by word of mouth and is called simply "Nirvana." It starts with a shot of caramel flavoring, (I use sugar-free) chocolate syrup, followed by a double shot of espresso, stirred, topped with whipped cream, and drizzled with chocolate syrup over the top. Try one of these, and you’ll discover why it’s called "Nirvana!" Think of your favorite candy bars, try to duplicate them as a latte, and possibly sugar-free, too, if you are watching your sugar. Did you know that if you pour half and half and a flavoring or two over shaved or crushed ice, you’ve created an awesome summer time drink, an Italian soda. Throw a shot of espresso in there, too, and enjoy an iced latte. Before you know it, you’ll be in the zone and creating awesome recipes to share with others.

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