Coffee is a mainstay at just about any event, and is usually relegated to the end, served with desserts and cordials. But coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world with more than 400 billion cups consumed annually.  So, why not make it shine?

Customized coffee sleeves

Most coffee shops have them for paper coffee cups…those cardboard sleeves that slide over the cup to protect your hands from the heat.  Rather than just being functional, consider having custom sleeves printed. Sleeves can be monogrammed with the couple’s name for weddings, it can be customized with a mission statement for fundraisers or it can be sold as a sponsorship at corporate events.

Pour over coffees

Manual coffee-making methods are becoming increasingly popular.  The idea being that each variable in the brewing process can be controlled, thus creating a cup that’s exactly suited to one’s preferences.  Create an interactive coffee experience for catering guests by having a barista demonstrate pour over coffee brewing.  This will give guests something to talk about and photograph.

Offer a self-service Keurig bar

According to Keurig, there are over 400 varieties and more than 60 brands of Keurig K-Cup pods, making serving a large selection of specialty coffees by the cup is a breeze.  A self-serve table stocked with a few Keurig machines and various k-cup flavors can be taken up a notch by providing sweeteners like turbinado sugar, cinnamon, chocolate covered spoons, peppermint sticks and more to further flavor an already tasty cup.

Topped lattes

There’s nothing more elegant when it comes to it than a beautiful design on the top of a foamy latte.  Consider having a barista sprinkle the bride and groom’s new initials, or a company logo on the top of a steamy latte.  This can be done with cinnamon or chocolate powder and gives the coffee an elegant, customized look.

Flavored syrups and coffee cocktails

Flavored syrups are all the rage at coffee shops around the country.  Whether it’s splash of French vanilla or a dash of hazelnut, flavored coffees take any cup of coffee and make it feel extra special.  Consider creating a flavor combination of your own, such as mixing simple syrup with orange flavoring and pairing with shooters of Grand Marnier. Your event caterer’s bar team can help you come up with the ideal combination.  More than just traditional Irish Coffee, coffee cocktail options can include espresso martinis, hot white Russians, Old Fashioneds, and Kahlua and coffee.

Espresso pick-me-ups

Provide catering guests with a quick jolt to keep them going!  Offer small espresso shots as a pre-party or mid-party pick-me-up.  Espressos can either be served passed, or from stations with beautiful vintage espresso machines.  Either way, they are perfect for a quick caffeine boost and will help keep the party going!

Don’t forget the milk

If you’ve been to any trendy coffee shop lately, you know that guests demand more than just the standard cream in their coffee.  From whole to nonfat, and oat to almond….milk takes many forms.  Be sure to stock your coffee bar with lots of creamy options for guests to choose from. (yugatech.com)

Who doesn’t love coffee and donuts?

Coffee and Donuts are soul mates, and make one of the best combos ever invented.  This combination makes a great dessert treat, or a midnight snack to keep the party going.  Rather than traditional donuts, consider spearing donut holes with wood stir sticks and placing them on the rim or inside the cup for a beautiful presentation.  You can also create a donut wall near the coffee station for a fun presentation.

Have fun with the mugs

Think beyond the cozies and coasters when it comes to customizing party favors your guests can take home to remember your special event.  Why not print custom mugs that might feature the names and wedding dates of the bride and groom, or a corporate logo with a branded tagline that fits the event’s theme?  Custom coffee mugs make great keepsakes–especially heavy coffee house style mugs. (Tramadol)   Or, go eclectic?  How about a variety of different coffee mugs to give your event a homey feel?

Catering must-have

Whatever way you choose to serve coffee, your caterer should be able to provide you with ideas and examples of creative ideas they have implemented.  Messina’s Catering and Events has been catering to the New Orleans community since 1961, when we started as a family restaurant.  Since then we have grown to cater large festivals, corporate events, private residence events, weddings, crawfish boils, Mardi Gras coronations, balls and debutante events.  We have provided catering services to some of the most prestigious events and people in the New Orleans area.  We are still family-owned, and love working with our clients to implement their creative visions!