commonly coffee

I love the holiday season.

And here in Calgary there is so much to enjoy this time of the year. You can check out the Zoo Lights, go ice skating at Olympic Plaza, enjoy winter in the mountains, or go shopping for gifts at any of the local Markets that pop up around this time of year.

One of my favourite markets that happens every year here in Calgary is Market Collective. And this year it’s 3 weekends of live music, interactive workshops, galleries, artisans, food and beverages. In totally there are over 150 local vendors to discover. And maybe it shouldn’t come as a shock that one of my favourite vendors at Market Collective is Local Laundry.

Back in August I had the chance to do a feature with Local Laundry to share more about some of my favourite summer drinks from some of my favourite Calgary coffee shops. I am excited this December to collaborate once again with Connor and Dustin to share about some of my favourite Holiday Drinks from some of my favourite Calgary coffee shops. I had a chance recently to connect up with them again, snap some pics and enjoy some more coffee.

These guys love this city and love their coffee!

So as you’re out and about in the coming weeks make sure to plan a visit to these great places to grab a drink! And make sure to check out the Local Laundry team at Market Collective. They will be there on weekend 2 (Dec. 13-15) & weekend 3 (Dec. 20-22).

 

Euphoria Cafe

Web: www.euphoriacafe.ca
Instagram: @euphoriacafe

Holiday Drink: MOB Gingerbread Honey Latte (Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, MOB raw honey)

This drink evokes all the wonder of the holidays with these incredible warming spices. Complimented by the addition MOB honey—a local YYC honey company—this latte is a unique holiday drink that is sweet, with a little bit of heat, and one you’ll definitely want to experience.

Euphoria Café is located in the Varsity Heights neighbourhood of NW Calgary. They recently re-located to a gorgeous new building that’s bright and airy. There is plenty of free parking available, lots of seating, free Wi-Fi & outlets so you can get your work done. Euphoria quickly became my second office when I moved to Calgary 5 years ago. It’s a great place.

Monogram Coffee

Web: www.monogramcoffee.com
Instagram: @monogramco

Holiday Drink: Eggnog Latte

This is my go-to Eggnog latte every year. Made with eggnog from D Dutchman Dairy in Sicamous BC (they seriously produce some of the best dairy products). It’s a rich and decadent drink that is always a crowd pleaser. To top it off Monogram garnishes the drink with freshly grated nutmeg from The Silk Road Spice Merchant right here in Calgary. You just can’t beat it.

Monogram has three locations in the city: Downtown (5^th Ave), Britannia & Altadore. Each has their own unique charm that reflects the neighbourhood they call home. Britannia & Altadore locations offer have free parking! Each are serving up this delicious Eggnog latte so pick whichever is closest to you and go enjoy this tasty drink.

Phil & Sebastian

Web: www.philsebastian.com
Instagram: @philandseb

Holiday Drink: Spiced Dulce Latte

This holiday drink features a gingery spiced chai with dulce and double-shot of espresso. Phil & Sebastian say it tastes just like a ginger snap cookie…I totally agree with them. The extra little “kick” from the ginger and chai was well balanced and gave this drink that warmth that would be expected.

Phil & Sebastian have 7 locations spread out around Calgary! I especially love visiting their Simmons Building location (the one closest to my house.) What I love about the Simmons Building location is that when you place your order, the barista then makes your drink right in front of your eyes. They’re the one that pulls the shot, steams the milk and serves it to you. This is such a unique experience that they offer. I love this attention to detail and the incredible customer service.

Analog Coffee

web: www.analogcoffee.ca
Instagram: @analogcoffeeyyc

Holiday Treat: Premium Hand-Made Chocolates

Ok, so technically this final entry isn’t a Holiday Drink…but who doesn’t love chocolate!? These delectable holiday treats were created locally here in Calgary by Nicole Buckton from Those Chocolates and are each infused with Analog Coffee! Pretty sure this is what they call a match made in heaven! The three chocolates are:

• White Chocolate Almond – Toasted almond pralines caramelized with chocolate infused with El Salvador Mambo #5 Natural Processed Coffee, in a dark chocolate shell.
• Milk Chocolate Caramel – Godfather (Med Roast) Espresso caramel with a thin layer of espresso milk and chocolate ganache, in a dark chocolate shell.
• Dark Chocolate Lemon – 64% dark chocolate ganache with a thin layer of lemon ganache, both infused with Ethiopian Limu Fully Washed Coffee in a dark chocolate shell.

These chocolates are available for $15 for a box of 6. Analog has 6 locations throughout the city. Their flagship 17^th Ave. location is my personal favourite and is open late every night. So even though this one isn’t a coffee drink there was NO WAY I was going to pass up the chance to feature coffee infused chocolates.

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Ok so there you have it! The holiday season is here, but as we know it doesn’t last forever. And that means these drinks won’t be around forever either. So bundle up, grabbed your friends & loved ones, and enjoy these incredible holiday coffee creations! Happy Holidays.

If you have any questions about the coffee community here in Calgary feel free to connect with me. There are so many more amazing cafes and coffee roasters here in this city, these were just four that I felt were offering unique holiday drink creations that I felt you need to know about.

One last thank you to Bence Horvai for snapping these amazing pictures of me in my Local Laundry YYC Crewneck.  He runs a phenomenal photography/videography company in Calgary called Focus Wave Co.

Stay Caffeinated,

Tyler