Welcome to “Master Coffee and Tea at Your Next Dinner Party”. This is the third instalment of our Elegant Infusions series geared towards helping you become a connoisseur in the art of serving these beloved beverages. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party or a casual gathering, the right selection of coffee and a curated assortment of tea can elevate your entire dining entertainment experience. 

Here, we will walk you through choosing an exciting assortment of coffees and teas, and selecting the ideal brewing equipment. We will also cover menu designs by proposing ideal meal and dessert pairings for these beverages.

Curated List of Coffees, Teas, and Additives

A curated selection of coffee and tea serves not only as beverage options and but also as complements to the culinary experience.

Coffee, often a post-meal ritual, is perfect as a strong, flavourful palette cleansing finish to a dinner. Tea, with its vast range and health benefits, can be paired with different courses – green tea with appetizers, black tea with desserts.

A thoughtfully curated selection of both is key to accommodating all tastes and occasions.

Coffee Assortments for Discerning Guests

Esteemed coffee bean roasters like Barocco Coffee and Cantook Café, and online bean retailers like Whole Latte Love, are excellent sources for diverse selections. Barocco’s award winning artisanal approach masterfully blends tradition with innovation. Cantook Café, known for its specialty coffees that are brewed right in their Quebec City store, focuses on freshness and distinctive profiles. Whole Latte Love offers a large selection of roasts, from light and aromatic roasts to deep, intense espressos, from a wide range of specialty brands.

Choosing from gourmet purveyors such as these means you’re not just serving coffee; you’re creating an experience.

Light Roast Coffees: Bright and Flavourful

Light roast coffees are perfect for guests who enjoy a gentler, flavour-rich coffee. These coffees have a light body, vivid acidity, and complex tastes. Light roasts are great for starting a meal or for lively discussions, appealing to guests who favour subtle, intricate coffee flavours.

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: A coffee with floral and fruity flavours, offering a unique taste with citrusy undertones. It’s a refined choice for those who like delicate flavours.

Kenyan AA: Known for its lively acidity and berry-like taste. It’s a high-quality coffee with a vibrant and dynamic profile, perfect for those who enjoy a strong, flavourful cup.

Costa Rican Tarrazu: From Costa Rica’s mountains, this coffee features tropical fruit notes and a bright, lemony acidity. It’s a refreshing option that brings a lively twist to the coffee selection.

Medium Roast Coffees: Balanced and Flavourful

Medium roast coffees strike a balance between acidity and rich flavour, making them a popular for a wide range of enthusiasts. These are ideal for the main course or as a versatile option at any point during the dinner party. They cater to guests looking for a balanced, rich coffee experience.

Colombian Supremo: This coffee stands out for its clean and balanced taste. Its profile is a harmonious blend of nutty and fruity flavours, appealing to those who enjoy a classic coffee experience.

Guatemalan Antigua: Celebrated for its full body and spicy, chocolatey undertones. It’s an excellent option for guests who appreciate a deeper, more nuanced flavour in their coffee.

Brazilian Santos: Known for its smooth, mild flavour with light nutty undertones. It’s an inviting choice for those who prefer a less acidic coffee.

Dark Roast Coffees: Bold and Intense

For those who relish a strong, bold cup of coffee, dark roast coffees provide an intense and robust flavour profile. They are a great fit for after-dinner conversations, providing a strong, flavourful conclusion to a meal. They’re best suited for guests who appreciate a more pronounced coffee character.

Italian Roast: Known for its smoky, caramelized taste, Italian roast offers a deep, rich flavour that’s perfect for espresso lovers. It pairs well with rich desserts or as a strong end to a meal.

French Roast: This coffee is characterized by its dark, chocolatey notes and slightly bitter undertone. Ideal for those who enjoy a powerful, bold brew, French roast complements hearty, flavourful dishes.

Sumatra Mandheling: Offers a complex, earthy flavour with hints of spice. Its full body makes it an excellent choice for dark roast enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy a lingering, savoury taste.

Espresso Beans: Strong and Concentrated

Espresso beans, specially roasted to create a strong and concentrated flavour, are perfect for guests who enjoy a robust coffee experience. These are an excellent choice for guests seeking a powerful coffee kick. They work well for espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, providing a strong coffee base that stands up to milk and sweeteners.

Lavazza Super Crema: This popular blend is known for its rich crema and full-bodied flavour. With notes of honey and almonds, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with any dessert or as a standalone espresso shot.

Illy Classico: Renowned for its smooth and balanced taste, Illy Classico is ideal for a classic espresso. Its mild and caramel-like flavour complements both sweet and savoury after-dinner treats.

Blue Bottle Espresso: A modern favourite, known for its vibrant and complex notes. It’s perfect for guests who enjoy exploring unique coffee flavours, offering a bright yet rich espresso experience.

Decaffeinated Beans: Flavour Without the Caffeine

Decaffeinated coffee is ideal for guests who love coffee flavour but prefer to avoid caffeine, especially during evening gatherings. This ensures that all guests, regardless of their caffeine tolerance, can enjoy a flavourful coffee experience. Particularly appreciated as an after-dinner choice, they allow guests to savour the taste of coffee without impacting their sleep.

Swiss Water Process Decaf: A chemical-free decaf option that retains rich flavours. It’s suitable for guests who are health-conscious but still crave a satisfying coffee experience.

Kicking Horse Decaf: This dark roast decaf offers a bold taste with hints of roasted hazelnuts and chocolate. It’s a fantastic option for those who enjoy a deep, full-bodied coffee without the caffeine.

Peet’s Coffee Decaf House Blend: Known for its balanced flavour and smooth finish. This medium roast decaf is perfect for guests who prefer a less intense coffee that still boasts complexity and depth.

Exotic Varieties: Unique and Memorable

For a truly standout coffee experience at your dinner party, consider an exotic coffee that promises unique and memorable flavours. These exotic varieties are not just coffees; they are conversation starters. Their distinctive flavours and intriguing origins make them ideal for special occasions.

Geisha Coffee from Panama: Highly regarded for its extraordinary flavour profile, Geisha coffee boasts a delicate yet complex mix of floral, jasmine, and honey notes. It’s a perfect choice for impressing guests with a taste for unique and luxurious coffees.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: Renowned worldwide, this coffee offers a smooth and mild flavour, with a lack of bitterness and a slight sweetness.

Hawaiian Kona Coffee: Grown on the slopes of Hawaii’s volcanoes, Kona coffee is prized for its smooth, rich flavour with hints of nuts and spices. It’s an exotic choice that brings a touch of tropical luxury to your coffee selection.

Flavoured Coffees: Fun and Aromatic

Flavoured coffees are a delightful choice for those looking to add a playful and aromatic twist to their selection. These provide a fun and aromatic addition, offering familiar yet exciting tastes.

Vanilla Flavoured Coffee: This classic flavour adds a smooth, creamy essence to coffee. It’s perfect for guests who enjoy a hint of sweetness and a comforting aroma.

Hazelnut Flavoured Coffee: With its rich and nutty undertones, hazelnut coffee is a popular choice that offers a warm, inviting aroma. It pairs wonderfully with desserts or as a standalone treat.

Chocolate Flavoured Coffee: Ideal for chocolate lovers, this coffee brings a decadent and indulgent twist to your selection, especially when paired with a chocolate-based dessert.

Tea Assortments Destined to Impress

A curated selection of tea offers guests a chance to unwind and savour unique flavours. The key is variety – from soothing classics to exciting, rare blends that impress even the most ardent tea lovers.

With renowned suppliers like Pluck Teas and DAVIDsTEA, choosing the right teas becomes an exciting venture. Pluck Teas brings a commitment to quality with their sustainable, locally inspired blends. While DAVIDsTEA broadens the horizon with a wide range of both traditional and playful flavours.

A thoughtful selection of teas from esteemed brands means you can offer teas that complement the meal and create memorable moments.

Traditional Tea Selection for Your Dinner Party

Here we present suggestions from each of the traditional tea types. Choosing from this collection will ensure you cater to a wide array of preferences and dietary needs.

Green Tea: Have a variety like Sencha for its refreshing qualities, great for seafood or salad pairings. Also, consider a Matcha for guests who appreciate traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or creative dessert infusions.

Black Tea: Assam and Darjeeling are excellent choices. Assam complements hearty meals while Darjeeling pairs well with lighter, aromatic dishes.

Oolong Tea: Offer a range like the light and floral Tieguanyin, ideal for semi-formal gatherings and pairing with delicate appetizers, and a darker Oolong like Dong Ding for more robust dishes.

White Tea: Include Silver Needle for its delicate flavour, suitable for guests who prefer subtler tastes, and pair it with light pastries or afternoon snacks.

Pu-erh Tea: A Shou Pu-erh, known for aiding digestion, can be a post-dinner favourite, especially after a heavy meal.

Yellow Tea: Offer a rare tea like Huoshan Huangya, which has a subtle and refined flavour, perfect for discerning tea lovers or for serving during special occasions.

British Tea Blends: Include classic blends like English Breakfast for a strong morning start and Earl Grey for an aromatic afternoon experience. Consider adding a variety for dessert pairings, like a fruity or spiced black tea blend.

Herbal Tea Selection for Your Dinner Party

Beyond traditional types, your herbal tea offerings will cater to various health preferences and special moments. Choose from these for energizing post-dinner conversations to bidding serene evening farewells.

Chamomile Tea: A must-have for its soothing properties, ideal for post-dinner relaxation or to wind down the evening. Pairs well with light desserts or as a standalone nightcap.

Peppermint Tea: Perfect as a digestive aid after meals, especially heavy ones. Its refreshing taste makes it suitable for both formal dinners and casual get-togethers.

Rooibos Tea: With its sweet, nutty flavour, rooibos is versatile for any time of the day. Complements both sweet and savoury dishes, appealing to guests who prefer caffeine-free options.

Ginger Tea: Great for its digestive benefits, particularly after a spicy or rich meal. Its warming qualities also make it a comforting choice for cooler evenings or winter gatherings.

Hibiscus Tea: With its tangy flavour, hibiscus is an excellent choice for summer parties or to accompany fruity desserts. Also, a vibrant option for afternoon teas.

Echinacea Tea: A thoughtful addition for health-conscious guests, particularly during cold and flu seasons. Pair it with light snacks for a wellness-focused gathering.

Lemon Balm, Lavender, Valerian Root Blends: Ideal for creating a calming atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings. These can be served alone or paired with subtle-flavoured treats.

Fine-Tuning with Additives

Also paying attention to the array of additives means everyone can craft their perfect cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Sweeteners Variety: Offer guests a choice of sweeteners. Classic white sugar is a staple, but adding brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup can offer distinct tastes. Include alternatives like stevia, agave nectar, or even artificial sweeteners for health-conscious guests. Each option allows guests to personalize their brew according to their preferences and dietary needs.

Milk and Its Alternatives: Full-fat, skim, and 2% milk cater to different preferences, providing either richness or a lighter touch. For a luxurious twist, offer whipped cream as a decadent topping. Dairy-free alternatives like almond, soy, coconut, and oat milk ensure all guests, regardless of dietary restrictions, enjoy their coffee or tea with their preferred creaminess and flavour.

Essential Equipment and Service Style

Coffee and Tea Brewing Tools

For coffee enthusiasts, drip coffee makers are a go-to for their ease of use and convenient way to serve multiple guests. French presses offer a richer, more full-bodied coffee. Single-serve pod machines like those from Nespresso cater to individual preferences quickly and with minimal fuss. Super automatic espresso machines like the S8 Series by the Swiss manufacturer Jura, are a more expensive option that are for sure to impress. These create a range of specialty drinks from robust espressos to creamy lattes. Other space-saving methods include Aeropress, pour-over cones, and stovetop espresso makers, each capable of delivering a specialty coffee experience.

For those who enjoy fine teas, a teapot or individual teacup with an infuser is ideal for steeping loose-leaf varieties. While loose-leaf teas are often preferred for their quality and flavour, many fine teas are also available in pre-bagged forms, offering convenience without a significant compromise on taste.

When it comes to tea kettles, variable temperature kettles are particularly useful as different teas require different brewing temperatures for optimal flavour extraction. For teas like Indian Spiced Chai, which are traditionally steeped with dairy and spices on the stove, a simple pot is ideal. If you are looking to really impress, consider adding a built-in hot water faucet from Mountain Plumbing – not only a time-saver but also an absolute wow factor for guests.

Cups and Pots for Your Dinner Party

Coffee and Tea Cups – A Blend of Style and Function: Coffee and tea cups should be chosen based on the type of beverage being served. Smaller cups are ideal for espresso or strong tea brews, where the potency of the drink demands a smaller serving.

For visually striking drinks like a layered latte macchiato or Chai tea, clear glass cups enhance the visual appeal by displaying the depth and colour of the drink. Larger, more robust cups provide comfort and are well-suited for more casual or lengthy gatherings.

Coffee and Tea Pots – Maintaining Warmth and Style: Coffee and tea pots serve a dual purpose: maintaining the ideal temperature of the beverage and acting as a centrepiece that complements the dinner table’s decor. 

Modern mugs, pots, or carafes with temperature control features, such as electric built-in or battery-powered warmers like the Nextmug, are helpful for maintaining the perfect warmth throughout an event.

Stylistically, a sleek, contemporary carafe adds a modern touch, while a culturally significant pot, like a Japanese teapot or an Italian espresso pot, can enhance a themed dinner party’s authenticity.

Planning Your Event’s Service Style

It’s essential to align the service style with the occasion and the number of guests to ensure both convenience and charm.

For relaxed, informal gatherings or when hosting a larger group, self-serve stations can be a delightful interactive element for your guests. Equip the station with a variety of teas, coffees, sweeteners, milks, and stirrers.

In contrast, for more intimate or formal dinner parties, serving coffee and tea directly to your guests adds a level of sophistication and attentiveness to the dining experience. This method allows you to ensure each guest’s cup is brewed to perfection. It also provides an opportunity to showcase special tools, coffee carafes, and teapots.

Integrating Coffee and Tea into Meal Courses

Perfect Dessert Pairings with Coffee and Tea

More common are thoughtful pairings of coffee and tea with a dessert. Imagine the richness of dark chocolate paired with a strong coffee, or a fragrant tea alongside a classic scone.

Classic Scones and Earl Grey Tea: Scones like those sold by Baker & Scone in Toronto, or making one of your own from a mix by Madison Zoe Ford in Montreal, will pair delightfully with an Earl Grey tea. The citrusy flavour of bergamot in Earl Grey beautifully complements the rich, buttery taste of your chosen scone. Add a dollop of cream or jam to your scones or to a traditional buttermilk biscuit to further bring out the tea’s aromatic profile.

Chocolate Desserts and Dark Roast Coffee: A dark roast coffee like French roast is a perfect match for chocolate desserts. The dark coffee’s intense flavours enhance the deep, rich taste of the chocolate, creating a harmonious blend that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.

Fruit Tarts and Green Tea: Pair light and airy fruit tarts with a cup of gently-steeped green tea, like Sencha. The tea’s fresh and grassy notes balance the tartness of the fruit, offering a refreshing finish to the dessert.

Cheesecake and Medium Roast Coffee: Enjoy a slice of creamy cheesecake with a smooth, balanced cup of medium roast Colombian Supremo coffee. The coffee’s clean taste cuts through the cheesecake’s richness without overpowering its subtle flavours.

Mint Cookies and Peppermint Herbal Tea: Mint cookies and peppermint herbal tea are a minty match made in heaven. The tea’s vibrant and invigorating flavour aligns perfectly with the refreshing essence of the mint cookies.

Dark Chocolate and Pu-erh Tea: Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with an earthy and complex Pu-erh tea. This combination accentuates the rich and nuanced flavours present in both the chocolate and the tea.

Vanilla-Flavoured Desserts and Flavoured Coffees: For a twist, try pairing vanilla-flavoured desserts with aromatic flavoured coffees like vanilla or hazelnut. The coffee’s sweet and nutty undertones elevate the vanilla dessert’s richness, creating a sensory delight.

Entwining Coffee and Tea into Meals

Incorporating a curated selection of coffee and tea into different meal courses is an art that enhances the dining experience.

Here are six ways to skillfully integrate a selection of coffee and tea into your menu:

Appetizers with Green Tea: Delicate green teas like Japanese Sencha or Chinese Longjing can be paired with light appetizers such as sushi or spring rolls. The tea’s subtle grassy notes will enhance the freshness of the food without overpowering it.

Seafood Courses with White Tea: The soft and subtle flavours of white tea, like Silver Needle, go well with seafood dishes. The tea’s slight sweetness and floral undertones can complement the delicate flavours of fish or scallops.

Spicy Asian Dishes with Oolong Tea: The diverse range of Oolong teas, particularly those with a slight roast like Dong Ding, can balance spicy Asian cuisines. The tea’s complexity can cut through the heat and richness of the dishes.

Main Courses with Black Tea: Robust black teas, such as Darjeeling or Ceylon, can stand up to hearty main courses like grilled meats or stews. The tea’s full-bodied nature can complement the richness of the dish.

After-Dinner with Coffee: Serving a medium or dark roast coffee after dinner, especially with dessert, is a classic choice. A Brazilian Santos or an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe can offer a satisfying end to a meal, with bold flavours acting as a palate cleanser.

Cheese Courses with Pu-erh Tea: The earthy and complex flavours of Pu-erh tea can be an excellent match for a cheese course. The depth of the tea pairs well with both soft and hard cheeses, offering a unique alternative to wine.

Master Coffee and Tea at Your Next Dinner Party

It’s clear that a curated selection of coffee and tea serves more than just as simple refreshments; they are essential parts of the culinary experience.

Whether you’re serving a robust espresso after a gourmet dinner or a delicate herbal tea alongside afternoon treats, your expertise in curation a selection of coffee and tea will surely leave a lasting impression on your guests. 

So, go ahead, apply these insights at your next gathering, and watch as coffee and tea become the highlights of your dinner party!