You can do it!

At an easy four bucks a pop (after dropping the change in the tip jar) those drinks add up fast. When did we become ok with buying a drink containing 70% milk for more than the price of a half-gallon of milk alone? Not going on vacation this year because of the economy? Can’t buy those fancy shoes because you’re cutting back? I think you’re looking for your lost kitten hiding right under your own couch. What are you spending on coffee beverages at your local palace of caffeine? Here’s the truth.

If you buy a drink that costs you $3.50 per day, and drop the change in the tip jar, that adds up to over $1200 per year. “Holy Monolo Blahnik!” Oh, sorry guys “Holy Sony flat screen!” Pair up your consumption with your significant other, and we’re talking about at least $2400 bucks per year spent on coffee, sugar and milk. I’m telling you, without hesitation, that every one of us can learn to make these snazzy drinks at home in no time – but why would we?

Well, the last time I checked, most of us don’t have movie deals in the works, nor are we secretly enjoying a trust fund set up by our long lost uncle in the oil business (you’re going to tell your girlfriend about it just as soon as you figure out if she loves you for you and not for your money). So why are we spending so much of our hard earned money on something we really can do ourselves? The reality is that you’ll never be able to make your own 4” heals to wear to this year’s Christmas party, and you’ll never be able to build your own television. However, you can learn to make a darn good latte with just a little practice and guidance, and probably do it better than 90% of the “baristas” out there working at your local cafes.

Excuse: I don’t have time to make a drink.
Reality: You have 9 minutes to go to a cafe to buy your drink every morning.

Excuse: I can’t make the drink as yummy as they do with the foam and stuff.
Reality: You can totally make the foam, and you can totally pull a great espresso shot. You just need to have the right equipment and get a little instruction. By my calculations you have $1000 bucks this year to spend on a new espresso machine that will last you the next 7 years. You’re at least as clever as “Sideburn Jimmy” who works down at the you-know-where who learned how to make your drink up to those “standards” in no time. Yes, the other 10% may never ever be attained, but you can sure give it a good try. Chances are you’re not getting that extra fancy 10% now, even at the $3.50 a cup.

Excuse: I don’t know where to get good coffee
Reality: Try finding and tasting fresh coffee from a local or online coffee roaster until you find a coffee you enjoy drinking. According to my calculations, you can spend about $16 for a 12 oz bag and land at the savings I mentioned above.

Excuse: I have a huge crush on the girl who makes my grande latte down at Kitty Cat Coffee Bar and I’m sure one of these days she’ll realize I’m spending $4.50 a day just to see her and hope that she’ll look into my eyes and fall in love.
Reality: She has no idea you exist except for the fact that you’re grande latte guy and you tip her a buck every morning. Ask her out, win her heart, and pretty soon she’ll be making your drinks at your house every morning instead. You can use those extra bucks for something sparkly.

More excuses? The reality is that making a great coffee beverage isn’t that complicated at all. If 300,000 22 year olds working at coffee chains across the country can figure it out, so can you. For those of you who are graced with an amazing local shop that actually makes you an over the top drink with beautiful microfoam and a rosetta design on top – you’re spoiled now, but even that can be achieved with a little practice.

There are great home espresso machines out there that you can buy to make drink making a snap at home, and there are fantastic fresh coffees available to buy. Need the tips for pulling it all together? Check out our how-to vids right here on the blog. Think of what you’ll do with all that money you’ll be saving, then make sure your passport is up to date.