Ingredients
Equipment
Method
The Setup
- Arrange the coffee bar buffet-style. Start with mugs, followed by coffee, espresso, and hot water. Next, place the cream station, flavored syrups, garnishes, and finally the optional spirits. Allow guests to add a splash to their coffee if they wish. Complete the display with a vase of fresh flowers, a stack of linen cocktail napkins, and a small plate of chocolate-covered espresso beans or biscotti.
- Brew coffee fresh before serving and display syrups in glass pour-spout bottles.
- Provide small bowls for garnishes and spoons so guests can customize their coffee mugs.
Notes
Jorj's Tip
Brew the coffee just before guests begin to wake, but prepare everything else the evening before. Label each syrup, fill the cream pitchers, arrange the garnishes, and set out the mugs. When the first guest wanders into the kitchen, all you have to do is pour fresh coffee and say, "Help yourself."
Hosting a Crowd
For larger brunches, prepare coffee in insulated airpots or thermal servers rather than traditional coffee pots. They'll keep the coffee hot for hours without developing a bitter flavor.
If you're serving more than 12 guests, create two beverage stations—one for coffee and one for espresso drinks—to keep everyone moving comfortably.