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Stories, recipes, and news from the heart of Canadian coffee culture.

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Coffee Roasting
Coffee
April 2, 2025

The Art of Northern Roasting

Discover how our master roasters bring out the unique flavors inspired by Canada's natural environment in every bean. Our roasting process is a carefully balanced craft, where we blend traditional methods with modern innovations to highlight the deep, rich aromas of each coffee variety. Inspired by Canada’s vast landscapes – from the crisp air of the Rockies to the dense forests of Ontario – we develop roast profiles that capture the essence of nature in every sip.

We carefully source high-altitude beans that pair beautifully with our roasting techniques, allowing us to create smooth, well-rounded flavors. Our slow-roasting approach enhances the caramelization of natural sugars in the beans, producing a full-bodied taste with hints of chocolate, nuts, and subtle fruit notes. Whether you prefer a dark, smoky roast or a light, floral profile, our dedication to precision roasting ensures that each cup tells a story of the land it came from.

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Maple Latte Recipe
Recipes
March 28, 2025

Make Our Signature Maple Latte at Home

Learn the secrets behind our most popular seasonal drink and how to recreate it in your own kitchen. The maple latte is a tribute to Canada’s love for rich, comforting flavors and high-quality coffee. Our signature recipe balances the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup with the deep, roasted notes of espresso, creating a perfectly smooth and indulgent experience.

To make it at home, start with freshly brewed espresso or a strong coffee base. Heat your milk of choice and whisk in a generous spoonful of maple syrup for a naturally sweet twist. For an extra touch of warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Top it off with a layer of velvety microfoam and, if you're feeling fancy, drizzle a bit more maple syrup on top. Serve in your favorite mug and enjoy the cozy, familiar flavors of Canada in every sip!

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Coffee Culture
Culture
March 15, 2025

Coffee Culture Across Canada: East to West

Exploring the diverse coffee traditions from Newfoundland to British Columbia and how they shape our approach. In the East, coffeehouses in Newfoundland are often community gathering places, where locals enjoy strong, dark-roasted coffee paired with homemade pastries. Moving into Quebec, café culture is deeply influenced by European traditions, emphasizing high-quality espresso and leisurely coffee breaks. In the Prairies, coffee plays a vital role in warming up during the cold winters, with many favoring rich, full-bodied brews. Finally, in British Columbia, the influence of sustainability is strong, with many coffee shops focusing on ethically sourced beans and plant-based alternatives. Our café embraces these unique traditions, crafting a coffee experience that celebrates the entire country’s love for coffee, uniting East and West in every cup.

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Sustainability
Sustainability
March 5, 2025

Our Commitment to Canadian Forests

How Northern Coffee is working to preserve the wilderness that inspires our brand through sustainable practices. We believe that the natural beauty of Canada’s forests should be cherished and protected, which is why we have implemented a number of sustainability initiatives. Our coffee beans are sourced from farms that prioritize ethical and eco-friendly production, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Additionally, we support reforestation projects, planting trees to offset our carbon footprint and help restore the forests we all love. We also use biodegradable cups, compostable packaging, and encourage customers to bring reusable containers. Through these efforts, we strive to create a more sustainable future while providing exceptional coffee, ensuring that Canada’s breathtaking wilderness continues to inspire generations to come.

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Coffee Brewing
Coffee
February 20, 2025

Cold Brew Techniques for Canadian Winters

Why cold brew isn't just for summer, and how to enjoy it even when temperatures drop below freezing. Many people associate cold brew coffee with hot summer days, but in reality, it offers a smooth, rich flavor that is perfect for year-round enjoyment. In winter, cold brew can be served as a warming beverage by gently heating it without altering its signature taste. Additionally, it can be mixed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to create a cozy, aromatic drink. Some coffee lovers enjoy cold brew as a base for holiday-inspired cocktails or pair it with steamed milk for a unique take on lattes. With the right preparation, cold brew can be a comforting and invigorating drink, even in the coldest months of the year.

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Cafe Design
Culture
February 10, 2025

Art Deco Meets Canadian Wilderness

The design philosophy behind our cafés and how we blend 1920s elegance with natural elements. Our spaces feature intricate geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and rich color palettes reminiscent of the Art Deco era, while simultaneously incorporating the raw beauty of Canada's natural landscapes. Wooden textures, soft lighting, and earthy tones create a welcoming atmosphere, making each visit feel like stepping into a blend of classic sophistication and modern comfort. We carefully select each element to reflect a perfect harmony between nostalgia and nature, offering our customers a unique aesthetic experience.

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Coffee Pairing
Recipes
January 28, 2025

Perfect Pairings: Coffee and Canadian Treats

Our baristas' recommendations for pairing our coffee varieties with traditional Canadian desserts. Whether it's a rich, full-bodied espresso paired with a buttery Nanaimo bar or a smooth, caramel-flavored latte complementing the sweetness of a maple pecan tart, every combination is designed to enhance the flavors of both the coffee and the dessert. We also explore the perfect match for butter tarts, beavertails, and homemade shortbread, ensuring a delightful balance of bitterness, sweetness, and texture. Next time you visit, let us guide you to the ultimate coffee experience with our expert-curated pairings.

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Recycling
Sustainability
January 15, 2025

Zero Waste Initiative: Our First Year

Reflecting on the challenges and successes of our commitment to eliminate waste in all café operations. Over the past year, we have introduced compostable packaging, encouraged customers to bring reusable cups, and partnered with local farms to repurpose coffee grounds as natural fertilizers. Our staff has undergone sustainability training, ensuring that every step of our workflow minimizes environmental impact. Despite challenges like sourcing fully biodegradable alternatives and ensuring proper waste separation, we have successfully reduced our landfill contributions by 60%. This is just the beginning—our goal is to become a fully zero-waste café, inspiring others to follow in our footsteps.