At Carmel Coffee Catering, we believe that every cup of coffee should be an experience. Whether it’s an espresso shot enjoyed at a wedding or a comforting latte served at a corporate event, each drink we serve is meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients. We’ve spent time carefully choosing the beans, syrups, and milks that go into our drinks, ensuring that the flavors are rich, consistent, and always leave a lasting impression on our guests.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into all the ingredients: from the beans we use, the syrups and sauces that elevate our drinks, and the milk options that perfectly complement every cup.
Coffee Beans: The Foundation of Every Drink
When it comes to the core of our coffee, we don’t settle for anything less than excellent. That’s why we proudly serve Tinker Coffee’s Zing Blend, a local favorite roasted by Indianapolis-based Tinker Coffee Co.. This blend is special for a number of reasons, making it our go-to for both espresso and drip coffee services.
The Zing Blend: Flavor Profile
The Zing Blend offers a bold, balanced flavor that stands out in every drink we serve. On the palate, it opens with bright acidity—think hints of citrus or berry—before transitioning into rich, full-bodied flavors of chocolate and subtle nuttiness. This complexity allows the coffee to shine, whether it’s served straight as a shot of espresso or mixed into a cold brew drink.
Third-Wave Coffee Philosophy
At Carmel Coffee Catering, we embrace the principles of third-wave coffee, which views coffee as an artisanal product that is the sum of its ingredients rather than a commodity. Tinker Coffee Co. shares this philosophy, sourcing beans responsibly and roasting them to bring out the unique characteristics of each batch. The Zing Blend’s beans are roasted to perfection, maintaining just the right balance between acidity and sweetness without any bitterness.
Versatility Across Drink Styles
The versatility of the Zing Blend allows us to offer it in a variety of drink formats. In an espresso, it delivers that bright, vibrant shot that coffee aficionados crave. As drip coffee and cold brew, its boldness holds up to different milk and syrup pairings, while still providing depth and character in every sip. We also occasionally offer decaf options, ensuring guests can enjoy the full flavor without the caffeine.
Syrups and Sauces: Crafting Flavor Profiles
While high-quality coffee beans are essential, the syrups and sauces we use add depth and customization to our drinks, allowing us to cater to a variety of tastes. We take our flavor additions seriously, which is why we use Monin syrups and Torani sauces, two brands known for their premium quality.
Monin Syrups: Our Go-To Flavors
Monin has been a staple in the coffee industry for years, and for good reason. Their syrups are made with natural ingredients, free from artificial flavors and preservatives, ensuring a clean, authentic taste.
- Vanilla: This is a classic for a reason. Vanilla adds a smooth sweetness to drinks without overpowering the flavor of the coffee itself. It enhances the natural caramelization found in espresso, making it a favorite among our guests for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Caramel: Rich, buttery, and indulgent, caramel is another staple in our espresso bars. It pairs perfectly with milk-based drinks, particularly lattes, where the buttery notes of the caramel complement the creaminess of the milk. For guests who enjoy a little extra decadence in their drink, caramel is always a go-to.
- Sugar-Free Vanilla: We understand that not everyone wants the sugar, but still craves the flavor. Our Monin sugar-free vanilla is the perfect solution. It delivers all the rich, sweet notes of traditional vanilla without added sugars, so our guests can enjoy their drink guilt-free.
- Maple Spice: This is one of our seasonal favorites, adding warm, earthy notes to drinks, perfect for fall and winter events. With subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, maple spice brings comfort in every sip, making it a popular choice when the weather cools down.
Torani Sauces: Elevating the Experience
While Monin syrups are perfect for flavoring our drinks, we turn to Torani sauces for more indulgent additions that take our beverages to the next level. Sauces differ from syrups in that they are thicker, richer, and tend to stick to the sides of the cup, creating a more luxurious experience.
- Pumpkin Pie Sauce: When fall rolls around, nothing says cozy like Pumpkin Pie. Torani’s sauce is the essence of autumn in a cup. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whether mixed into a latte or drizzled on top, our guests can’t get enough of it, especially during seasonal events.
- Dark Chocolate Sauce: For those who crave something a little more indulgent, dark chocolate is our go-to. The rich, bittersweet flavor pairs beautifully with both coffee and milk, offering a sophisticated taste without being overly sweet. It’s especially popular in our mochas, where it creates a harmonious balance with the boldness of the espresso.
Milk and Nondairy Options: The Perfect Pairing
No coffee drink is complete without the right milk to tie all the rest of the ingredients together. We carefully selected our milk and nondairy options to ensure they blend seamlessly with our coffee and syrups.
Standard Whole Milk
We use standard whole milk as our default dairy option. Whole milk has the ideal fat content (around 3.25%) for creating the creamy, velvety texture that’s key to a well-made latte or cappuccino. When steamed, whole milk adds a natural sweetness to the coffee, enhancing the espresso’s flavor and creating a balanced, smooth finish.
Oatly Barista Blend: Our Nondairy Champion
For our nondairy guests, we proudly offer Oatly’s Barista Blend Oat Milk. Oat milk has surged in popularity in recent years, and with good reason—it’s creamy, slightly sweet, and has a neutral flavor that allows the coffee to shine. Oatly’s Barista Blend is specially formulated for coffee, meaning it steams and froths beautifully, creating the same rich texture you’d expect from dairy milk.
Oat milk’s ability to froth makes it perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and even flat whites. Additionally, it’s a hit among guests with dietary restrictions or preferences, as it’s free from lactose, nuts, and gluten.
Conclusion: Crafting the Perfect Cup
At Carmel Coffee Catering, we believe that all ingredients matter. From the Tinker Zing Blend that serves as the backbone of our coffee, to the Monin syrups and Torani sauces that allow us to create a wide range of flavors, and the milk choices that provide the perfect texture, we put care into every decision we make. Our goal is to create a memorable coffee experience that not only satisfies but leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
Whether you’re looking for a classic vanilla latte with whole milk or a rich pumpkin spice oat milk cappuccino, we’re here to bring your vision to life. We can’t wait to share our passion for coffee with you at your next event!
What is the difference between Monin syrups and Torani sauces?
Monin syrups are liquid flavorings that enhance coffee drinks, while Torani sauces are thicker and richer, adding indulgent flavors like pumpkin pie or dark chocolate to our specialty drinks.
What is the best milk for lattes?
We use standard whole milk for a creamy, rich texture, but we also offer Oatly Barista Blend oat milk for nondairy lattes that froth beautifully.
What makes Tinker Zing Blend unique?
It offers a perfect balance of bright acidity and deep chocolatey notes, making it versatile enough for both espresso shots and drip coffee at events.
