Preparing Premade Coffee For Weddings: A Simple Guide

Coffee is a must-have at weddings, especially for coffee-loving couples. It can be served at any point during the event, from the morning-of jitters to the after-party pick-me-up. There are many ways to serve coffee at a wedding, from self-serve stations to mobile coffee trailers. For coffee-loving couples, coffee can be incorporated into the wedding in other ways, such as in the decor or as wedding favours.

If you're looking to make a premade batch of coffee for a wedding, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to use a French press or plunger. This method typically yields 3-4 servings of coffee per press, so you'll need multiple presses if you're serving a large group. Another option is to use a large stock pot to make a giant French press. You can also use an electric urn or percolator, which can make acceptable coffee for 50+ people. If you're making coffee for a very large group, you may need to invest in a batch brewer like a Bunn or Fetco, which are built for cafe use.

Coffee subscription services as gifts

If you're looking for a wedding gift, a coffee subscription is a great option, especially if the happy couple are coffee lovers. Here are some reasons why a coffee subscription is a perfect gift:

Variety of Coffees

Coffee subscriptions offer a fantastic opportunity to explore and discover new blends and flavours from around the world. The recipients can try different types of coffee and learn about their preferences, be it light or dark roasts, single-origin or blended, or coffee with chocolatey or fruity notes.

Convenience

Coffee subscriptions ensure that the recipients never run out of their favourite brew. They can choose the delivery frequency and the amount of coffee they need, so they always have fresh coffee on hand. No more last-minute dashes to the store in pyjamas!

Supporting Small Businesses

Most coffee subscriptions source their beans from small, independent, and fair-trade roasters and farmers. By gifting a coffee subscription, you are not only treating the recipients but also supporting these small businesses and the farmers who produce the beans.

Flexibility

Coffee subscriptions offer flexibility in terms of frequency, duration, and customisation. You can choose from monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly delivery options and select the duration, such as three, six, or twelve months. Some subscriptions also allow you to customise the coffee to the recipient's taste, making it an even more personalised gift.

Additional Perks

Many coffee subscriptions offer exclusive member perks, such as free shipping, member discounts, early access to new blends, and surprise gifts. Some subscriptions also provide brewing tips and information about the coffee's origin, enhancing the coffee experience for the recipients.

Gift Options

Coffee subscriptions make excellent gifts for coffee enthusiasts, and most services offer gift options. You can choose from one-time deliveries, gift subscriptions for a specified duration, or gift certificates, allowing the recipients to select their preferred beans.

• Atlas Coffee Club: Offers single-origin craft coffee from over 50 countries, with information on the coffee's origin and tasting notes.
• Bean Box: Renowned for their Seattle roasters, Bean Box offers curated coffee subscriptions with ground or whole bean options.
• Trade Coffee: Features an extensive selection of coffees from boutique roasters across the US, with a simple questionnaire to match the recipient's tastes.
• Bean & Bean: A women-owned service that provides organic, fair-trade coffee from various regions, with many female-owned producers.
• Equator Coffee: Known for their consistent, fresh, and flavourful whole bean coffee from places like Ethiopia and Colombia.
• Mistobox: Boasts a roster of over 500 coffees from 50+ roasters, ensuring a wide variety of options for the recipients to explore.

So, if you're looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for the coffee-loving couple, a coffee subscription is an excellent choice. It will not only delight their taste buds but also provide them with a delightful coffee experience.

Coffee-flavoured wedding cake

Choosing Your Coffee

The type of coffee you choose will greatly impact the flavour of your cake. Opt for coffee beans with rich and aromatic flavours, such as a blend of Congolese and Ethiopian beans, which offer a chocolatey aroma with hints of blueberry and cardamom. Alternatively, use your favourite coffee beans or grounds to personalise the cake to your taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different blends to create a unique flavour profile for your cake.

Creating the Coffee Cake Batter

The key to infusing your wedding cake with coffee flavour is to use coffee in multiple components. Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee and allowing it to cool to room temperature. Then, follow these steps to create a coffee-infused cake batter:

• Dissolve instant espresso powder or very fine coffee granules into milk. You can adjust the amount of espresso powder or granules to your preferred intensity.
• Prepare your dry ingredients by whisking together cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
• In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Reduce the speed and add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each addition.
• Add vanilla extract and sour cream or plain yoghurt to the mixture and combine.
• Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the espresso-milk mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fully incorporate each addition.
• Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake according to the recipe's instructions.

Making the Coffee Buttercream

To enhance the coffee flavour even further, a coffee-infused buttercream is the perfect pairing. Here's how to make it:

• Cream butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add powdered sugar a few cups at a time, scraping down the bowl and paddle between intervals.
• Mix in vanilla extract, milk, instant espresso powder, and salt.

Assembling the Coffee Wedding Cake

Now it's time to put everything together! Here are some tips for assembling your coffee-flavoured wedding cake:

• Level your cake layers to ensure a stable and even base.
• Spread a generous amount of coffee buttercream onto the first layer, creating a frosting dam around the edges.
• Fill the centre with apricot jam or your preferred flavour, such as chocolate ganache or another fruit preserve.
• Place the second layer on top, bottom side up, to create a flat surface.
• Frost the entire cake with the coffee buttercream, creating a smooth finish.
• Decorate the cake with crushed cookies, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or any other toppings of your choice.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients, including milk, eggs, and butter, for the best results.
• When measuring flour, spoon and level it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
• If you're making the cake in advance, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for up to two months.
• For a stronger coffee flavour, consider brushing the cake layers with a coffee-flavoured simple syrup.
• If you prefer a less spotty appearance in your buttercream, dissolve the espresso powder in a small amount of hot water before adding it to the mixture.

Coffee-themed decor

Coffee Bar or Station

The focal point of your coffee-themed decor can be a beautifully styled coffee bar or station. Decorate it according to your wedding theme, whether it's rustic, modern, minimalist, or vintage. Add blooms and greenery for a touch of elegance. Display an assortment of cups, mugs, and beautiful tanks and glass bowls for sweets and treats. A large sign or marquee lights can also help mark your wedding coffee bar.

Vintage Cart

For a vintage-inspired look, consider styling your coffee bar as an elegant cart. Decorate it with pink blooms and greenery, or opt for a refined mirror, silver tanks, and galvanized stands and bowls for a rustic charm.

Chalkboard Signs

Incorporate chalkboard signs with cute sayings or quotes about coffee. You can place these at your coffee bar or use them as part of your table decor.

Coffee Beans in Decor

Coffee beans can be used in a variety of ways for decor. Display escort cards in trays filled with coffee beans instead of the usual pebbles or flowers. You can also place coffee beans in bowls with tealights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Coffee-themed Centerpieces

For a rustic touch, use antique coffee cans as centerpieces. Fill them with your favourite blooms or greenery for a charming and nostalgic look.

Coffee-themed Favours

Offer your guests coffee-themed wedding favours, such as personalized travel tumblers, coffee mugs with your wedding date, or cute packages of coffee beans with tags and stickers. These will not only tie into your coffee-themed decor but also give your guests a memorable token of your special day.

Coffee-themed Cake

Your wedding cake can also be part of the coffee-themed decor. Opt for a chocolate and coffee wedding cake with sea salt and candied citrus slices, or a buttercream cake topped with edible coffee beans and decorated with coffee mugs.

These ideas will help you create a cohesive and charming coffee-themed decor for your wedding, adding a unique and personalized touch to your special day.

Coffee-based cocktails

Espresso Martini

A classic and classy coffee cocktail, the Espresso Martini is a perfect blend of vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup. This drink is on the sweeter side, so it is recommended to enjoy in moderation to avoid a hangover.

Irish Coffee

For a winter wedding, Irish Coffee is a perfect choice. This simple yet tasty beverage combines hot coffee, whiskey, sugar, and heavy cream. It is sure to be a hit with your guests and may even replace dessert for some. Consider pairing it with a lighter cocktail option as well.

Dark Moons

Dark Moons is an interesting and unique coffee cocktail. It is made by mixing cold brew, coffee liqueur, spiced rum, cola, and heavy cream. You can even prepare a batch by combining the cold brew, coffee liqueur, and rum in advance, making it easier for your bartender to mix in the cola and cream during the cocktail hour.

White Russian

If you're a fan of vodka, the White Russian is an excellent choice. It is a simple yet effective combination of coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua), cream, and vodka. These drinks are easy to whip up and don't require a skilled mixologist, making them a great option for a wedding.

Affogato with a Twist

The Affogato is a perfect coffee cocktail for a summer wedding. It starts with the classic affogato ingredients: espresso and vanilla gelato. From there, you can add your favourite liqueur, such as Frangelico, amaretto, or Baileys. Feel free to experiment with different flavours to find the perfect combination for your palette.

In addition to these coffee-based cocktails, you can also offer non-alcoholic coffee options such as cold brew on tap or a self-serve coffee station with different flavour pods and mix-ins.

Coffee-flavoured desserts

Coffee Cheesecake

A rich and creamy coffee cheesecake is a perfect choice for coffee lovers. The mild sweetness of the cheesecake allows the coffee flavour to shine through. This dessert can be made in advance and served as a decadent end to the meal.

Coffee Ice Cream

For a refreshing coffee dessert, consider making coffee ice cream. Combine a vanilla ice cream recipe with a special coffee sauce, or use instant espresso granules to create a homemade coffee ice cream without an ice cream maker. Serve it plain in a dish, or use it as a base for a rich and irresistible Mississippi mud pie.

Coffee Cookies

For a bite-sized treat, coffee cookies are a great option. Try white chocolate-cappuccino cookies shaped like coffee cups, or crispy coffee cookies that are perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or cold brew. For a festive twist, add some chocolate sprinkles on top!

Coffee Cake

Coffee cakes often don't contain any coffee, but a coffee-walnut snack cake is a delicious exception. This super moist dessert uses strong coffee or espresso in both the batter and frosting, making it a coffee lover's dream. Alternatively, a chocolate coffee cake drizzled with coffee syrup will also be a crowd-pleaser.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic coffee-flavoured dessert that you can make ahead of time. Dip ladyfingers into coffee and liqueur, and create a coffee liqueur and cream cheese filling. For an extra touch of coffee, finish it with a coffee-infused whipped topping.

Affogato

Affogato is a simple yet amazing Italian dessert that combines vanilla ice cream with fresh-brewed espresso. It takes just a few minutes to make and is a delightful way to end the meal. For a boozy version, spike the affogato with a liqueur like Grand Marnier, Frangelico, or sambuca, and garnish with whipped cream or espresso beans.

Frequently asked questions