I worked as a barista for 5 years and I always die a little every time a customer marches up to the hand-off area to ask if I can reheat their cup of coffee. To break it down for you, it’s like wanting to freeze your melted ice-cream at some point. But since being nice and friendly to everyone is part of my job description, I will just gladly inform and educate them about it even though it makes my heart beat fast gasping for fresh air.
There were times when customers would raise their eyebrows on me with dark squinted eyes and would start a conversation as if we were in some kind of high school debate competition that this rare paradox is possible at all. I wish I could only just blush, look down, and hide behind the bar. It could be possible, though, to reheat the coffee. But sometimes I hope some customers can also be reminded that I am the one who is actually, literally, and truly wearing the apron here and not them.
Also Read: After 5 years of passion, I am now resigning from my job
As Carmichel says, Coffee is a one-time kind of use deal. We make it and you drink it. Reheating organizes the chemical makeup of the coffee and totally ruins the flavor profile. Some things don’t work to reheat and coffee is one of them – it’s always proper to just brew a fresh cup. The bottom line here is that we are an advocate to stop drinking bad coffee and we just don’t want you to experience it!
(This also goes well with ordering extra-hot-milk-based-coffee but I think that’s for another blog post?)
Also, please don’t pull the microwave card because it is an absolute no go. Blaming the air-condition of the café, the weather, or basically the temperature of the atmosphere you’re currently in will only make the barista judge you behind the bar (just like how we judge people who order a cappuccino with no foam) because clearly, we didn’t ask for you to let your coffee sit there for an hour, did we?
Just an alternative, and my personal advice, you may politely ask for steamed milk or hot water on the side instead. That wouldn’t put justice to the quality of your coffee but it’ll make it up at least if you’re only up for the warmth of the liquid in your cup.
On the event that you’re gonna be facing to make this decision in the future, do the right thing and, damn I can’t believe I’m saying this again, back away from the microwave. If your coffee gets cold, just ask for some ice-cubes instead. That way, you will not lose the smile from the face of your barista because if you choose to drink it over ice, it’ll be better.
Or perhaps next time if you don’t want this to happen, put down your phone and slurp the liquid gold as loud as possible because the quality is not gonna last in less than 20 minutes.
Featured image by Daniel Mendoza (@oigaperoque) for hotshotsbaristas.com
Comments
This is accurate af. If you can’t drink that whole shit cup of coffee immediately, then choose the cold ones instead
Author
Hahaha thanks, Mikee! I was just wondering what would the blog be like from the point of view of someone who never worked as a barista.
For the love of coffee haha. I loved this piece, thanks for sharing Marron
Author
And thank you for reading! I appreciate it 😀
It a pleasure
Sometimes foreign tourists ask that but here in Italy espresso coffee is viewed as almost sacred and baristas would rather lose a customer than re-heat a cup of coffee. I worked as a barista and a waiter in the past so I know how it feels
Author
Oh I wonder how it’s like to experience the coffee culture of Italy! It must phenomenal. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I totally agree!
It is one of our assets. Our coffee is way too strong though and you cannot have more than 3 or 4 a day….if you want to sleep
Author
I’m kind of dark-roast-type-of-person so I’ve been eyeing coming to Italy and immerse myself in your coffee world. Loved the smokey burnt yet sweet caramelly taste of one Italian Roast that I tasted way back.
It’s really good. But I remember tasting a good espresso in the Mall of Asia but that was 10 years ago
Author
Do you still remember the coffee shop in Mall of Asia?
That was a long time ago, I can’t quite remember which one it was. The Mall of Asia is way too big.
….I also had a great Italian style ice coffee and I think it was in Quezon City…if I remember well
Author
Ahhh gelato! I love gelato! There are a lot here in Quezon City 🙂
My wife used to live in Valenzuela close to Quezon City. I enjoyed my drives on the EDSA from Quezon City to Paranaque despite the traffic
Author
Glad you enjoyed driving along EDSA. I think I can only enjoy the drive there when it’s midnight when there’s less traffic. Haha anyway, you guys are currently in Italy right now? How’s everything there? I have a friend who moved to Milan few years back and she said she’s doing okay. Hope you guys are doing the same!
We are ok naman. It’s just that this lockdown is lasting too long. Sawa na ako
Author
Mas mabuti na muna na ligtas kayo. It’ll end soon 😀
Hahaha fair enough! Love every bit and every darn words. Salute for pointing it out for us all baristas and for putting this into a humorous rant. Respect mah bro!
Colton // Jacksonville, Florida
Author
Thank you, Colton! It’s amazing my sentiments from yesterday already reached Jacksonville. Stay safe mah dude!
gusto lng ng bagong drink kaya nagpapa reheat wth sana mamaya na lng umorder kung hindi pa naman pala iinumin may iba pala na priority bakit bumili agad ng kape bshit mga ganung tao
it put an smile on my face 😄, I hope they understand that from next time
Author
Hope they do! Hahaha glad it made you smile.
This is really good info. Thanks for sharing !!!
Author
No problem. And thanks for reading though!
Actually laughed out loud! I was a barista for many years and we had a repeat “microwave this for me” offended. And don’t even get me started on “French vanilla cappuccinos w/ no foam”— just go to the f-ing gas station! 🤣🤣
Author
Oh, no way! That is hilarious 🤣 Writing this post makes me want to quit my job in the office and go back making coffee! Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts. Glad to bump with someone who is/has been a barista too 🙂
I miss it too sometimes. And then sometimes I’m SOOOOO grateful that is over!
Author
Same here to be honest. I know I am just being impulsive and I’m positive this is just quarantine feels that I am getting 😀
I feel you man. There’s also one more thing where maybe this is just me. I cringe a little when I see people start putting sugar in their latte or flat white and start stirring. Hahah! This is just me. I know it might be OK to some or majority but to me…it’s a no no. Not trying to be a coffee snob 😂
Author
That’s totaly fine. I used to feel the same way too. Whenever I conduct coffee tastings during coffee seminar, I always ask the audience to taste the coffee first before adding milk, sugar and other complimentary flavors. I lived with the fact that there will always be people who likes their coffee sweet. Hahaha! Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts.
Really enjoyed this article such a good read. Exactly if we reheat coffee the taste ruins!!
Author
I’d rather ask for some ice cubes and turned the warm coffee into cold beverage. Thank you for reading!
Such a cool alternative idea😉. You’re most welcome.
I guess they have nothing better to do than sit around all day and complain. My hat is off to anyone in the customer service industry.
Author
I just hate it when people demands of good customer service where in the first place they weren’t a good customer from the start 🤣
O my God! I have found a kindred spirit. I have cringed for years when I’ve seen people reheating or microwaving their coffee. I hate that. I am a coffe person through and through. When I order my usual double espresso I always ask for hot milk on the side because I like just a dash of milk! What the French call a ‘noisette’, in other words it is the colour of hazelnut. If I want the barista to do something to it it’s usually to ask for an extra shot.
Reheating coffee is definitely a huge cardinal sin. I am with you all the way. If my coffee goes cold at home I get a fresh cup. My husband asks if he should put it in the microwave, I always shriek ‘no’ before has chance to!
I am new to your blog, found it through my blogging friend Vincent. I will definitely be visiting again. Sorry for the long post!
Author
Ah! It’s so nice to hear from a kindred spirit! Thank you so much for your comment and don’t be sorry for it being long, I like it just the way it is. I couldn’t agree more, I am so happy we share the same sentiments.
This blogpost went viral on Facebook a couple of days back because I have a big circle of coffee people 🤣 Some of them suggested I make more posts to raise awareness 🤪 I’m still thinking about it though. Again, thanks for stopping by! I highly appreciate it!
Some things never change. I was a barista before I knew that is what it was called and I got that request then….
Author
I think we just needed to keep on educating people and set their expectations 😅
I’m a big coffee fan and I loved reading this. Nice, tidy piece of writing. Entertaining. Smart. Looking forward to further reads.
Author
No one has ever said that to me 🥺 Thank you so much, sir!
Can’t believe that there are customers who request that. Totally entertaining post.
Author
Believe me, there are customers who will insist doing that. Thanks for reading!
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.