Hi folks! I’m currently traveling for a work trip, so instead of the usual Thursday article, I wanted to pose a question to everyone who subscribes to Boss Barista. It’s one I use both as an icebreaker and as a way to establish a moment of connection, an acknowledgment that we’re all brought together by shared experiences. I love stories, and I love what this question reveals about people’s memories and origins.

You might recognize this query, which I pose to all my guests at the top of every podcast interview: What’s your first, most salient coffee memory?

Here’s mine: I grew up seeing my grandmother make coffee for everyone. She had a little espresso machine and made Cuban-style coffee, which involved filling a metal cup with sugar, and letting the first drippings of the espresso just absorb into the sugar. Then she’d whip the two together, making a frothy and sweet base she’d pour the rest of the espresso over. She’d hand everyone their coffee in small, thimble-sized cups. It’s an experience I still crave anytime I go home to Miami.

What about you? Share your coffee memories in the thread below—I can’t wait to read your stories!

Photo by Sir Manuel