The World's Most Popular Psychoactive Substance

Coffee.
After the resident Mr. Coffee machine in the apartment bit the dust (about three weeks into use), it was time to graduate to new means of caffeine intake. These classic methods require a bit more work than the newer drippy spitters, but these classics have been wonderful. Behold the results:

Bodum Chambord French Press - $30

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker - $30

The two really shine when mated with cold, filtered water and any of the delicious coffees available at The Merc (9th & Iowa). I prefer the Instant Karma blend from Lawrence's own Z's Divine Espresso for my press coffee. It's bold, but not quite so dark as a French roast, and features smooth flavors with subtle hints of dark chocolate and perhaps blackberry - I'm not certain. Roastgardless, make sure to get a course grind when using with a French Press to avoid excess dregs in your mug (paper filters still work with these, just press them down). Conversely, you want to be certain to get a fine grind of the espresso blend, nearly as fine as Turkish coffee. Here, I stick with Z's again, this time the Organic Espresso Blend. Their website describes it as:


"The real thing folks! NOT some over roasted stuff like you find in the grocery store. Rather, 5 beans chosen, roasted and blended specifically to bring that great coffee flavor to drinks made with steamed milk—sweet, smooth, a little chocolaty, and NOT bitter. NOT recommended for drip coffee or press pot brewing—just espresso. But do what you want. Go figure."


One more thing:
The Bialetti Latté/Cappuccino set includes the original espresso maker and a very effective milk frother. I have found that it is worth the extra $15 to have home-made lattés, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Any of these make great gifts! If you are looking for a little something extra, buy coffee and bundle them. If you are looking for something a little more affordable, just get the coffee!