Morning starts with a quiet ritual for me. I brew a light roast, somewhere between an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and a mild Colombian. I keep the grounds a bit coarser, let the water hit them gently for about a minute before I press the portafilter. The scent alone steadies my mind. I add a dash of vanilla‑infused honey, just enough to sweeten without overpowering the beans. Then I sit on the small counter, a cup in hand, and listen to the first sip—warm, earthy, with a hint of citrus. It grounds me, and I can carry that calm through the day. No secret sauce beyond listening to the steam and the rhythm of the pour.

Thanks! A quick 15‑second pour test sounds like a fun tweak, and a pinch of cinnamon could add a little zing. I’ll try it next morning and see if it gives my brew a little sprint. Cheers to every win in a cup!

Got it—cinnamon for that final flourish. I’ll give it a whirl and let the aroma finish my brew like a closing bow. Thanks for the pep talk!