Morning Routines of Coffee Lovers: How Different People Start Their Day with Coffee

For most of us, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s an integral part of our morning routine. Whether it's the comforting ritual of brewing a perfect cup or the energising boost of caffeine to start the day, coffee plays a crucial role in setting the tone for a productive day ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how different types of coffee lovers start their mornings, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll dive into the routines of six distinct coffee enthusiasts and give you a handy timeline of how each person prepares their perfect cup of coffee. In the RISE household we have a Slow Brew Enthusiast - Alice, and a Creative Coffee Drinker - Ben!

We would love to hear in the comments below which one you think you are!???

1. The Slow Brew Enthusiast – A Mindful Morning Ritual (Alice!)

Ideal Brew Method: Pour-over, French Press, AeroPress, or Chemex
Time Taken: 15-20 minutes
Best For: Coffee lovers who savour the process and enjoy slow mornings

For the slow brew enthusiast, the morning is a sacred time dedicated to coffee preparation as much as it is about enjoying the first cup of the day. These coffee lovers tend to avoid quick brewing methods, preferring the art of brewing to be as intricate and thoughtful as the cup they’re about to enjoy. Their approach is all about mindfulness, where the journey is just as important as the destination.

Timeline for the Slow Brew Enthusiast:

• 6:30 AM: Wake up, take a few moments to stretch or meditate. A calm start to the day is essential.
• 6:35 AM: Begin by boiling water. The water temperature is vital – slow brewers often opt for a temperature between 90°C and 96°C to extract the full flavour from their coffee.
• 6:40 AM: Grind freshly roasted beans to the desired coarseness – usually medium or medium-fine for pour-over or French press.
• 6:45 AM: Brew the coffee. With a pour-over, this process involves slowly pouring hot water over the coffee grounds in small, controlled amounts to allow even extraction. This can take 4-6 minutes.
• 6:55 AM: Relax with a cup of coffee, often paired with a quiet moment to reflect or read. For the slow brewer, this is the perfect time to appreciate the aromas and flavours in each sip.

Tip: Slow brew enthusiasts might enjoy experimenting with different beans each month with a RISE coffee box, exploring new roasters, origins and flavours. 

2. The On-the-Go Coffee Drinker – Fast and Efficient

Ideal Brew Method: Espresso machine, instant coffee, or pod coffee machine
Time Taken: 5-10 minutes
Best For: Those with busy mornings who rely on convenience

The on-the-go coffee drinker is all about efficiency. With hectic schedules, there’s little time for brewing rituals – their coffee is as quick and easy as possible while still providing that caffeine hit. Convenience is key, so these coffee lovers often rely on pod machines or instant coffee. Although the brewing method is quick, the flavour still matters.

Timeline for the On-the-Go Coffee Drinker:

• 7:00 AM: Wake up and head straight to the kitchen. They don’t waste any time.
• 7:05 AM: Pop a coffee pod into the machine or heat up water for instant coffee.
• 7:08 AM: While the coffee brews, the on-the-go drinker is busy getting dressed or packing their bag.
• 7:10 AM: Pour the coffee, add milk or sugar if desired, and drink it on the go. It’s time to get to work!

Tip: Consider investing in a travel coffee mug that keeps your coffee hot and fresh, or opt for a subscription service that delivers fresh coffee straight to your door.

3. The Minimalist Coffee Lover – Simple but Effective (Also Alice, now we have a 9 month old baby!) 

Ideal Brew Method: Drip coffee maker, stovetop moka pot
Time Taken: 5-10 minutes
Best For: Those who want a quick but satisfying cup without any fuss

Minimalist coffee lovers favour a no-nonsense approach to brewing. They tend to keep their coffee preparation simple, with no fancy tools or long processes. These coffee lovers often rely on drip coffee makers or moka pots, which can make a strong, bold cup of coffee in no time. Their focus is on simplicity without sacrificing taste.

Timeline for the Minimalist Coffee Lover:

• 6:45 AM: Wake up and head straight to the kitchen. No need for elaborate rituals.
• 6:50 AM: Set up the coffee maker or moka pot. If using a drip coffee maker, it’s as simple as filling the filter and pressing the brew button.
• 6:55 AM: Brew the coffee while getting dressed or prepping breakfast. The process should take no longer than 5-7 minutes.
• 7:00 AM: Sit down with your mug of coffee, enjoy a few moments of peace, and plan the day ahead.

Tip: For minimalist coffee drinkers, investing in quality, fresh beans is essential to making a quick, delicious cup that doesn’t skimp on flavour.

4. The Coffee Ritualist – Savouring Every Sip

Ideal Brew Method: Pour-over, French press, Chemex
Time Taken: 10-15 minutes
Best For: Coffee lovers who enjoy the full experience of brewing coffee as part of their morning ritual

For the coffee ritualist, brewing coffee is more than a task – it’s a dedicated part of their morning routine. They often have specific rituals that surround their brewing process, from selecting the beans to choosing their favourite cup. These coffee drinkers often pair their brew with mindfulness activities, such as reading or journaling.

Timeline for the Coffee Ritualist:

• 6:00 AM: Wake up and begin preparing for the day with a calm, focused mindset.
• 6:05 AM: Choose the coffee beans, often based on the mood or day ahead.
• 6:10 AM: Begin brewing with care, following a specific ritual that includes measuring the beans and ensuring the water temperature is just right.
• 6:25 AM: As the coffee brews, take a few moments to enjoy the process and centre your mind.
• 6:30 AM: Sit down and enjoy the first sip of your perfectly brewed coffee, ready to start the day.

Tip: Consider pairing your coffee ritual with a relaxing activity, such as reading or journaling, to make the experience even more meaningful.

5. The Creative Coffee Drinker – Let’s Experiment (This is Ben!) 

Ideal Brew Method: Cold brew, espresso-based drinks, or DIY lattes
Time Taken: 10-15 minutes
Best For: People who love to get creative with their morning coffee, trying new flavours or techniques

Creative coffee drinkers thrive on experimenting with flavours, techniques, and combinations. These coffee lovers aren’t afraid to try something new and often create unique drinks at home, such as flavoured lattes, iced coffee, or even mixing different beans to create a custom blend. They love expressing themselves through their coffee.

Timeline for the Creative Coffee Drinker:

• 6:30 AM: Wake up and immediately start thinking about what coffee creation to make today.
• 6:35 AM: Choose a brew method. Maybe a cold brew for the summer or a frothy cappuccino for a cosy morning.
• 6:40 AM: Brew your coffee, adding in syrups, milk, or other ingredients to personalise the flavour.
• 6:50 AM: Enjoy your unique coffee drink while feeling proud of your creativity and flair.

Tip: Keep your creativity flowing by trying new recipes each week, or even sign up for a coffee subscription service that offers unique, limited-edition roasts.

6. The Coffee & Yoga Enthusiast – A Calm Start to the Day

Ideal Brew Method: Pour-over, espresso, or decaf
Time Taken: 10-20 minutes
Best For: Those who enjoy pairing their morning coffee with mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation

The coffee and yoga enthusiast takes a holistic approach to mornings. For them, the first cup of coffee is an essential part of their self-care routine, often accompanied by a calming yoga session or meditation. They enjoy coffee that’s smooth and calming, such as a pour-over or decaf, and might even pair their coffee with a healthy breakfast.

Timeline for the Coffee & Yoga Enthusiast:

• 5:45 AM: Wake up, drink a glass of water, and set an intention for the day.
• 5:50 AM: Start brewing coffee while you set up your yoga mat.
• 6:00 AM: Enjoy a few minutes of coffee while doing some light stretches or meditative breathing.
• 6:15 AM: Begin your yoga practice, fully immersed in the morning routine.
• 6:45 AM: Finish yoga, feeling energised and ready to take on the day.

Tip: Opt for decaf or lightly roasted coffee to maintain a sense of calm throughout the morning routine, and pair your coffee with a healthy, energising breakfast.

7. The Gym-Goer’s Coffee Ritual: The Pre-Workout Boost 🏋️☕

For fitness enthusiasts, coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up—it’s part of their workout routine. Many gym-goers swear by an espresso shot or a strong black coffee about 30 minutes before training. Why? Because caffeine is a natural performance booster, increasing endurance, focus, and fat burning.

Typical timeline:

• 6:30 AM – Alarm goes off. Time for pre-workout coffee—usually a double espresso or black filter coffee for a quick caffeine hit.
• 7:00 AM – Gym session in full swing, fueled by that coffee-powered energy surge.
• 8:15 AM – Post-workout cool-down with a protein shake… and maybe even another coffee (iced this time!).

For gym lovers, coffee isn’t just about the taste—it’s a functional part of getting stronger, pushing harder, and staying energized. Do you drink coffee before the gym? Let us know your go-to routine! 💪☕

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Coffee Routine

Whether you’re a slow brew enthusiast who enjoys every step of the brewing process or an on-the-go coffee drinker who values efficiency, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your coffee. Your morning routine is a reflection of your lifestyle, and finding a coffee-making method that suits your needs can help set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Experiment with different styles, and don’t be afraid to make your morning coffee routine uniquely yours! Happy brewing from Alice & Ben