If Canberra’s summer was a coffee blend, would this be it?

Posted on 25 November, 2024

We’ve had a Canberra gelato flavour and a Canberra gin, but is this Canberra’s coffee blend? Let the debate begin.

Canberra’s coffee culture is nothing to be sniffed at, but with the launch of a new local blend, things are stepping up a notch.

A long-time favourite of brunchers in the south, Common Grounds Corner Café in Gowrie has partnered with Brisbane-based speciality coffee roasters Parallel Roasters to create an exclusive coffee blend – the Summer Blend.

The new blend (which will be officially launched during a very special event – but more on that later), brings together tasting notes of mango sweetness, blueberry and nectarine acidity, designed to capture the essence of summer days in a coffee cup.

We’ll admit that flavours might sound out of the box for coffee (which usually focuses more on notes of caramel and chocolate), but after tasting it ourselves, we can attest the fruity vibe hits differently. And you can only get it at Common Grounds.

But what will Canberra’s caffiends think?

Well, with the opportunity to attend a special event on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, you can try Canberra’s coffee blend for yourself. Holding a hands-on cupping experience, for two hours you can taste it while honing your coffee skills.

Taking you through the unique flavours of the Summer Blend as you try a variety of coffee samples, you’ll also get hands-on with latte art and learn how to perfect your home brew with a Pour Over Master Class – and yes, you can drink every cup you make.

You’ll also be able to try the Summer Blend in cold brew form, there will be grazing boards to nibble on and plenty of opportunities to ask all the burning coffee questions you have.

Will you sleep that night? Probably not. But it’ll be worth it.

As a little bonus, you’ll also take home a free V60 pour-over kit (which you’ll know how to use after your masterclass) and your very own bag of the Summer Blend.

Plus, with attendees scoring 10 per cent off their next brunch at Common Grounds, you know you’ll be back for more. Is now a good time to mention that the café is also launching a new summer menu?

Think: Mango Lime Ricotta Toast, Summer-Soaked Oats and Smashin’ Avo served with fried haloumi, white bean purée, pistachio dukkah, tajin oil, pomegranate, mint, and poached eggs – all perfect for a long, lazy brunch on a hot day.

With limited spots available in both sessions, for $20 a ticket, you better get in quick. You can thank us a latte, later.