CAFE SESSION WITH STEVE: OCTOBER 2025

Welcome back to another Café Session, where we mix a little coffee knowledge with a lot of seasonal flavor. October is here, and we’re finally leaning into full-on fall. Sure, there are still a few warm days hanging around, but the colder nights and gloomy mornings are definitely making their presence known. Football is in full swing, pumpkins are popping up everywhere, and Halloween is just around the corner. And let’s be clear—Halloween comes first. No need to start talking about any other holidays yet (seriously, it’s crazy how early that starts).

This month, we’re stirring up a couple of cozy coffee curiosities: is there actually any truth to the idea that adding cinnamon to your coffee makes you feel warmer, or is that just a fall myth we all want to believe? And what’s really the deal with those tiny spoons that come with espresso—are they practical tools, or just a way to make us feel fancy? So grab a mug, settle into the season, and let’s dive into the caffeinated mysteries of October.

IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE IDEA THAT CINNAMON IN YOUR COFFEE MAKES YOU FEEL WARMER?

Well, since Starbucks has officially declared it, we’re now in pumpkin spice season! So what better time to talk about cinnamon—the spice we see sprinkled on top of countless lattes this time of year. There’s a popular belief that adding cinnamon to your coffee makes you feel warmer. But is there any truth to it?

Unlike chili peppers, which make your mouth burn thanks to capsaicin, cinnamon isn’t “spicy” in the same sense. So how could it possibly give you that warming sensation? Turns out, cinnamon has some interesting properties that can make your body feel a bit toastier.

For starters, cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to health benefits like protecting against high blood pressure. More specifically, it helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation, both of which can make you feel warmer from the inside out. Cinnamon also boosts thermogenesis—the process by which your body produces heat as it burns calories. In short, it literally helps your body generate warmth.

This might be why so many of us grew up hearing remedies like “add honey and cinnamon to green tea when you feel a cold coming on.” Honey brings antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds, while cinnamon provides that circulation boost. Together, they don’t just taste good—they also give your immune system some extra support.

And if you really want to get the most out of your cinnamon fix, here’s a pro tip: ask your barista to steam the cinnamon into the milk when you order a latté or cappuccino. This helps dissolve and evenly distribute the spice throughout your drink. It also prevents the dreaded “cinnamon challenge” moment, where you accidentally inhale a big clump off the top of your drink. Instead, you’ll taste a balanced hint of cinnamon in every sip.

So, is it a myth that cinnamon makes you feel warmer? Not entirely. Science backs up that it can, in fact, give your body a little heat boost. And at the very least, it adds cozy flavor to your cup—perfect for crisp fall mornings.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THOSE RIDICULOUSLY TINY SPOONS SERVED WITH ESPRESSO? AM I SUPPOSED TO USE THEM, OR JUST FEEL FANCY?

This is a great question because most people who order espresso don’t realize the tiny spoon actually has a purpose—and no, it’s not just there to make you feel fancy. While you can use it to stir in sugar or sweetener, that’s not its main role.

When a shot of espresso is pulled correctly, you’ll notice a natural separation: the liquid coffee on the bottom and the frothy crema on top. This is called layered extraction, and it highlights the balance of bitter and sweet flavors in espresso. As we talked about in our July Café Session on crema, that caramel-colored foam isn’t just pretty—it’s where a lot of the espresso’s natural sweetness and aroma live.

Here’s the catch: if you sip the espresso as-is, your first taste is almost entirely crema (sweet, smooth, aromatic), and then you’re left with the denser liquid portion underneath (more intense, more bitter). The tiny spoon is there so you can gently stir those layers together, combining both the crema and the liquid for a more balanced, consistent flavor in every sip.

Think of it like a mini version of coffee cupping, where tasters use spoons to break the top layer of coffee and release all the aromas before tasting. (If you missed it, we explained cupping in detail in this Café Session.)

So yes, the tiny spoon may look like pure ceremony—but it’s actually a tool designed to give you the best version of your espresso. Next time, give it a stir before you sip. You’ll taste the difference.

If you have a topic or question you’d like me to tackle next month, don’t hesitate to ask! Submit a question or problem in the comments below!