Hansa Coffee Roasters

755 North Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048

“A long time ago at a former employer far, far away….”

My friend Sandra and her husband Mark told me about a coffee roastery tucked in the back of a building at the north end of downtown Libertyville. It was Hansa Coffee Roasters. Sandra went on about how fresh and flavorful was the coffee. She actually grew up not far from coffee plantations. This. Was. Interesting!

I don’t remember when it was but I do remember the why. I had to try this Hansa coffee. “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

Many doings later, Lisa and I decided to do the Hansa again for a morning pick-me-up. But this time we went all summer madness after seeing the seasonal menu. You will see the light.

Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Hansa Coffee Roasters.

“The Bangkok Travis is refreshing and smooth with a nice cinnamon bite.”

For the blog and for ourselves, we thought we should go a little nuts. A cold brew on the seasonal menu that takes you aside with the comforting line, “If it wasn’t good, it wouldn’t be on the menu.” just spoke to me. I was all in for Kaffelemonade. And a gluten free and vegan Lemon Lavender muffin from Holcomb Hollow. What, you want my chewing muscles to not get any?

Lisa surprised me with her move for the cold brew Bangkok Travis. She usually runs hot with her temperature and coffee. Thai-inspired cold brew. What do you think would be the sidekick? Zucchini Chocolate Chip. We’re bringing worlds together! When worlds collide?

In the next photo, you can see our drinks resting on the pass. I want to grab them now. “Good” isn’t great for description. How about cold sweat withdrawal inspiring?

Lisa did the Bangkok Travis first, “The Bangkok Travis is refreshing and smooth with a nice cinnamon bite.” Then she took a bite into the Zucchini Chocolate Chip, “The Zucchini Chocolate Chip muffin is tender, featuring a taste of zucchini with just the right amount of chocolate chips.” I would say Thailand and zucchini make a natural pair. Who knew?!?!?

It was time for my Arnold Palmer lemonade and iced tea cold brew coffee. Even Arnold might have hesitated. I was going in for a deep dive. Holy ship! This was some good. Stuff! The blend of sweet tart lemonade mixed perfectly with the slightly sour and bitter cold brew coffee. It tasted just a little more to the lemonade or to the coffee if I swirled the ice around a bit. This was a fun experience that tasted wonderful!

What about the Lemon Lavender muffin, you ask? Oh, don’t worry. I am a muffin hunter. I use up everything and nothing goes to waste.

The sound of unwrapping the paper from the muffin should have inspired Robert Frost to write something poetic. Clearly he missed out. The look, the smell, the feel—and the taste! Just look at photo eight and scroll right back up here. There is My Pillow that conforms to your head and neck. This is My Muffin. It conformed to my mouth and appetite. The Lemon Lavender also paired wonderfully with the Kaffelemonade. What are we still doing here? Summer is going by! Go. Now!

“The Kaffelemonade is based on a Swedish drink; in other parts of the world sometimes juice is mixed in coffee.”

When the dust my stomach crumbs settled, I was curious about the Kaffelemonade. Whose brilliant idea? How many bombs on the way to a perfect mix? So, I asked one of the baristas about the origin of the Kaffelemonade. Her answer was a revelation, “The Kaffelemonade is based on a Swedish drink; in other parts of the world sometimes juice is mixed in coffee.” And there you have it.

This is where I would say that I would try Hansa Coffee Roasters again. To paraphrase Yo-Yo Ma, “There is no try. Only do.” I think I need some coffee. And I know the place. I will definitely do the Hansa again for Kaffelemonade and Lemon Lavender muffin before summer is over!

There is much more at Hansa Coffee Roasters than what we enjoyed today. But here today, maybe gone tomorrow. By bus, by train, by car, by plane, by hook or by crook, shake a leg and do the Hansa Coffee Roasters – Libertyville

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