The perception of a "perfect coffee" is as diverse and nuanced as the beans themselves. For the leading voices in the coffee world, this ideal cup is rarely defined by a single standard.
Instead, it reflects their unique journeys, expertise, and philosophies, ranging from the scientific pursuit of a flawless extraction to the artistic expression of a beautifully crafted beverage.
For some, perfection is found in the unadulterated taste of a black filter coffee, while for others, it lies in a creative, visually stunning concoction or a simple, comforting brew that evokes nostalgia.
Here's a look at what a "perfect coffee" might be for 12 of the most famous coffee influencers, based on their celebrated content and specialties.
1. Morgan Eckroth
Known as "Your Friendly Internet Barista," Morgan Eckroth has skyrocketed in popularity on TikTok and YouTube. A multi-award-winning barista, she won the U.S. Barista Championship in 2022 and was the runner-up in the World Barista Championship the same year. Her content is a mix of educational videos, behind-the-scenes barista life, and entertaining coffee-related skits.
What is a perfect coffee? For Morgan Eckroth, a perfect coffee can be both a classic, well-executed drink and a creative, flavor-driven experience. She has a particular fondness for cappuccinos, which she has called her favorite coffee drink.
However, her work in barista competitions and her online content also showcase a passion for developing unique signature beverages that treat coffee as a versatile ingredient, thoughtfully paired with other flavors to create a balanced and memorable drink.
2. James Hoffmann
A highly respected figure in the coffee industry, James Hoffmann is an English coffee connoisseur, author, and the 2007 World Barista Champion. His YouTube channel is a go-to resource for in-depth coffee knowledge, covering everything from brewing techniques and equipment reviews to the science behind coffee.
What is a perfect coffee? For James Hoffmann, the perfect coffee is most often a black filter coffee. He values the experience of tasting a great cup of coffee over 10 to 15 minutes, appreciating how its flavors open up and become more complex as it cools.
This "journey of flavor" is what he considers the great part about coffee, valuing the nuance and complexity of a well-brewed cup over the intense shot of an espresso.
3. Vivian (CoffeeBae97)
Vivian, known as CoffeeBae97 on TikTok, has a massive following thanks to her creative and visually appealing coffee creations. She shares unique and beautiful coffee recipes that inspire her followers to get creative with their own coffee at home.
What is a perfect coffee? For Vivian, the perfect coffee is a visually stunning and creative concoction that you can make at home. Her journey into coffee content started when she finally made "the BEST cup of coffee at home" during the COVID-19 lockdown, which she described as a "life changing experience."
Her go-to drink is a double shot over ice with a splash of milk and caramel drizzle. This, along with her content, suggests that for her, the perfection lies in the aesthetic appeal and the fun of creating delicious and beautiful coffee drinks.
4. Lance Hedrick
Lance Hedrick is a coffee expert with multiple barista and latte art titles to his name. His YouTube channel focuses on making professional coffee knowledge accessible to home brewers, with clear explanations and how-to guides on topics like espresso and latte art.
What is a perfect coffee? For Lance Hedrick, the perfect coffee is a result of meticulous process and a deep understanding of coffee science. His content delves into the technical aspects of brewing, from grind size and water temperature to complex brewing theories.
For him, perfection is likely not one specific drink, but rather the successful execution of a brewing method tailored to a specific coffee, whether it's a "clean and bright V60 pour over" or the "rich intensity of lever espresso." His tagline, "I hope you brew something tasty," underscores his belief that with the right knowledge, anyone can achieve a perfect cup.
5. The Rookie Barista (Annie)
Annie, the creator behind The Rookie Barista on TikTok, shares her journey and creations as a home barista. Based in Orlando, her content is known for its beautiful aesthetics, often featuring Disney-inspired themes.
What is a perfect coffee? While Annie's specific definition of a "perfect coffee" isn't explicitly stated, her content suggests that for her, it is a beautifully crafted drink that brings joy and a touch of magic to the everyday.
Her focus on aesthetics and themed creations indicates that the visual appeal and the creative process are just as important as the taste itself.
6. Ethan Rode
Ethan Rode is a prominent coffee influencer on TikTok who stands out by infusing his personality and humor into his videos. He shares his personal life alongside coffee-making content, which helps him build a strong connection with his audience.
What is a perfect coffee? For Ethan Rode, a perfect coffee is a well-crafted beverage made at home, with a particular appreciation for the cortado as his go-to morning drink.
His videos often provide detailed walkthroughs of recipes, emphasizing the importance of correct technique and fresh ingredients to achieve a great-tasting coffee. His mission is to help his audience "make better coffee at home," suggesting that for him, perfection is attainable in your own kitchen.
7. Dina Kalanta
Dina Kalanta has a massive following on both Instagram and TikTok, where she is known for her highly creative and unconventional coffee presentations. She often uses unexpected items like fruits and pastries as coffee cups, creating visually stunning and shareable content.
What is a perfect coffee? For Dina Kalanta, the "perfect coffee" is an expression of creativity and happiness. Her videos showcase coffee being made in unconventional ways, using ingredients like strawberries, oranges, and even red peppers.
The recurring theme in her content is the joy and surprise element in her coffee creations, often simply captioned with "Coffee makes me happy." This suggests that for her, perfection is less about the technical aspects and more about the artistic and playful experience.
8. European Coffee Trip
For those interested in the cultural side of coffee, European Coffee Trip is a popular YouTube channel run by Radek Nozicka and Ales Pospisil. They travel across Europe, creating city guides and showcasing the best specialty coffee shops.
What is a perfect coffee? For the creators of European Coffee Trip, a perfect coffee is intrinsically linked to the experience and atmosphere of the café in which it is served.
Their content focuses on the journey to find the best specialty coffee shops and highlights the importance of the cultural context of coffee consumption. Therefore, a "perfect coffee" for them is likely a high-quality brew enjoyed in a unique and memorable European café setting.
9. Tanner Colson
Tanner Colson creates highly visual and educational coffee-making videos on TikTok. His content often features a voiceover explaining different brewing techniques, making it both beautiful to watch and informative for his followers.
What is a perfect coffee? For Tanner Colson, the perfect coffee is a specialty coffee that reveals unexpected and delightful flavors. His "aha" moment was tasting a natural Ethiopian coffee and realizing that coffee could be fruity and complex.
As a self-proclaimed "specialty coffee enthusiast," he aims to share his love for "good coffee" with his audience, suggesting that for him, a perfect cup is one that is high-quality and showcases the diverse and exciting flavor potential of the coffee bean.
10. Asaf Rauch
Asaf Rauch is a coffee shop owner and competitive latte artist who showcases his incredible skills on social media. His feed is filled with intricate and beautiful latte art designs, from detailed flowers to animals.
What is a perfect coffee? For Asaf Rauch, the perfect coffee is one where the quality of the espresso and the artistry of the latte art are in harmony. His journey began with a love for the craft of coffee, and he is passionate about creating tools that help both home and professional baristas perfect their latte art.
This focus on the visual and technical skill of latte art suggests that for him, a perfect coffee is not just about taste, but also about the beauty and precision of its presentation.
11. Erica (Espresso Barred)
Erica of Espresso Barred is a TikTok influencer known for her aesthetic "Make Coffee With Me" video series. She creates beautiful coffee drinks from her home cafe, inspiring her followers to elevate their own at-home coffee experience.
What is a perfect coffee? For Erica, the perfect coffee is a sweet and approachable drink. She has a fondness for sweet beverages and even judges coffee shops based on their sweet drink offerings. Her personal favorite is an iced chocolate cortado. This indicates that her ideal coffee is one that is delicious, comforting, and not overly bitter or complex.
12. Emilee Bryant
For those looking to perfect their latte art, Emilee Bryant's YouTube channel is an invaluable resource. She provides detailed tutorials that are helpful for both home baristas and professionals wanting to improve their skills.
What is a perfect coffee? Emilee Bryant's definition of a perfect coffee is multifaceted, encompassing both nostalgic comfort and indulgent flavors. She has a soft spot for classic diner coffee because of the memories associated with it.
At the same time, she also enjoys a sweet vanilla latte, especially on a hot day. Her passion for the craft is evident in her desire for her coffee to "express just how much energy I put into it." This suggests that for her, a perfect coffee can be simple and sentimental or a more crafted, sweet treat that reflects her dedication as a barista.
Summary of Opinions
The influencers' definitions of a "perfect coffee" can be grouped into several key themes, revealing that perfection is a matter of personal philosophy, whether that's rooted in technical mastery, artistic expression, or the simple joy of a delicious drink.
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The Purist's Pursuit of Flavor: For technically-minded experts like James Hoffmann and Lance Hedrick, the perfect coffee is often a black filter coffee or a well-executed espresso. They focus on meticulous brewing processes that unlock the bean's inherent, complex flavors. Perfection for them is about understanding the science and appreciating the nuanced "journey of flavor" in a clean, unadorned cup.
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The Artistic and Visual Creation: A significant group, including Vivian (CoffeeBae97), Dina Kalanta, and latte art champions Asaf Rauch and Emilee Bryant, defines perfection through creativity and aesthetics. For them, the visual appeal is as crucial as the taste. The perfect coffee is an artistic expression, whether it's an unconventional, visually stunning recipe or a latte crowned with intricate, perfectly poured art.
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The Accessible Home-Brewed Delight: Influencers like Morgan Eckroth, Ethan Rode, and Erica (Espresso Barred) champion the idea that a perfect coffee is an achievable pleasure made at home. Their ideal cup is often a classic and well-loved drink. They find perfection in crafting a delicious, high-quality beverage in their own kitchen and empowering their followers to do the same.
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The Overall Experience and Atmosphere: For creators like European Coffee Trip and Annie (The Rookie Barista), the perfect coffee transcends the liquid in the cup. It is intrinsically tied to the experience—the ambiance of a unique café, the culture of the city it's in, or the feeling of magic and comfort it provides. Perfection is found in the memorable context in which the coffee is enjoyed.
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