The GROU Journal
Stories from coffee, work and local impact.
Notes on specialty coffee, our community and life in Coral Gables.
Arabica vs Robusta: What You’re Really Tasting in the Cup
Understand how Arabica and Robusta differ in flavor, caffeine, growing conditions and use, without treating either species as a shortcut for quality.
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Washed vs Natural Coffee: How Processing Changes Flavor
Washed and natural describe what happens after coffee cherries are picked. Learn how each process works and what it can change in the cup.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A Barista Guide for Every Brewing Method
A practical guide to measuring coffee and water for pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew and espresso, then adjusting the recipe to your taste.
How to Store Coffee Beans So They Stay Fresh Longer
Protect coffee beans from air, heat, light and moisture with a simple storage routine, and learn when freezing makes sense.
Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants? What Actually Works
Used coffee grounds can support compost and soil in moderation. Learn what they do, what can harm plants and how to use them responsibly.
Café con Leche vs Latte: What’s the Difference?
Both combine coffee and milk, but café con leche and latte come from different traditions and differ in coffee base, texture, balance and occasion.
Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine? Decaf vs Regular Coffee
Decaf is not completely caffeine-free. Learn how much caffeine it usually contains, how it is made and how flavor compares with regular coffee.
What Is a Cortadito? Miami's Coffee, Explained
A cortadito is Cuban espresso cut with steamed milk and sweetened as it brews. The sugar is the part everyone gets wrong.
Dog Friendly Coffee Shops in Coral Gables and Miami
Twelve dog friendly patios in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, plus the part most lists skip: dog friendly means the patio, and how you reach that patio is written into Florida law.
Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: The Only Guide You Need
Most people order by size. The real difference between these drinks is how the milk is textured and how much of it there is.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Why They Are Not the Same Drink
One is steeped cold for twelve hours or more. The other is hot coffee poured over ice. They taste nothing alike and one has far more caffeine.
GROU Coffee: Your Next Girls' Day Out in Coral Gables
Looking for the perfect café to meet with friends in Coral Gables? Discover why GROU Coffee is the ultimate spot for coffee, healthy breakfasts, fun art events, and good vibes.
Best Breakfast in Coral Gables: 13 Places to Start the Day
A local guide to the best breakfast in Coral Gables, from Cuban bakery counters and pastry flagships to the specialty coffee shop near Merrick Park where you can eat and then stay to work.