7 Must-Try Brews in the Open Air Homes Coffee and Tea Guide

Discover new brewing styles, taste premium beans, and take the experience home.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re waking up in one of our Open Air Homes and staring at more coffee-making options than you’ve seen in a long time.

That’s intentional.

Our Open Air Homes coffee and tea guide is designed to give guests more than just a way to wake up — it’s an experience. A moment to slow down, try something new, and discover what you truly love to drink.

We’ve partnered with each homeowner to create a unique coffee and tea setup. Some homes have more space and can fit multiple brewing methods. Others are more compact but still offer at least two great ways to make your morning cup. What’s consistent across every home is that you’ll have something worth experimenting with.

Why We’re Doing This

Southern California is full of great cafés, but there’s something special about brewing coffee or tea at home while the light pours in through the windows of a space that’s yours — even for a short stay.

We also believe part of travel is about trying new things. Maybe you’ve never made French press coffee, or maybe you’ve only seen a Chemex in a hipster café. This Open Air Homes coffee and tea guide is your chance to experiment without pressure, taste the difference, and maybe even go home with a new favorite.

The Coffee and Tea Station Setup

We want your morning to be easy and enjoyable — not a scavenger hunt for caffeine. That’s why we organize everything in one spot so you can see your brewing options, choose your beans or tea, and get started right away.

At the heart of the setup is our Walnut Tray, which keeps all brewing tools, accessories, and ingredients in one place. Coffee beans, teas, and sweeteners are stored in Glass Jars so you can quickly identify what you’re reaching for without digging through cabinets uncaffeinated.

Whether you’re a coffee purist or a tea enthusiast, the goal is simple: everything you need, beautifully presented, and ready to use.

Brewing Options You Might Find in Your Home

Our favorite beans for any method? Intelligentsia Diablo Dark Roast — rich, smooth, and bold without bitterness.

Staying in SoCal might also be your sign to be adventurous and try oat milk if you haven’t yet. We’re loving Minor Figures Oat Milk — creamy, slightly sweet, and crafted for coffee drinks.

Drip Coffee Maker
There are so many great options, but we often recommend the Cuisinart Coffee Maker for reliability and consistent brewing.

French Press
We like the Bodum French Press, but there are other great options too.

• Add coarsely ground coffee (about 2 tbsp per 6 oz water).

• Pour in hot water (just off boil), stir gently, and place the lid on with the plunger up.

• Steep for 4 minutes, then press slowly.

Chemex
We love the Large Chemex, but here’s a money-saving tip — you can buy knockoff filters that work just as well as the brand name Chemex Filters.

• Place filter inside and rinse with hot water.

• Add medium-coarse grounds.

• Slowly pour hot water in a circular motion, letting it bloom for 30 seconds before continuing.

Nespresso Machine
The fastest way to get a rich, café-style drink. We recommend the Nespresso Machine for convenience and flavor.

• Insert capsule, place your cup, and press brew.

• Great for espresso shots or longer coffees depending on the capsule.

Keurig
Not our favorite for environmental reasons, but if your home has one, it’s quick and reliable.

Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Perfect for pour-over or French press. Slow pouring gives you control and a little meditative calm in the morning. Bodum Gooseneck

Tea Time

If you’re not a coffee drinker — or just want something soothing in the evening — we’ve stocked homes with some of our favorites.

• Caffeinated: Mariage Frères Wedding Impérial Tea – You’ve already splurged by treating yourself to an Open Air Homes stay. Now’s the time to splurge on the best tea we have ever tasted. Smooth, rich, and unforgettable.

• Caffeine-free: The Republic of Tea Chamomile Rose – Perfect for nighttime, floral and calming.
  Tip: If you’re trying to avoid alcohol or simply drink less in the evenings, make yourself a cup of this tea. It’s surprisingly satisfying.

How to Make a Latte at Home (with the Nespresso Frother)

If your home has a Nespresso frother, you can make a latte without leaving the kitchen.

1. Brew your espresso – Use the Nespresso machine and a capsule made for espresso.

2. Froth your milk – Pour oat milk, whole milk, or your favorite alternative into the frother. Press the button for hot foam.

3. Combine – Pour your espresso into a mug, then add the frothed milk. Use a spoon to hold back foam if you want more liquid, then top with foam at the end.

4. Optional extras – Sprinkle cinnamon, cocoa powder, or add a splash of vanilla syrup.

How to Make a Cappuccino

A cappuccino is similar to a latte but with more foam and a stronger espresso-to-milk ratio.

1. Brew your espresso – One shot for a small cappuccino, two for a larger one.

2. Froth your milk – Use the Nespresso frother, but fill it only halfway so you get more foam.

3. Layer – Pour espresso into your cup, add a small amount of steamed milk, then spoon the foam generously on top.

4. Finishing touch – A dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon makes it café-perfect.

If You’re Staying Longer, How Lucky

When you have more than a couple of mornings here, you get to really play with different brewing styles. If you fall in love with any of these coffee or tea options, or want to set up a coffee station of your own in the home, links are attached so you can purchase them for yourself:

• Walnut Tray for the Coffee Bar

• Glass Jars for Coffee and Tea

• Bodum Gooseneck Electric Kettle

• Bodum French Press

• Chemex Filters

• Large Chemex

• Nespresso Machine

• Nespresso Frother

• Mariage Frères Wedding Impérial Tea

• Intelligentsia Diablo Coffee

• Cuisinart Coffee Maker

• The Republic of Tea Chamomile Rose

• Minor Figures Oat Milk