The best coffees to drink depending on the time of day

Drinking coffee is a daily pleasure for many of us. But did you know that not all coffees are created equal depending on the time of day?

Depending on the time, your energy level, or your sensitivity to caffeine, some types of coffee are more suitable than others. Here is a practical guide to help you choose your coffee better in the morning, at lunchtime, or in the evening.

In the morning: opt for a stimulating yet balanced coffee

Recommended: 100% Arabica espresso or Ethiopian coffee

Upon waking, your body needs a boost to get going. A light espresso made with Arabica will give you the energy you need without being too harsh. Arabica is indeed less rich in caffeine than Robusta, while offering more subtle aromas.

Ethiopian coffee is also an excellent option for starting the day right, thanks to its fruity, floral notes and low bitterness.

Avoid: very dark-roasted coffees, which are too bitter or high in caffeine, as they can cause digestive issues or nervousness.

Late morning: opt for smoothness and concentration

Recommended: filter coffee

Between 10:30 a.m. and noon, your body is generally well awake. This is the ideal time for a mild filter coffee, which offers an extended aromatic experience without too much caffeine.

In the afternoon: light coffee or mild alternatives

Recommended: cold brew, pour-over coffee, or decaf

After lunch, opt for gentle extraction methods such as cold brew or the AeroPress, which reduce bitterness and caffeine content. Coffees with fruity or floral notes, originating from Ethiopia or Costa Rica, are perfect for this time of day.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, opt for a high-quality decaffeinated coffee, ideally obtained through a natural water-based process (without solvents).

In the evening: choices that won't affect your sleep

Recommended: natural decaf or cascara infusion

After 5 p.m., it is advisable to avoid caffeine. To continue enjoying the aromas of coffee without suffering its effects, opt for:

• A decaffeinated coffee made using gentle methods (such as the Swiss Water Process);
  
  
• A cascara infusion, made from the dried husk of the coffee cherry, with naturally fruity notes.

These drinks will allow you to end your day on a pleasant note without disrupting your sleep.

Good to know

• It takes an average of 6 hours for caffeine to be eliminated from the body.
  
  
• Robusta contains up to twice as much caffeine as Arabica.
  
  
• A light roast helps preserve the complex aromas of a coffee, unlike a dark roast, which develops roasted and bitter notes.

Source: World Coffee Research (2023) – worldcoffeeresearch.org

Shoukâ's advice: our coffees for every time of day

At Shoukâ, we roast specialty coffees every week in our workshop in Chamonix. All our coffees are traceable, selected from committed producers, and offered as whole beans or ground to order.

Here is our ideal selection to accompany your day:

Our coffees are available in our shops in Chamonix, Lyon, and Annecy, as well as in our online store. Would you like to know more about our coffees or receive personalized advice? Feel free to visit us in-store or write to us.