Surviving an Espresso Addiction during the Recession

By Andrew J. Warren

March 15, 2009

I am an unabashed fan of coffee. A cup of flavorful brew in the morning helps me get going and stay active throughout my day at the office, and a cup at night relaxes me when I spend time with friends or just watch television with my girlfriend Kate.
For the past few years, I've become hooked on the rich roasted flavor of espresso. I simply must have a latte every morning, and I like to drink an espresso after work before spending a relaxing evening at home.

It wasn't long before I realized that I was spending enormous amounts of money at both my favorite cafe, Giovanni's, and at Starbucks. My main problem is that I live just a few blocks from my office in Manhattan, and Giovanni's is located right between the two, so it's difficult not to stop in and pick up a latte. And of course, in New York City, Starbucks are everywhere.
So one quiet evening, after looking over our increasing credit card bills and trying to locate some budget cuts, Kate finally tallied all of the money I'd spent at the cafe and Starbucks. She doesn't understand my espresso addiction, so she freaked. "You're spending over 2 grand every year on your coffee!"
We came to discover that my two drinks of coffee every day was costing me around $2,300 per year - a figure which did not even include other coffee shop trips and food purchases at the cafes.
That's how much my love for espresso was costing me!
I was shocked. Well, I realized right then and there that I could no longer afford to spend that much money. I had promised Kate that we would spend a month in Europe, and since I probably wouldn't be getting the raise I imagined I would that year - times were getting tough, after all - I knew I had to cut back on something.

I initially decided to just curtail my trips to the cafe. That just didn't seem to work, however.
I even tried some of the cheaper coffee, but it just wasn't tasty enough.
So one day I went into Giovanni's and, laden with guilt, purchased a latte. As I sat there and watched the barista, a bored-looking student form NYU, standing around waiting for another shot of espresso to finish brewing, I realized that I could do what he was doing just as easily in my own home. I'd probably enjoy it more, as well.
Then I remembered that Bill, a friend of mine from the office, had an espresso machine in his kitchen, which he used constantly.
Well, right then and there, I decided that was what I need. I was going to invest in an espresso machine of my own.

First, I did some research on the internet and spoke with some friends, who also enjoy espresso, about which machine to purchase. I read lots of articles on the internet and looked for something that I thought would be affordable and easy to use, but would also be up to my high standards of quality.
Ultimately, I chose the same espresso machine Bill had purchased - a highly praised Italian machine I found on the internet.

I was extremely excited the day that it arrived! After quickly installing and priming the machine in my kitchen, I brewed my first latte.
To this day, it was the best coffee I've ever had! Not only was it delicious, but the process of brewing the coffee and then sipping my own latte in the comfort of my warm, quiet house was very relaxing.
Since then, I've experimented with many different kinds of beans and ways of serving espresso; I started with cappuccino, cafe latte, and cafe macchiato. Trying all these new drinks, and becoming invested in the process of brewing and then serving the espresso, was interesting and fun!
I've since decided that I still prefer cafe latte to other espresso drinks, but I still enjoy some variation now and then.

The decision to purchase an espresso machine nearly two years ago was a stroke of genius. I've saved a ton of money! The amount I invested in the Lelit 42 semi-automatic machine, as well as the annual bean purchases and other associated costs, has already paid off when compared with what I used to spend at shops and cafes.
I previously bought two lattes every day at around $3.20 per drink at coffee shops; the total cost per month was around $200, which is $2,400 per year.
On the other hand, the initial investment in the espresso machine cost me $850, including shipping, with a couple hundred more for the other accessories and paraphernalia. I have spent an additional $500 per year on delicious coffee grounds from New England Coffee Company in the first year.
My friend turned me on to them; and while I was initially skeptical about finding good beans in the city, as opposed to importing Italian grounds, I almost couldn't believe the quality when I tasted the espresso they produced - it was just that good.
So all things considered, I saved around $1,000 in the first year alone, and now save just under $2,000 per year. My cost per drink is approximately one-fifth of what I would spend at Starbucks or Giovanni's, not counting tips and other related expenses. Unbelievable!

Now I drink espresso whenever I want. I no longer am forced to deal with the lines, crowds, and salesmanship of the major coffee retailers.
And instead of spending lots of money meeting people at expensive restaurants, I have a few friends over almost every night because I'm able to provide a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
And my parties have become huge hits due to the cafe quality espresso drinks which I serve after dinner and throughout the evening. People come over so often that I've become an excellent host, and a better chef to boot!

My only wish is that I'd been bold enough to purchase my own espresso machine early. It has become an invaluable addition to my life, bringing me closer to my friends and colleagues.
Now that I've saved enough money, Kate and I have finally decided to book our trip to Europe. We decided to vacation in Milan to see who makes better espresso: me, or the masters themselves!

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