Summer at Arbutus: Seasonal Sips and Sunny Kitsilano Moments

Summer in Kitsilano transforms our neighborhood into an outdoor living room, and at Arbutus Coffee, we embrace the season with drinks and treats designed for Vancouver's beautiful sunny days. As the morning light streams through our cottage windows earlier and stays longer, we adapt our offerings to match the energy and warmth of summer in our corner of the city.

Cold Brew: The Heart of Summer Coffee

Our cold brew process begins the night before, as we steep coarsely ground beans in cold water for hours, creating a smooth, less acidic coffee concentrate that's perfect for warm weather. Unlike traditional iced coffee, cold brew brings out different flavor notes – often revealing chocolate and caramel undertones while maintaining a clean, refreshing finish.

We serve our cold brew over ice, but it's versatile enough to customize however you prefer. Add a splash of cream for richness, try it with our house-made simple syrups, or enjoy it black to appreciate the full complexity of the slow extraction process. Many of our regular customers have discovered that cold brew makes an excellent afternoon pick-me-up without the intensity of hot espresso.

Iced Espresso Creations

For those who love the boldness of espresso even in summer, our iced espresso drinks maintain all the complexity of our hot beverages while providing the refreshment warm weather demands. Our iced lattes showcase the marriage between expertly-pulled espresso and cold milk, creating a balanced drink that's both energizing and cooling.

The iced cappuccino might seem like a contradiction, but it's become a summer favorite among our customers who appreciate the way cold milk foam changes the texture and drinking experience. We've perfected the ratios to ensure each iced espresso drink maintains the flavor profile you expect while delivering the temperature you crave.

Seasonal Light Bites for Sunny Days

Summer calls for lighter fare, and our kitchen responds with house-prepared meals that complement rather than compete with the season's energy. Fresh salads featuring local ingredients, light sandwiches perfect for taking on neighborhood walks, and seasonal baked treats that satisfy without weighing you down on warm afternoons.

Our summer pastry selection often includes lighter options – think lemon bars that pair beautifully with iced coffee, seasonal fruit tarts, and always-popular items that travel well for picnics in nearby parks or beach visits.

The Best Sunny Spots to Enjoy Your Coffee

Living in Kitsilano means having access to some of Vancouver's most beautiful outdoor spaces, and we love helping customers discover the perfect spot to enjoy their summer coffee. The Arbutus Greenway provides shaded walking paths and sunny clearings ideal for sipping cold brew while watching the city wake up.

Nearby parks offer benches with views of the mountains, and the tree-lined residential streets create natural outdoor rooms perfect for a leisurely coffee break. Many customers have discovered that summer mornings in Kitsilano are best enjoyed with movement – coffee in hand, exploring the neighborhood's quiet corners and hidden gardens.

Staff Picks for Summer Sipping

Our baristas, who experience every seasonal transition with our customers, have developed their own summer favorites. The combination of cold brew with a splash of oat milk has become unexpectedly popular. Iced matcha lattes provide an alternative to coffee while maintaining that morning ritual feeling.

For afternoon visits, many staff members recommend our espresso tonic – a refreshing combination that surprises first-time customers with its complexity and cooling properties. These personal recommendations often lead customers to discover new favorites that become part of their own summer routines.

Creating Summer Rituals

Summer in Vancouver is precious and brief, making every sunny morning feel like a gift. We've noticed how our customers develop summer-specific rituals – the early morning cold brew before a bike ride, the afternoon iced latte during a work break, the weekend coffee that accompanies neighborhood exploration.

These seasonal rhythms remind us why we love being part of the Kitsilano community. Our cottage becomes a starting point for summer adventures, a cool refuge during warm afternoons, and a place where the season's best moments begin with expertly-prepared coffee designed for sunny Vancouver days.

Summer at Arbutus Coffee celebrates the intersection of quality coffee and seasonal living – where every cold brew is crafted with the same care as our winter espresso, and every sunny morning offers a new opportunity to discover what makes Kitsilano summers so special.