Book a Class.

Whether you’re new to coffee or have been brewing at home for years, there’s always more to learn. Our classes are hands-on and relaxed, and we’ll meet you wherever you’re at. Come ready to taste, explore, and get hands-on guidance.

Barista 101

What to Expect

  • Espresso: How to pull a good shot and why it tastes the way it does. We’ll cover choosing beans, dialing in your grind, and adjusting dose and time until the shot is dialed in and tasting its best.

  • Milk steaming: How to steam milk to a smooth, glossy texture for lattes. You’ll also try pouring your first latte art.

  • Machine care: The simple cleaning and maintenance that keep your machine working well, plus how to sort out the most common problems.

Who It’s For

Home baristas at any level who want to make better coffee and understand what they’re doing. If you’re just getting started or you’ve been making espresso for a while and want to improve, Barista 101 will help.

Class length: 2 hours
When: Mondays at 4:00 or 5:30 pm
Cost: $165 per person. Classes are limited to 2 people, so you get plenty of hands-on time.

FAQ for Barista 101

  • Nope! We start with the basics and adjust to the group. If you already make espresso at home, we'll help you troubleshoot and refine your technique.

  • Yes. By sharing a space with The Common Market, holding classes on Mondays helps ensure a better learning atmosphere. We only offer classes after our shop closes, so earlier in the day is not possible at this time.

  • At Mid Bloom Coffee inside The Common Market, 1821 Green St, Durham. The building has a parking lot. If that is full, there is plenty of free street parking.

  • The class is $165 per person. That includes all coffee, milk, and equipment use, and 2 hours of guided expert instruction.

  • Classes are capped at 2 participants, so everyone gets plenty of time on the machine and one-on-one coaching.

    • Dialing in espresso: grind, dose, yield and time, and how to taste the difference

    • Steaming whole milk to silky microfoam

    • An introduction to latte pouring and latte art

    • How lattes and cappucinos differ

    • Tips for getting better results from your own setup at home

    • A few tips on machine care

  • Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, since milk can splash. If you have an espresso machine at home, take a picture of it so we can give you curated tips.

  • Yes to both. Private classes are available. Email casey@midbloomcoffee.com to set one up. Mid Bloom gift cards can be used toward a class.

  • You can cancel for a full refund up to a week before class. After that, we can move you to another Monday [once] or you can send a friend in your place. If we cancel a class, you'll get a full refund or a spot in another session.

  • We had a wonderful experience! Casey covered all aspects of dialing in espresso, milk frothing, and machine care. We are mainly home coffee enthusiasts, but I really loved learning on a real commerial setup (La Marzocco, etc...). Thank you Casey for a wonderful experience!

    Tony

  • "My wife and I did a coffee course the owner, Casey, offers and we were blown away with the knowledge and expertise she had. Although we just wanted to upgrade our coffee making at home, I feel as though I could open my own coffee shop thanks to the through training and easy-to-follow course. I definitely will recommend Mid-Bloom Coffee for anything, from training to simply getting a great latte."

    Ryan

  • My husband and I took the barista class with Casey, and learned so much! Casey is very knowledgeable about all things coffee, and it is clear that her passion and expertise have translated into Mid-Bloom. Highly recommend the class offered at Mid-Bloom as well as stopping in for a truly delicious coffee beverage.

    Sara Mae

  • I had a wonderful experience taking the barista 101 class with Casey. She was very thorough and answered all of the questions that I had. This class taught me how to properly dial my first shot! I highly recommend her class!

    Areli

Ready to sign up?

Email Casey at casey@midbloomcoffee.com

Group Cupping Class

Looking for a unique and engaging activity for friends, coworkers, or team-building? Join us for a guided coffee cupping session led by a trained coffee professional.

Cupping is the method used by coffee professionals to evaluate the quality and characteristics of coffee beans—and it’s also a fun, sensory-filled way to explore coffee with others. Together, you'll sample a curated selection of specialty coffees from around the world and learn how to assess aroma, flavor notes, body, and acidity.

No prior experience needed—this session is designed to be approachable for beginners while still offering something new for coffee enthusiasts. It’s the perfect mix of education, interaction, and discovery. This experience can be set up at your office or another community space—we just need access to a table and a few outlets.

Class Length: 2 – 2.5 hours
Cost: $250 for groups of up to 15 people. Please inquire about pricing for larger groups.

Location: Community space of your choosing - office, community space, or common space in apartment building.

“I recently attended a group coffee cupping class and it completely exceeded my expectations. Casey, owner of Mid-Bloom was incredibly knowledgeable and guided us through each step of the tasting process in a way that was both approachable and insightful.

We sampled a variety of beans, learned about the process and story behind each blend, and were educated on the proper cupping techniques. The environment was relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for both beginners and more experienced coffee lovers.

I left with a deeper appreciation for coffee and the complex process behind every cup. Highly recommend this class to anyone curious about coffee or looking for a fun and educational group activity!”

-Sara