For many, brewing a cup of Joe is a much needed daily jolt of joy. But instead of opting for a cliché coffee shop blend, go for something locally curated with immense love: Pop’s Premium Coffee, owned and operated by a Paradise Valley mompreneur.
“The most wonderful thing about coffee is its ability to create connections - to bring people together,” says Kimberly Guimarin, founder, Pop’s Premium Coffee.
Kimberly Guimarin believes coffee is a lifestyle. Born and raised in Southern Illinois, the Pop’s Coffee founder and self-proclaimed “Daddy’s Girl” exercised her father’s inspiration to bring her brew to life.
“My dad is the namesake behind the brand; Pop or ‘Popuccino,' as my kids call him, always taught me to live a life without limitations,” she says.
Launched in 2017, the local coffee biz sells the highest quality coffee and espresso products online, also available in retail stores, restaurants and health clubs.
“All of Pop’s Coffee beans are small batch roasted to maintain freshness; even our flavored coffees are all natural, and we never use chemicals or oils. Plus, we’re responsibly sourced from fair trade and sustainable farms around the world.”
And there’s a story behind the blends. For example, the Espresso Italiano is inspired from a cafe in Rome where Kimberly's father scored an espresso 101 lesson from an Italian coffee connoisseur.
“Communicating over espresso comes naturally to me and my family.”
Recently debuted is the Pop’s Coffee Cart, an adorable setup making your next meeting, event or party delicious and memorable. The presentable brew-on-wheels offers curated options spanning coffee, lemonade and gourmet hot chocolate.
“To me, being a mom comes first, but with older kids, I craved more adult interaction and mental stimulation. I want my kids to see that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to without compromising yourself.”
And Kimberly continues to set an example; not just with her entrepreneurial spirit, but her philanthropic passion.
“'Show More Kindness Charity' is our family foundation. We wanted kindness to be our guiding force, so it was important to include it in the name.”
Every May, Kimberly and her family host a “Derby and Diamonds” fundraiser benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Their most recent May 2024 event raised over $150,000. smkcharity.com
Kimberly’s brew-worthy insight for coffee lovers:
Bean Freshness: Coffee beans start to lose their flavor shortly after roasting. Ideally, beans should be used within two to three weeks of roasting. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.
Grind Size: The grind size should match your brewing method. For instance, espresso requires a fine grind, while a French press needs a coarse grind. The right grind ensures proper extraction and optimal flavor.
Water Quality: Coffee is 98% water, so the quality of your water impacts the final taste. Use filtered water to avoid off-flavors caused by impurities.
Brewing Ratios: The coffee-to-water ratio influences strength and taste. A general starting point is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water.
Brewing Time: The time your coffee grounds are in contact with water affects extraction. For example, espresso takes about 25-30 seconds, while a French press requires 4 minutes. Adjusting the brew time can fine-tune the flavor.
Bean Origin: Coffee’s flavor is influenced by where it’s grown. Beans from different regions offer unique profiles thanks to variations in soil, climate, and altitude.
Roast Level: Roast level affects flavor and aroma. Lighter roasts preserve more of the beans’ original flavors, while darker roasts tend to have richer, more robust flavors.
popspremiumcoffee.com
Kimberly’s Creamy Espresso Martini
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3 ounces of brewed Pop's Espresso Italiano
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2 ounces- vodka
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1 ounce- Irish Cream Liqueur
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Fill martini shaker with ice
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Add espresso, vodka and liqueur to the shaker
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Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass
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Garnish with espresso beans
Join Kimberly’s Espresso Martini Workshops at Cordially: cordiallyphoenix.com