What to Buy for a Coffee Tasting

A coffee tasting needs more than a selection of beans. You also need enough cups and sample glasses for every guest, fresh water between coffees, equipment that works at the serving table, and small plates for snacks. Plan the shopping around the number of tasters and the number of coffees: each sample needs its own portion, label and tasting card. Check deliveries before the event, then buy perishable milk and pastries as close to the tasting as practical.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Buffet tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Small platesqty 60
Sample glassesqty 120
Water glassesqty 60
Cake platesqty 60
Teaspoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Coffee grindersqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coffee scalesqty 4
Timersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 6
Milk jugsqty 8
Pitcherqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving trays with lidsqty 4

Decorations

Sample cardsqty 60
Coffee labelsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Menu standsqty 8
Name badgesqty 60
Pensqty 60

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 4

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand brushes and dustpanqty 2
Mopqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Ethiopian coffee beans - 500 gram
- Colombian coffee beans - 500 gram
- Brazilian coffee beans - 500 grams
- Guatemalan coffee beans - 500 grams
- Kenyan coffee beans - 500 grams
- Decaf coffee beans - 500 gram
- Black tea - 80 bags
- Herbal tea - 40 bags
- Whole milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Brown sugar - 2 kilogram
- White sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Honey - 2 jars
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Butter cookies - 3 kilograms
- Mini muffins - 60 pieces
- Dark chocolate - 2 kilograms
- Milk chocolate - 1 kilogram
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Cocoa powder - 500 gram
- Nutmeg - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan 15–20 g of coffee beans per person for each tasting sample, then add one extra portion per coffee so a spill or second pour does not stop the session.
Provide at least one sample glass or cup per person per coffee, plus 10% spare. Separate drinking cups from sample cups so guests do not run out during the tasting.
Allow 500–750 ml of drinking water per guest, in addition to the water needed to brew the coffees. Put water glasses and filled jugs at the water station before guests arrive.
Buy or prepare 2–3 small snack portions per person, such as pastry or cake pieces. Keep chilled milk and other perishable items cold until setup, rather than placing them on the table early.
Check coffee machines, grinders, kettles, scales, timers and extension cords at least one day before the tasting. Bring one power strip and at least one spare extension cord if several stations share a room.

Frequently asked questions

How much coffee do I need for a coffee tasting?: Use 15–20 g of beans per person for each coffee sample. For 12 guests tasting four coffees, that is 720–960 g, plus one extra portion per coffee for spills and repeat pours.
How many cups do I need for a coffee tasting?: Count one sample glass or cup per person for every coffee, then add 10% spare. For 12 guests and four coffees, prepare at least 53 sample cups, plus separate drinking cups if coffee will also be served normally.
How much water should I buy for a coffee tasting?: Plan 500–750 ml of drinking water per guest, on top of brewing water. A tasting for 12 people therefore needs 6–9 litres for drinking alone, served in water jugs with a glass for each guest.
When should I buy milk and pastries for a coffee tasting?: Buy milk and other chilled products no more than 1–2 days before the tasting, and collect pastries on the day if possible. Keep them in a cooler or refrigerator until the water and milk station is set up.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.