A countdown of our most-read online stories in 2025.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
What. A. Year.
Most of us can agree that 2025 brought its fair share of highs and lows—but through it all, coffee continued to be a constant, bringing comfort, inspiration, and connection to our daily lives. From coffee shop raves to travel guides in exciting cities, Barista Magazine Online writers showed up in a big way this year.
As we approach 2026, let’s taking a moment to look back and celebrate the stories you loved most in 2025.
#5: Signature Drinks Fuel Growth in Chinese Specialty-Coffee Scene
Long known for its tea industry, China is currently experiencing a rapid expansion of its specialty-coffee culture, with signature drinks—mixing coffee with tea, fruit, and more—trending amongst locals of Shanghai and other major cities. In our #5 story of 2025, Barista Magazine writer Jodee Fok takes a look at the Chinese coffee movement, what’s fueling it, and where it’s headed.
#4: Top 10 Coffee Shops in Lincoln, Nebraska
For several years, Nebraska’s state tourism slogan was, “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone.” But back in March, Barista Magazine writer Jon Ferguson took the time to showcase the beauty of what many consider “fly-over country,” delving into Lincoln’s expanding specialty-coffee scene in an in-depth two-part series.
#3: When Club Culture Meets Coffee—Exploring the Rise of Café Raves
This past summer, we were introduced to the “café rave” movement, exploring it as a response to dwindling night club culture across the globe. “Through a curious chain of events, dance music lovers have begun to embrace specialty-coffee on Saturday mornings,” Barista Magazine writer Kosta Kallivrousis shares. “From Los Angeles to Mumbai, to Singapore and Dubai, in big cities around the world, café raves have become a widespread phenomenon.”
#2: 4 of the Best Cafés to Visit in Lima, Peru
In our #2 story of the year, Michaela Tomchek takes us on a coffee tour through Lima, Peru, spotlighting four coffee shops serving up locally-grown brews.
“Peru is an extraordinary coffee-producing country—the world’s leading exporter of organic arabica—and home to a vast amount of hardworking smallholder producers,” she wrote. “Lima is the heart of the country, and its cafés bring coffee from all over the country to be brewed for locals and visitors alike.”
#1: What Your Coffee Order Says About You, According to Psychology
Whether you’re an iced latte loyalist or a black coffee purist, psychologists say that your go-to coffee order can reveal a lot about your personality. In our most-read article of 2025, Brianna Stefano shares her expertise in consumer behavior, revealing what your favorite drink says about you.
Cheers to a New Year
As we close out 2025, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our readers for being a part of the Barista Magazine community—your support is what inspires the stories we tell. Here’s to another year of exploration, community, and exceptional brews; we’ll see you in 2026!
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