There are some things in life that are just meant to be together. Man and woman. Beans and rice. Marshall and Lily.

This post is dedicated to those things that make coffee even better than it is on its own. There are dozens.

No. Hundreds.

But I only have time for 10. Here we go!

1. Friends

Specialty coffee is great by itself, but it’s given meaning when had with friends. Sure, I drink coffee by myself all the time.

But there’s nothing quite like having a friend over or taking a friend out for a sweet cup of nectar.

2. Stained Wood

Just look at this. There’s no way anyone could deny that coffee and stained wood looks beautiful together.

There’s something deep in us that makes these two things together a sight to see, but I have no insight into what that is.

3. Nutella Croissant Rolls

My girlfriend makes these babies every now and again. If I had a single pastry to pair with a cup of yummy goodness, it would be this.

No doubt in my mind whatsoever.

Making them is extremely simple and requires little time. You should learn.

4. Clouds / Rain

Like you’ve never sat in a warm room on a cold day sipping steaming coffee. There’s just something about the contrast between the sky and the drink that makes this combination incredibly relaxing.

5. Summer

Summer time is iced coffee time!

Just like warm coffee in the Winter, chilled coffee in the Summer will put your mind at ease and help your body move closer toward thermal equilibrium.

Read the full HyperChiller review. If you love iced coffee this is for you!

6. Studying

Whether it’s for a coming exam or your employer’s yearly review, coffee keeps us studying. Although we might not necessarily study with %100 clarity and focus, we can definitely study longer.

There’s just something about having a hot drink that makes us able and willing to actually pull out the books and get to it.

7. Milk and Sugar

Haha. Just kidding.

8. Clever Mugs

Craft coffee tastes good from just about any vessel, but it tastes even better from a camera lens, or Darth Vader’s head, or a toilet. True story.

9. Dim Lighting

Great shops know how to set the mood with dim lighting. We’re not talking candles-only, but small globe or Christmas lights at least. I’m such a sucker for solid ambiance lighting that I bought some Christmas lights for my apartment to help create the atmosphere that makes a fantastic companion to coffee.

10. Gandalf

“I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. Go back to the shadow. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun! You shall not pass!”