Coffee as an ingredient is a concept we’ve been chewing on for years here at Sprudge. New York City’s Joe Coffee Company Ready To Use Espresso is unique in the category of Ready To Drink in that (like the name suggests) it’s ready to be whatever you want it be. Use it to make espresso-based beverages at home, use it in your next tiramisu moment, or grab a couple of shot glasses with some friends and get real wild.
The bottles cost $25 and yields twenty-five servings, making the cost of each shot the same price as a single ‘spro from 1996. RTU Espresso is made with their signature Waverly Espresso Blend (notes of fig, dark chocolate, orange) using BKON’s Coldstretto tech. We spoke with Creative Director Ned Semoff to learn more.
Tell us about the Ready To Use Espresso!
Ready to use Espresso enables the creation of a variety of craft beverage recipes and allowing for individual beverage customization. Reaching beyond beverages, it can also be used as an ingredient in other culinary applications such as baked goods and confections. Our partner BKON, a leader in brew technology, has pushed the envelope in cold coffee extraction for more than a decade. Here at Joe Coffee, we’ve been lucky enough to work with BKON for years to bring perfectly balanced cold brew, made with our fan-favorite Great Heights, to scale in all of our cafes. But the typical cold brew process cuts the acidity in coffee—for many coffee drinkers a plus, but for espresso fans, this can be a dealbreaker. Acidity, when balanced with sweetness and bitterness, is what makes coffee so interesting.
This Ready to use Espresso maintains some of the pleasing acidity, sumptuous texture, and heightened flavors Waverly is known for. The magic of espresso can only be produced by using an espresso machine—until now. to the innovation of Coldstretto® extractions from our partners at BKON, our Ready to use Espresso captures Joe Coffee’s signature Waverly espresso profile in a shelf-stable ready-to-use format. This first-of-its-kind coffee concentrate enables the crafting of a traditional cold espresso drink without the complexity or cost of cafe equipment.
Where is it available?
In all cafes, Joe Coffee Online, Amazon, Ember, Bean Box ,Walmart, Faire, Unifi Marketplace, Air goods, In addition to being available for purchase, our Ready to use Espresso is featured at select partner locations, including: Shake Shack, where it’s blended into milkshakes Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA, where it’s crafted into cocktails Juice Press, where it’s added to coffee smoothies.
Who is the target customer for this product?
For the everyday coffee lover: This is the perfect at-home staple to elevate your espresso game—no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re craving a classic latte in the morning or mixing up an espresso martini to wind down at night, this ready to use espresso makes it all effortless and delicious. For hospitality professionals: Ideal for cafes, bars, or event spaces with limited equipment, power, or staff training, this product makes it easy to offer a traditional iced espresso menu without compromise. And for those looking to push the envelope, it’s a dream for developing innovative cocktails and signature espresso drinks—smooth, consistent, and ready to use straight from the bottle.
How are folks describing the taste?
Ready to use Espresso is bold yet balanced, with a rich, smooth body and a naturally sweet finish. It features notes of fig, dark chocolate, and orange, creating a versatile flavor that shines both on its own and when mixed into drinks. Whether served over ice, in a latte, or shaken into a cocktail, it delivers the signature depth of espresso without any bitterness or bite—just clean, full-bodied flavor in every pour.
Do you have future RTD products in development?
We’re continuing to explore new ways to use our Ready to use Espresso across our cafes, particularly in developing innovative drink creations. One area of focus is the potential launch of a decaf version. This would cater to people who love the flavor of espresso but are looking for a caffeine-free option—especially useful in cocktails or after-dinner beverages where the taste matters more than the boost. We’re also rethinking the current 25 fl oz format. While it works well for in-cafe use, there’s growing interest in a smaller, more portable version that would support to-go use, retail opportunities, and potential ready to drink applications.
Final thoughts on the RTD category?
We’re continuing to explore new ways to use our Ready to use Espresso across our cafes, particularly in developing innovative drink creations. One area of focus is the potential launch of a decaf version. This would cater to people who love the flavor of espresso but are looking for a caffeine-free option—especially useful in cocktails or after-dinner beverages where the taste matters more than the boost. We’re also rethinking the current 25 fl oz format. While it works well for in-cafe use, there’s growing interest in a smaller, more portable version that would support to-go use, retail opportunities, and potential ready to drink applications.
Thank you!
