Judging by the numerous cafes and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops around Auckland, it’s no secret that New Zealanders love their coffee. A morning coffee is how the majority of us start our days, but many of us are guilty of rushing this essential part of our routine — picking up a cup of Joe to go and chugging it down while trying to balance our cellphones between our cheeks and shoulders.

Nespresso, in a move that reminds us to pause for thought when drinking our coffees, is taking us away from this fast-paced culture with its latest range of capsules, inspired by the hallowed coffee houses that were found in cities like Istanbul and Venice between the 16th and 18th Centuries. These coffee houses were gathering places, where grand debates took place and important decisions were made, all underpinned by good coffee.

The two new Limited Edition coffee capsules, Café Istanbul and Caffè Venezia take inspiration from two of the most iconic coffee houses in the world. Apparently, the world’s first coffee house to open was located in Constantinople (the fallen capital city of the Roman Empire) in 1555. It was a site of vibrant and vivacious energy, which Nespresso has captured in its Café Istanbul capsule through intense flavours that boast notes of spice and black pepper. Meanwhile, Caffè Venezia refers to the longest running coffee house of 287 years, Caffè Florian, located in beautiful Venice. Here, the capsule showcases the romantic nature of the city through its fruity and floral notes which are mixed with a complex blend to lend a unique and rich flavour that lingers on the palate.

Ultimately, the new Limited Edition capsules encourage Nespresso drinkers to take a moment to sit and savour their coffee, just as one might have back in the day. It’s time to turn off your phone, hold your cup with both hands, clear your mind and converse with your fellow coffee-drinking friends.

For more information on Nespresso’s Café Istanbul and Caffè Venezia capsules and where to buy them, click here.