From Barista Sketches to Championship Stages: Morgan Eckroth Publishes First Coffee Handbook
In a detailed interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting (opb.org) host Crystal Ligori, Portland coffee creator Morgan Eckroth discussed the trajectory that led from an initial cafe job at age 18 to winning the U.S. Barista Championship and releasing a comprehensive new volume titled Coffee, for Here: The Ultimate Handbook for At-Home Coffee Enthusiasts.
Eckroth operates out of a self-made studio in Northwest Portland, where natural light pours through large windows near a shiny silver espresso machine and shelves stocked with glassware, spices, and a cotton candy machine. That workspace served as the backdrop for demonstrating recipes like the Old-Timey—a coffee beverage inspired by an old-fashioned cocktail featured in the book—on Oct. 8, 2026, as reported by opb.org.
Growing up without a household coffee culture, Eckroth encountered the beverage for the first time at age 16 after obtaining a driver’s license. The hospitality shown by welcoming baristas at a local cafe sparked an immediate interest. Later, while starting college at Oregon State University, Eckroth secured a first barista position.
Building a Digital Presence During COVID-19
Studying marketing at OSU while working behind the espresso bar, Eckroth launched social video content under the handle @morgandrinkscoffee in 2019 to bridge those two professional interests. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced cafe closures and resulted in job loss, the digital platform expanded rapidly.
What began as short barista sketches capturing daily cafe interactions eventually evolved. Eckroth began incorporating competition recipes and technical beverage development that previously stayed off camera, amassing more than eight million followers across social media platforms.
“I’ve always wanted to write a book that essentially says that it doesn’t matter whether you take your coffee black or with cream and sugar; it matters more that you care about your coffee.” Morgan Eckroth's new book comes out tomorrow. https://t.co/ZkkBlTe8GM
Winning the 2022 U.S. Barista Championship provided the momentum needed to turn long-held creative writing ambitions into a published book. Eckroth noted a lifelong background in creative writing, recalling drafting fan fiction at age 11 before undertaking the extensive research required for the handbook.
Researching History and Testing Complex Recipes
The resulting volume spans more than 40 recipes alongside historical context, agricultural information, and step-by-step brew guides. According to opb.org, the opening chapter dedicated to coffee history required just as much time to research as the rest of the publication combined, involving deep dives into ancient articles and primary literary sources.
Unlike quick online video production, the book’s recipe development relied on formal testing procedures. Eckroth collaborated with home testers who evaluated formulations repeatedly to ensure accessibility for everyday drinkers alongside complex, high-complexity creations drawn from championship routines.
The final chapter collects signature beverages from Eckroth’s time in the U.S. Barista Championship, designed to serve as aspirational exercises that demonstrate the full potential of specialty coffee preparation.
