Kerem Köksaldı’s journey into the world of coffee didn’t begin with grand ambitions, but with a simple moment of curiosity as a 15-year-old in Istanbul. Standing outside a boutique café, mesmerized by the espresso machine, he thought, “I should be a part of this bar.” That single thought marked the beginning of a coffee journey that would shape his life, much like the many baristas around the world who discover their passion through quiet, everyday moments.
Kerem Köksaldı
Karem’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s the quiet, everyday moments that make it memorable—like brewing a cold brew at a cocktail festival in 2019, where he realized the harmony between coffee and mixology. Kerem’s ability to fuse his interests in coffee and mixology reflects the growing trend of baristas exploring new and creative avenues within the coffee world. He hopes to be one of the few to successfully bridge these two fields in Turkey.
Kerem’s passion for coffee isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. Every cup of coffee carries a story for him, and he continues to explore new flavors with the same excitement he felt when he first started. One particular memory stands out from 2017 when he drank an espresso with linden tasting notes at Coffee Department in Istanbul. “
It felt like I was drinking linden tea that looked like espresso,”
he recalls. It was a defining moment in his career, solidifying his love for specialty coffee and its complexity.
The challenges he’s faced—like the frustration of not tasting expected notes in a cup or the financial difficulty of accessing equipment—are familiar to many baristas. Yet, despite these obstacles, Kerem has found strength in his community. Sharing resources and equipment with fellow baristas has fostered a sense of camaraderie, creating bonds that go beyond the coffee bar.
Beyond coffee, Kerem’s other passions—science fiction novels, classic rock music, and food—add another layer to his personality. He’s an avid reader of classic sci-fi, particularly “The Demolished Man” by Alfred Bester, and his favorite song, the Krono Remix of “Dancin” by Aaron Smith, often accompanies his brewing rituals. These hobbies reflect his creative side, allowing him to stay grounded and inspired.
In his first national competition this year, Kerem placed fifth, an achievement that reaffirmed his dedication to the craft. “For me, success is learning even from defeat,” he says, a mindset that has kept him going despite the hurdles. His story is one that many baristas can relate to—a journey filled with ups and downs, passion, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. Coffee, for Kerem Köksaldı, isn’t just a profession—it’s a lifestyle, a way of expressing creativity and connecting with people.
For baristas like Kerem, success isn’t measured by titles but by the daily commitment to perfecting their craft, learning from every experience, and sharing their passion with others. His story reminds us that coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a journey filled with personal growth
Editor’s Note: While working on Kerem Köksaldı’s story, we played his favorite song, Krono Remix of “Dancin” by Aaron Smith. For a few moments, we felt as if Kerem was right there, brewing a perfect cup of coffee. It’s remarkable how music and coffee can both connect people and evoke emotion. Combining these passions, Kerem has created something uniquely his own—more than just a barista, but a person defined by his art and his individuality.
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