Coffee lovers head to the U.S. Championships in Costa Mesa

Looking for a perfect cup of coffee? You might want to swing by the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa this weekend, where participants from across the country are competing to serve up the best brew at the U.S. Coffee Championships.

Competitors are tasked with espresso-ing themselves through one of five championship contests.

The barista competition issues the challenge to prepare and serve espressos, cappuccinos and a customized drink for a panel of judges.

In the Brewers Cup, competitors use different manual brewing styles. The Cup Tasters contest challenges coffee tasters to differentiate among tastes and smells.

Another competition invites baristas and barkeepers to create signature coffee cocktails. And the roaster competition highlights the art of coffee bean roasting through an onsite demonstration.

In addition to the competitions, the event offers unlimited coffee, food trucks, exhibitors and music.

The event began with a soft opening Friday and continued Saturday. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door. Parking is $10.

Those who win at the U.S. Championships will go on to represent the country at the World Coffee Championships.

For more information, visit uscoffeechampionships.org.

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