Lily Iserson
A&E Editor
Coffee and espresso, the impetus of the modern undergrad. And why not? Apart from its obvious benefits for the sleep-deprived, studies show that coffee can improve even the most harried I.S. student’s focus and creativity. More impressive yet, a Harvard study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine argued that coffee could even diminish symptoms of depression.
Sadly, so many C-Store/Old Main frequenters restrict the creativity of their coffee options by pure habit. A plain mocha here, an uninspired iced coffee there — it’s downright sad. Don’t even get me started on the notorious chai latte: absent of any espresso whatsoever, the drink’s little more than hot cinnamon milk.
I argue that there’s more to life.
As such, I present a few of my favorite C-Store/Old Main “recipes” and little-known Starbucks menu items — perhaps some of you may find a new favorite among my own. (And don’t forget to thank your barista!)
- My mornings are usually stressful, full of speedy readings, work shifts and hastily eaten muffins. When I’m looking for a pleasant-tasting energy boost, I order a Vanilla Café Au Lait, a little-known and underrated coffee classic. The beverage combines one part coffee and one part steamed milk — I simply ask for a vanilla flavor shot on top of it. Properly made, the coffee’s bold flavor prevents the drink from becoming overwhelmingly sweet, yet it’s a far cry from black coffee’s unrelenting bitterness.
- I’m always a fan of the classic mocha, a latte with a chocolate base and whipped cream. But why stop there? While I always recommend adding caramel, hazelnut or toffee, I’d like to mention some less acknowledged syrups. Peppermint or Raspberry mochas are perfect, not-too-indulgent drinks that wonderfully complement a break in the Pit. In a similar vein, try ordering a Pumpkin Spice Latte with a few pumps of chocolate — although these flavors appear contradictory, the result is nothing short of mind-opening.
- Fancy yourself a chocolate addict? Ask your barista for a Hot Chocolate Latte coupled with any of the flavors I’ve mentioned above. Its unique embrace with sweet, syrupy goodness makes it worth saving your flex for a cold day in December — believe me, you’ll thank yourself.
- Order a plain latte, extra hot, and ask your barista if they’re willing to add a bag of Earl Grey tea for a flowery London Fog. (Note that you can always add the tea bag yourself if your barista’s busy; always mind your barista!) I personally enjoy London Fogs with a little honey stirred in when settling into my afternoon Netflix routine.
- PS, honey is a wonderful addition to your standard Dirty Chai Latte, which I also prefer with a touch of hazelnut.
- And now for a particularly decadent beverage, which one C-Store employee described as “sick” (with love): the Salted Caramel Mocha. This monstrosity’s a volatile combination of caramel and toffee with a chocolate base, whipped cream, caramel topping, and sea-salt. Perfect for any occasion and, as Donna and Tom say on Parks and Recreation, the best way to “treat yo’self,” I can only describe the taste as delightfully saccharine.