Bless Starbucks for providing us consumers with a variety of beverages to quench our caffeine cravings. Coffee is very important for college students to get through the day without the exhaustion of our busy busy schedules getting to us. Each drink seems to have been created for it's own special purpose, one for every mood, every kind of long day, every argument, every celebration. So I thought I would try my best at creating some sort of "beginner's guide."
1. The "I just want to watch Netflix all day" drink: Skinny Hazelnut Latte
One of my favorites. This creamy, sugar free treat is just nutty enough to make you feel warm and cozy in bed all day. So snuggle up to your favorite body pillow under your fluffiest blankets and in your biggest pair of sweatpants with this warm cup o' joe and you're set for the day.
2. The "I'm just happy to be alive" drink: Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
You woke up this morning happy to be here and decided today was your day. This bright and colorful drink will give you just enough boost to carry that excitement throughout the rest of your day! It's not very often that we get to wake up feeling this great so be sure to keep that momentum going.
3. The "sad for no damn reason" drink: Hot Apple Chai
Just like we sometimes wake up feeling great, we all have those bad days, too. Switch out your normal Chai Tea Latte with a Hot Apple Chai to brighten your day by asking your barista to infuse the chai with apple juice instead of milk. The warmth of the drink will make you feel a little more comfortable and the apple juice will sweeten up your day with the kick of the chai putting some pep back in your step.
4. The "It's been a long a** day:" Strawberries + Creme Frappucino
If things just haven't gone your way today, cut yourself some slack and treat yourself. Although this whipped treat doesn't have any caffeine, it is sweet and delicious and is sure to put a smile on your face.
5: The "I'm on a health kick:" Green Tea Latte
Every once in a while, I decide to go the healthy route, and when I do, this is my go-to. The Green Tea Latte can be served hot or iced. Although I prefer the hot version, either way is delicious. If you're picky, this may not be the drink for you, but you should definitely give it a shot.
6. The "rainy day blues" drink: Caramel Macchiatto
Absolutely delicious. Who doesn't like caramel? Get it hot and cuddle up to a good book somewhere warm and dry. Bonus if there's a fireplace nearby.
7. The "I have so much to do today:" Iced Soy Dirty Chai Tea Latte
This is my best friend on my days off where it feels like my list of errands is too long to ever be completed. This cold drink will keep you running until that last item is checked off! The soy milk will make it sweeter, while the chai adds some spice. The "dirty" part of the drink just means that there's an espresso shot in there. It adds a nutty taste and an extra energy boost. A necessity for busy Sundays.
8. The "I will never be done studying:" Double Shot Protein Coffee
OK, we've all had one of these. It pains me just to think about it. While this beverage does come in a can and isn't brewed in-store, it is still Starbucks-made and delicious. The protein will help fill you up so you don't have to snack on library vending machine food, and the double shot of espresso will allow you to go over all of your notes on those late night study sessions, instead of passing out at your desk an hour in.
9. For the early morning shift: Cappuccino
Seven a.m. wake up calls come way too early. In a situation like this, stick to the classics. A warm cappuccino will wake you up and prepare you for any co-op work meeting, early nannying shift, cafe opening shift or whatever it is you have to go through. With this in hand, you will be ready.
10. The "the pregame is in 20 minutes and I can't stop yawning" lifesaver: Caffe Americano
Work, school, club meetings, they all wear you down eventually. You may have picked out your morning wake up call, but at the end of the day, you will need that second cup to help you get through the night. Stick to this one. The Caffe Americano is just espresso shots and water, simple enough to keep down after a long night, but caffeinated to make sure you will be able to finish strong!
Take this information and use it widely. This is what helped me finish out the year. Fall semester starts today and that fresh brew may be the only thing that gets you through it. Good luck!
