Coffee Talk

But first, coffee. I’m stealing one of my sister’s blog features and talking all about coffee today. I love coffee. Like really really love it. I wasn’t a coffee drinker until right before I came to college, and now it is a rare day if I don’t have a cup or two. Like most, I had to ease into coffee. I started with the sugary lattes and frappuccinos, but now my morning cup is black with half of a sweet n low.  

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My morning routine starts with waking up, grabbing my Caribou Coffee K-cup (I finally found a favorite) and my coffee mug then heading downstairs to make a cup of coffee in the Keurig. Living in a sorority house I am limited to the Keurig, so I can’t wait to have a house next year and have my own coffee pot filled with unlimited cups of coffee.

After my daily black coffee I often need a second afternoon pick-me up.  A run through the Starbucks drive thru usually cures it. Below are some of my favorite drink orders.

For something cold:

Hanson Iced Tea

What to ask for: half iced black tea/half iced coffee. Then add a splash of skim milk and a sweet n low.

This drink got its name from someone on Instagram who started hastagging his new creation. Some Starbucks may know what you are talking about if you call it that but I usually just ask for a half and half.

Sami Special

What to ask for: iced chai with skim milk, two pumps sugar-free vanilla syrup and two scoops protein powder.

They may look at you like your crazy, but this drink is seriously good. My sweet friend Sami gets all the credit for this one (hence the name).  It isn’t blended so make sure they stir it up well. The added protein gives it an extra creamy taste!

Iced Vanilla/Hazelnut/Caramel Macchiato

What to ask for: iced vanilla macchiato with skim milk and sugar-free syrup

I tried Starbucks new vanilla macchiato the other day and it was fab. I’m a big vanilla girl so I new I would love it. I actually ordered it hot, but I can’t wait to try the iced version.

For something hot:

Coffee with steamed milk

What to ask for: pikes place roast with steam skim or soymilk.

Kathleen introduced me to this one and now it is my new regular. The steamed milk gives your plain black coffee a little boost if you want something more exciting.

GSKVL

What to ask for: grande skinny vanilla latte

This is the classic order by most sorority girls. Yes I fall into the stereotype, but it never fails. One of my friends and I use to call them GSKVLs (just try to sound it out). That is the combination of letters they write on your cup when you order and it is funny to say.

Rooibos Tea:

What to ask for: hot rooibos tea

I’ve really become a lover as tea as well. My favorite Tazo tea has recently become vanilla rooibos. You don’t have to add any honey or sugar because it already has great flavor. It is also really cheap to only order hot tea. I was first introduced to rooibos over spring bread when I ordered the rooibos teal latte at Nordstrom’s eBar. It resembles an iced chai tea latte but use the vanilla rooibos tea instead.

Now that I’ve rambled on about my favorite coffee drinks, I think I’ll go make another cup of coffee! And, I think I may try this iced mint coffee recipe too!

Annie