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For a buzz, try a specialty drink
The many delicious ways to get a caffeine fix
By Melissa LeBaron
Each day, millions pull out their wallets to pay for their morning buzz.
Most people stick to one or two espresso-type drinks, even though there are is an extensive variety of coffee, tea and other beverages on the menu.
Many people may not know the similarities and differences between how each type of drink is made, what ingredients are used and what drinks do not include a jolt of caffeine at all.
If you are reluctant to try something different than your regular cup of Joe, take a chance on something else on the menu.
The Grind coffee shop at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a popular fueling spot for students who need to fill up on caffeine.
“It ends up being most busy between classes,” said Terri Meyer, who works at the shop. Meyer said that most students order specialty drinks that include flavor shots.
The Grind gets their coffee beans from Alterra Coffee Roasters and grinds them, Meyer said.
Everything listed is from the menu of The Grind and may differ slightly in name or brand at other coffee shops.
Espresso
This drink is poured directly from the espresso machine into a tiny cup. It is stronger than regular coffee and is often put into the other drinks to give an extra jolt of caffeine buzz.
Mocha
A delicious mix of powdered chocolate, 2-percent milk and a double shot of espresso make up this specialty drink. People who drink this often enjoy the opportunity to try different flavors such as hazelnut, vanilla, mint or raspberry. If you order this with skim milk, the strong taste of the espresso will be heightened a little more.
Latte
Steamed milk is poured into a cup and then a couple of espresso shots are poured over the milk. This drink is not as sweet, but the coffee experience is much more intense for your taste buds.
“You can get it iced, too,” Meyer said.
Cappuccino
The cappuccino is similar to a latte. The only difference is that this drink has more foam and less milk in the cup (over half the cup is filled with foam).
Breve
This drink is thicker and creamier than the regular latte. The difference? Breve is made with half-and-half instead of the usual 2-percent milk to create the thick liquid.
Cafe Au Lait
For those who truly dig the taste of coffee but not the caffeine buzz, you may want to take a sip of this. This cup of half-coffee, half-milk is a volatile combination and may be a joy for those who visit coffee shops later in the day.
Macchiato
This drink is often poured into a smaller cup. It is like a latte, but with less foam. After putting two espresso shots in the cup, a few scoops of foam are put on top.
Steamer
“It’s just like a sweet milk, basically,” Meyer said.
A chosen flavor, no coffee and milk are the ingredients to this drink.
Although coffee shops will offer these beverages, you can always order a simple cup of brewed coffee. The choice is yours to make.
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