I remember when St@rbucks first became popular. I’ll admit, I was super judgy of folks who went there that had complicated drink orders. I didn’t even drink coffee at that point, so I had no clue what a bone dry cappuccino or a half-caff double-shot soy caramel macchiato even were. Honestly, most of the orders I’d overhear sounded like a foreign language.
How little did I know of this world? A cafĂ© in town had a chai frappe on the menu, and I love a chai, so I asked – what does the frappe part mean?
Barista: It’s like a coffee frappe but with chai.
Me: [blank stare] Yeah, I don’t know what that means. [laughs awkwardly at self]
That was the day I learned that frappe means a blended drink. This is a word I would end up saying a LOT in my future, usually with the word ‘mocha’ attached to it.
Back then, I just didn’t get it. Why did something you drink need to be sooo complicated?
And then, one day, I heard the following string of words spill from my mouth: grande chai tea latte with soy milk and no water. (Back in the day, St@rbucks would add water to their chai concentrate.) I remember saying it…and then it hitting me. I had a complicated drink order. I was no longer a simple water and tea bag kind gal. And once I started drinking coffee, it only got worse.
And then, I finally stopped judging myself (and others) for it. Because what’s wrong with ordering something you know you will like? (So long as you are kind to the barista when doing so.) Or something you need (a lactose sensitivity snuck up on me in college). I’ve still not ever had a cappuccino or macchiato, but thanks to the chalkboard drawn up at my fav local coffee shop (looking at you, Kavarna), I at least know what they are without having to ask. đŸ˜‚
I will say that black coffee or steeped tea is still my ‘go to’ most of the time (followed by a chai latte or mocha when I want something a little extra), but I do enjoy trying new things. I really love that flights are a thing, too.
Are you a complicated drink order-er? What is your fav?
Ami Maxine 