The Complexity of Coffee with Cream

“I want a double ristretto vinti nonfat organic chocolate brownie frappuccino with extra hot foam and whipped cream—double blended.”
As outrageous as this drink may sound, orders like this aren’t as uncommon as one would think in places like Starbucks and Caribou Coffee. While Northwestern’s Hub might not have quite the range in options, coffee drinkers across campus know what they like when it comes to coffee beans. Or is it that we just like what we ‘know?’
We all know the basics of what makes up a cup of coffee—hot water streamed through ground coffee beans. But say you want to drink something more. What do you get?
Senior Andrea Schweitzer said, “I can make coffee in my apartment, but I can’t make these fun drinks. I never get just ‘straight coffee’ whenever I come to the Hub.” She admits that she doesn’t know what’s in her cup of joe but gladly sips away at it anyway.
Pick up a menu at the Hub, and you’ll see that a cappuccino is made of steamed and frothed milk, espresso and a shot of flavor. Lattes are similar but can be made into a mocha, turtle, or white by adding a shot of dark chocolate, caramel or white chocolate sauce respectively.  Order a Breve, and you’ll get another similar variation but have steamed half and half in your drink rather than steamed milk.  An Americano is rich espresso in hot water and is recommended for those who like a strong coffee flavor.
Director of Missions, Tommy Moon, is a no-nonsense type of guy. Cream and sugar isn’t where he’s at, and no weak or watered down coffee is acceptable for him. “You just as well drink tea,” he said. After living in Mexico for 18, you might think his need for strong flavor is cultural. Instead of culture, Moon offered up this answer, “When I walk into a coffee shop, I can already know what I’m getting. It’s the one thing in life I don’t have to make a decision about.”
“I drink my coffee black because I like it bitter,” said senior Mel Ness when asked how her choice of coffee describes her.  She then recoiled, “Does that mean I’m bitter?”
“I used to drink something around one—third coffee and two—thirds creamer,” said junior Megan Herlyn. “These days I’m able to add just a little bit of creamer—it’s like I had to wean myself off of it.”
Maybe you don’t want the caffeine high of a cup of coffee or you’re really feeling a cup of tea but would prefer something with more substance. Senior Ashley Buse can relate.
“I ordered a Chai Latte,” Buse said while waiting for her drink one evening in the Hub. “I don’t even know what’s in a Chai Latte,” Buse admitted with a smile. “But it’s creamy tea and that’s what I like because sometimes caffeine just dominates me.”
A Chai Latte, just to clarify, is steamed milk and spiced Chai tea. If you’re needing a jolt of energy but are really in the mood for tea instead of coffee, try a Dirty Chai ,which is made of steamed milk, spiced Chai tea and a shot of King Midas espresso.
Drink what you wish, order what you’d like or don’t even drink it at all. Just know that with every passing day, we are all one step closer to a world of ristretto tall non-fat extra-hot no-whip half-sweet sugar-free gingerbread lattes. Enjoy the easy ordering while it lasts!