coffee rant

I hate Starbucks.  I don't think anyone who works there actually drinks coffee, based on how poorly its prepared.  However, being a creature of habit I still go there every day.  Its somewhat predictable in its inconsistency (coffee will be served before its finished brewing, too much milk in the lattes, etc).  But I recently discovered a way to make the experience much more enjoyable (and cost-efficient).

I usually order a plain old tall coffee.  Very straightforward.  To mix it up I may order a double tall latte (two shots of espresso with steamed milk) or a doppio macchiato (two shots of espresso topped with foam).  With the heat being what it is this week, I've been going iced -- which means they up the charge.  But I've concocted a way around this...

 

ICED LATTE

Their version:

Mmm chilled and yummy and...wait...one shot of espresso and too much milk?  Blech!  I always have to order this as a double-tall because one shot just isn't enough.  That adds another $0.55 to the tally, bringing the total to a wallet-busting $3.55.

 

NEW version:

Order a doppio espresso over ice.  That's exactly what it sounds like -- a double shot of espresso poured over ice served in a tall sized iced beverage cup.  By my house that runs $2.06.  Add FREE milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar etc, shake a bit and voilà!  You have an lovely iced latte and saved $1.50.  With just the right amount of milk.  Yum.

 

ICED CAPPUCCINO

Their version:

Again, you have to order the double-tall.  Its prepared the same way as the iced latte except they (supposedly) use less milk and throw some foam on top.  All for $3.55.

 

NEW version:

Order a doppio macchiato over ice.  Its the same as the doppio espresso except with foam on top and costs a little more, $2.55 or so.  To transform into an iced cappuccino, carefully pour the FREE milk of your choosing into the cup so as to not disturb the foam.  Sprinkle a little nutmeg on top and voilà!  A tasty iced cappuccino and you saved a buck.

 

Take that, Starbucks!