I love coffee. I’m not exaggerating when I admit that I drink at least two cups a day, and I can literally tell time based on how I feel. I have a cup right when I wake up and again at 1 p.m., without fail, nearly every day.
I’m trying to be better about my caffeine intake, which is a never-ending battle. I’ve switched to half-caf, cut out one of the cups, cut out both of the cups (hard to believe, I know), and started drinking tea. Regardless of self-discipline, I always come back to my two-cup ritual.
But here’s the catch, I don’t have one way I like my coffee. There’s a different order for every occasion, vibe, and even coffee shop. I’m about to give away all my secrets, so get excited!
- . CINNAMON LATTE WITH 2% MILK FROM FARMER’S HORSE
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Farmer’s Horse, a tiny cafe with the cutest decor, has Ethiopian-sourced beans. I’m not 100% particular about beans, but Ethiopian espresso is by far my favorite. At Farmer’s Horse, I get a latte with 2% milk and cinnamon dusted on top, like a cappuccino. This way, I can fully feel the body of the espresso on my tongue but still get some warmer flavors.
- . VANILLA LATTE WITH OAT MILK
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When it’s raining outside or I’m on the go, I like to order a vanilla latte with oat milk. I don’t really need it to be a specific place, though Pavement makes a great one. I love this cup for a filling, start-my-day kind of coffee, with a little sweetness to cut through the creamy oat milk.
- . HAZELNUT LATTE WITH ALMOND MILK
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This coffee is by far my favorite afternoon choice. It’s super light in the mouth and stomach and goes well with a sandwich. When I used to work at a local brunch spot, this was always what I begged the barista to make me mid-rush. She obviously always obliged, calling it the “double-nut.”
- . CAPPUCCINO WITH 2% MILK
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This choice is also an afternoon exclusive. This is a staple when I’m getting a bunch of work done and need a boost of energy or a reward. I love how quick this is, and with 2% milk, it doesn’t feel heavy or too cozy, making me want a nap (yes, I can nap after coffee). If I really need a reward, like during finals or a huge paper, I add a little chocolate powder on top!
- . CAPPUCCINO WITH WHOLE MILK
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Okay, I know we just talked about this, but hear me out. This is also an afternoon exclusive, but with whole milk, and I’m snuggled with a book. With whole milk, think of a weighted blanket and the newest Vogue. And with a whole milk cappuccino, I’m sat for a long conversation and advice session with my very best friends.
- . BROWN SUGAR LATTE WITH ALMOND MILK FROM BLUE BOTTLE
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This is a new addition to the rotation, but it’s quickly becoming a classic. Blue Bottle doesn’t use traditional flavorings, and their options are actually very limited. This isn’t a setback. What they do offer is thoughtful, intentional, and honestly delicious. In between my double shifts at work, I am at Blue Bottle for this coffee.
- . ICED COFFEE WITH REGULAR CREAM AND SUGAR FROM DUNKIN’
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There is something so crave-able about this coffee. I literally find myself fiending for it. It is unfortunately hit-or-miss, depending on the time of day, location, and even the person mixing it. But when it hits, it hits. This is my go-to when I’m running errands and need a quick pick-me-up.
- . CHAI LATTE WITH 2 SHOTS OF ESPRESSO
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I used to be a chai hater. I know!
Now I can’t get enough. Especially in the fall and winter, all those chai spices make me so warm from the inside out. A dirty chai? Now you’re speaking my language. I like mine “filthy,” as they say, with two shots instead of one. On a particularly busy day, I can be known to have it “disgusting” and add three shots, but that signals a really desperate time.
- . PERCOLATED COFFEE WITH CREAM AND SUGAR
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This one is a little old school, but I love it like no other. Something about percolated coffee tastes super nutty and rich. It’s so simple but requires a little technique and patience, and that’s what makes the payoff exponentially more satisfying. I start making a pot while I’m getting ready, and by the time I am all set, there is a fresh, warm pot of coffee waiting for me. A little cream and sugar, and I’m a happy coffee drinker.
- . SEASONAL SESAME LATTE WITH 2% MILK FROM TATTE
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I’m so devastated to see this get rotated out of the menu, but I am praying it will be back at Tatte when the time is right. This super-warm, spicy latte is flavored with sesame paste rather than syrup, making it over-the-top delicious. When she comes back, I’ll be the first in line.
Those are all my coffee orders, in no particular order. I hope you try some for yourself!
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