Whether you are a loyal Coffee Grounds customer who always goes to KB before class or you think Coffee Closet and its South Campus location is superior, we can all agree that Conn’s coffee shops are an essential part of the Conn experience. (If you’re remote, feel free to DIY your own version at home or check out one of your own local coffee shops on a safe and socially distant trip). It doesn’t matter if you’ve only been once, or if you go multiple times a day, these coffee shops offer the perfect refreshments and even a great place to study (sometimes).
Even though your “regular” will always be can’t lose, tried and true option, mixing things up can also be super fun, especially when the weather is constantly fluctuating between rain and sun, and you need a different hot or cold drink to match. Here’s a list of what four Conn students recommend that you order from both Coffee Closet (@the_coffee_closets) and Coffee Grounds (@onthecoffeegrounds).
- Bee’s Knees with Oat Milk
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If you know me, then you are probably aware that I am a stan for a bee’s knees with oat milk from Coffee Closet. While I definitely still go for this drink at least once a week, I have come to appreciate the simpler iced coffee with oat milk from Coffee Closet or Coffee Grounds. Since purchasing a French press to brew my own coffee in my dorm room, having a cup of coffee in the morning plus a latte later in the day leaves me feeling just a tad bit anxious by 5 pm. But iced coffee is somehow a good in between when I need an extra boost on a busier day or am just craving the taste of coffee. Nonetheless, I still try to control myself and just have one coffee a day––and on these days a bee’s knee often makes an appearance—but the lack of spring break this semester has me relying on extra caffeine.
– Elizabeth Berry ’21
- Iced Matcha Latte with Oat Milk
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I drink coffee not because I need energy but because I just love the taste. I don’t like things that are too sweet, and I love to have a creamy foamy milk with my drinks. The typical iced coffee or latte was just a bit too plain and doesn’t bring out the flavor of the coffee as much. Because of this, I used to be a strictly Coffee Closet drinker because they had interesting (and not overpriced) drinks that fit this criteria. But, lately, Coffee Grounds has stepped up their drinks and has been my go-to place. An iced matcha latte with oat milk is amazing. Matcha I feel is something you either love or hate, but I love it. The oat milk gets so creamy, so it’s an amazing drink that I highly recommend. Also, if you’re like me and love the taste of coffee, a shaken espresso with oat milk and flavor shot of your choice is also a great drink. Lastly, the pride iced tea lemonade is a good refreshing drink to have especially as the days get sunnier, and you get a sticker with your purchase.
– Elyce Afrifa ’22
- Iced Dirty Chai
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Coffee is my favorite accessory. With my iced coffee in one hand, and my water bottle in the other, I am well caffeinated, hydrated, and equipped for whatever this campus throws at me. My coffee order is basic: a basis for my needs of survival. I usually get an iced dirty chai. The sweet and spicy combination swirl together to create an overall refreshing taste. This flavor combination never gets old and always gives me an extra pep in my step. I would also recommend getting it with oat milk to elevate the flavor. As of yet, every coffee shop on campus has made me a decent iced dirty chai, but I will always feel a secret devotion to Coffee Closet. If you are ever in dire need of a coffee, or an aesthetically pleasing iced drink to pose with, I recommend the iced dirty chai.
– Meredith Harper ‘24
- Iced Midnight Milky Way Latte with Almond Milk
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This semester I discovered The Coffee Closet on campus. Last semester, I was too intimidated to make the trek to South Campus, which is something I fully regret. The specialty lattes at The Coffee Closet are unmatched in my humble opinion. I am a big fan of sweet, iced coffee that has additional fun flavors. I know coffee fanatics might argue that I’m not a “true” coffee fan because I don’t drink my coffee black, but I unapologetically order my fun lattes with pride. My go-to has been an iced Midnight Milky Way latte with almond milk. This drink combines chocolate, vanilla, caramel and espresso in the most delightful way. I highly recommend giving the Midnight Milky Way a try if you haven’t already. It is sure to keep you caffeinated for all the work that is likely piling up at this point in the semester.
– Sarah Hennig ‘24
Be sure to try one of these drinks the next time you need a coffee break. And let us know what you think on our Instagram, @hercampusconn.