I can vividly remember the first sip of coffee that I ever tasted. It was in-between games of a soccer tournament, and I was probably 10 or 11 years old. I was waiting in line at Dunkin Donuts with my mom, complaining about how tired I was after a long day of running around in my uniform and shin guards. Honestly, I think my mom just wanted me to stop annoying her, so she offered to buy me my first (of many) iced coffees. I got a small one, with milk, French vanilla flavoring, and two packets of sugar. Drinking out of that pink and orange straw, bitter and sweet, grinding the sugar granules between my teeth… I was hooked. I doubt I even felt any of the effects of that caffeine, but I felt ready and energized after just a few sips.
Growing up, my mom always had a cup of coffee in her hand. In the winter, she stuck to a hot medium roast, and in the summer (and on a select few warm spring or autumn days) she’d head to Dunkin for an iced coffee. I always wanted to try it, thinking that drinking coffee was a part of being wise and mature, a part of adulthood. I’d see teenagers strolling around town with iced lattes, hipsters sipping on matcha in Starbucks, and my teachers walking into school every day with their piping hot thermoses filled to the brim.
It was in high school, though, that I really started to drink lots and lots of coffee. Between AP classes, sports, and extracurriculars, I began to spread myself thin. It was during this time that coffee, while providing me with a much-needed boost, also became a comfort. I’d grab iced coffees before school with friends or sit down with a cup to write research papers. It felt like, with a coffee sitting beside me, I had the opportunity and motivation to conquer whatever I put my mind to.
Coming to college, my iced coffee habit continued to be a ritual and a comfort. It reminded me of my mom, who I missed so much in my adjustment to the new environment that was Holy Cross, but also continued to feel like a treat that brightened my every day. Though my safe haven of Dunkin was right down the road, I became accustomed to Cool Beans, to trying new lattes and roasts, and thus to my new way of life.
Lattes, cappuccinos, and good old plain roasts have been by my side through late nights in Dinand, served as pick-me-ups on rough afternoons, and stood as celebratory treats on special occasions. In my new European environment, iced coffee is hard to come by. The espresso across the pond is nothing short of delicious, but I’d be lying if I said that I don’t miss a classic Dunkin iced coffee every now and again.
Nevertheless, enjoying coffee means enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It gives me the motivation to start my day on the right foot and will never fail to put a smile on my face. With all of that being said, listed below are a couple of my favorite spots (far and wide) to find an amazing coffee.
- Dunkin Donuts: Of course, this has to be my #1. The iced coffee here is just unmatchable (which could definitely be the nostalgia speaking). My go-to order is an iced coffee with extra almond milk.
- InHouse Coffee: Located in Worcester, Inhouse has so many yummy and unique flavors to choose from (Oatmeal cookie and Hazelnut are my personal favorites).
- Blue Bird Coffee Roasters: Bluebird is my favorite place to pick up a latte or cappuccino on UCD’s campus and also has tons of great lunch and snack options.
- Maman Soho: Such a cute (and delicious) café in NYC, amazing Chai lattes and fabulous pastries.
Honorable Mention: Nu Kitchen in Worcester. Their Cacao Cold Brew smoothie is a must-try!