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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at USF chapter.

Have you ever thought of becoming a coffee drinker? Have built up the courage to go to a coffee shop, but you do not understand the menu? With a variety of confusing words starting with espresso and ending with macchiato, coffee shops can be stressful for some. As a barista myself, I am going to give you an insight on how to find your perfect cup of coffee.

Photo courtesy of 24Life

Let’s start with the basics. Hot or iced coffee? If you are someone in desperate need of caffeine, hot coffee is the way to go. It is only diluted once, unlike iced coffee, and it is the perfect option for cold fall days, or for studying at the library. On the other hand, iced coffee is perfect to survive a hot Florida afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Duluth News Tribune

Next, is the fun part where we find the flavor syrup to pair with your delicious cup of joe. Flavors like pumpkin spice, maple pecan, and even cinnamon dolce are very trendy for the fall. Trendy classics include: vanilla, mocha and caramel. Adding flavor makes coffee not just a source of energy, but something you enjoy and look forward to. Of course, it is not mandatory, but it adds fun twist to a timeless beverage.

Photo courtesy of PerthNow

Milk is a fun topic to tackle. For newer coffee drinkers, milk may be the right choice because in a way it makes it taste smoother. Many people do not even need it to enjoy their coffee, and neither do you! Milk is entirely optional, but it is important to know what you are looking for. Most coffee shops, if not all, offer a variety of milk alternatives for all my vegan and lactose intolerant readers. They also may offer two percent, whole and nonfat cow’s milk. This part is completely up to you, and you cannot go wrong with it.

On a final note, coffee can be whatever you want it to be. It can be as sweet or as bitter as you make it. There is no right or wrong order, and the beauty of coffee is that you can make it personal. The next time you go to your local coffee shop, remember these tips and you will find the perfect cup of coffee in no time!

I am from Miami, Florida and in my senior year at the University of South Florida. I am a member of Delta Delta Delta international sorority. I work at a barre, yoga, cycle studio so you can always catch me exercising in one way or another! I love Her Campus because it grants me the freedom to write about what I am passionate about.
Interests include but are not limited to: art, history, astrology, skin care, the french, politics (yikes), frank ocean, controversy and being extremely overdramatic.