By Kari Travis
There's a good chance every one of us has experienced a Starbuck's circumstance in which we were forced to stand in line directly behind that stereotypical "coffee snob" who ordered a complicated drink with at least five ingredients we didn't even realize were on the menu.
It is also very likely that each of us have second-guessed our drink decisions, or even ordered a disgustingly disappointing combination just because we don't quite speak the Starbucks language.
You see the problem here, don't you? Starbucks can be an all-around intimidating place.But considering how much we college students love our over-priced coffee (to go with our priceless conversation), it seems problematic that the Starbucks menu puts such a strain on the decision-making portions of our brains.
But fear not! The solution begins here with the following tips to make the choices easier and more enjoyable for the novice coffee consumer and experienced caffeine addict alike.
Be Bold
If you're in the mood for something cold, but can't stand the hyper-sweet, mocha flavored frappes of Starbucks fame, go for an espresso frappuccino. It might not be on the menu board, but it is off the charts. The best news yet? You can carve off some calories by ordering it with skim milk.
Be Brave
Not a big fan of bitter, but looking to acquire a taste for coffee? Never fear! A white chocolate mocha with an extra pump of syrup is right for you. If a hot drink isn't what you dig, try it in frappuccino form with whip.
Be Frugal
Save your Star "bucks" and beat the coffee cash-cow at its own game. The best wisdom to impart here is to always beware the iced beverage! If you want an iced coffee, don't get sucked in by the weak stuff on the menu. Instead, order a "quad shot" of espresso over ice in a venti-sized cup, then fill the rest of the way up with milk. The result is a portion of iced coffee that costs less, tastes better and lasts for hours.
Be Adventurous
Autumn is here and so is the shamelessly promoted pumpkin spice latte. But if you're feeling spunky enough, step out of the trend, and try a chai latte (made with milk instead of water) and add a shot of espresso for good measure. The result is a sip of sweet, spicy happiness in a mug.
Be Lucky
Believe it or not, the Starbuck's barista is your best friend just waiting to happen. He or she has more experience with coffee than the rest of us put together. If you begin to panic as you stride up to that counter, don't hesitate to ask him or her for help. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't get charged extra for beverage advice. Of course, a tip might be warranted if your drink diagnosis is too time-consuming.
There you have it. A brief guide to the most popular coffee supplier in the world. But before you go running off to create a cappuccino, heed this cautionary word: If you really want to become fluent in the language of Starbucks, make each cafe experience count. Experiment with flavor combinations. Check out the Starbucks "Secret Menu" online.
And above all, have fun! That's how it should be when you succeed in finding a way to espresso yourself.[poll id="2"]
