Favorite Espresso

Today I came to work to find a coffee waiting for me which was a very nice surprise (:  It gave me the idea that I could share a few of my favorite espresso drinks with all of you!

I never had a taste for coffee until my senior year of high school when I started working as a barista for the summer.  I still don't enjoy brew coffee, I need it loaded with milk and flavor.  Sometimes we get stuck in ruts with our drinks/dining choices, I know I do all the time, so here are a few suggestions for orders the next time you stop by a coffee stand!

White Chocolate Mocha w/Raspberry and White Coffee (iced)

If you haven't tried white coffee yet you definitely should!  It is made by grinding unroasted coffee beans.  The flavor is much lighter, and has almost a nutty undertone.  It compliments a lot of different flavors.  Be warned it packs the punch of about twice the caffeine (or so they say) than regular espresso shots.

White Chocolate Mocha with Banana (iced)

This is similar to the drink above and is good with white coffee as well.  I just love banana flavor!

Mocha with Almond (iced)

This drink is one of my go-to favorites if I feel like switching up to something totally different. At the stand I worked in we called this an "Almond Joy".  The extra flavor adds a little extra kick of yummy to the average mocha.

Vanilla Chai (hot, iced, or blended)

I prefer this drink with Big Train brand chai.  Usually the mix has coffee already in it so I never get a caffeine buzz from this.  It's very, very sweet but I like that.  The overall flavor reminds me of cinnamon Graham Crackers.  Beware that in some iced drinks the solution becomes a little grainy, but an experienced barista will know how to avoid this (:

Green Apple Jet Tea with Caramel Sauce (blended)

People often all this a "Caramel Apple".  Jet Tea is an awesome choice if you're not into drinking coffee.  It is a blend of natural fruit juice and green tea.  This combo is perfect parts sweet and sour, just like a caramel apple sucker!

As you can tell I prefer iced drinks, but these can all be made into hot versions as well (besides the Jet Tea).  Keep in mind that these drinks are available at most privately-owned espresso stands.  Things that may be hit or miss: white coffee, green apple flavored Jet Tea, and Big Train brand chai.  Otherwise everything else is pretty standard.  

Starbucks probably has these drinks on special request and perhaps a few on the menu.  I think of Starbucks and Dutch Bro's as the McDonald's of espresso, they're into fast service and quick, cheap, pre-made drink orders.  Not knocking what these types of espresso chains do (I buy from these businesses too!), but they're not as specialized as small stands.

I hope that contained a few helpful, fun tips!  I try to share a variety of things with you all on my blog (:

Do you have any suggestions or a favorite drink you'd recommend? 

See you all soon <3