Working at a food and drink website, in the “Drink” section, we have learned some seriously cool stuff about our favorite beverage; coffee. And while you may think you know everything there is to know about java, you’re probably wrong. And we couldn’t bear knowing that every 20-something wouldn’t be armed with these nuggets of knowledge, so here we have our Literally, Darling 20-somethings’ Guide To Coffee.
1. Coffee Prevents Suicide
According to researchers at Harvard University, drinking 2-4 cups of coffee a day might decrease your risk of suicide. Acting as a mild antidepressant, the caffeine in your morning java helps to increase dopamine and serotonin, lifting you into a good mood!
2. Starbucks Secret Menu
Ever tried a Cookie Crisp Frappuccino? Or The Chocolate Pumpkin latte? Maybe you’re just tired of your go-to skinny vanilla latte. Every 20-something should try one of the items from Starbucks’ Secret Menu. Because, why not?
3. Least Healthy Coffee Drinks
As young women, it is (unfortunately) drilled into many of our minds to constantly worry about what we are putting into our bodies and how it’ll affect our waistlines. You might have a craving for Starbucks’ Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappucino, but the caloric content is through the roof: a whopping 580 calories. The next time you go to order your McCafe Frappe, see if there is a healthier option. Or don’t. There is nothing wrong with splurging for a Mocha Java Chiller every now and then.
4. Coffee Ordering Basics
This handy little guide will keep you from stressing the next time your boss asks you to pick up an Americano or a Espresso Macchiato. Plus, every 20-something should know the difference between a latte and a cappuccino.
5. Brewing makes a difference
If you’ve ever been to a place and had to cringe because the ice coffee was just so terrible, the shop probably did not cold brew. If you’ve ever had amazing ice coffee that is oaky and smooth and amazing, you know the secret of the Gods that is cold-brewing. Check out this guide on different brewing methods and what you should look for.
6. Lethal Dose
Unfortunately, there can be too much of a good thing. A lethal dose of caffeine is about 100 cups, although I’m sure you’d probably too busy hallucinating about kissing Ryan Gosling in a sparkly field of buttercups at about cup 50.
7. Hawaii is the only state in the USA that grows coffee commercially
As if you needed another reason to make a trip to Hawaii….
8. You can’t get more than 170 miles away from a Starbucks
If for some odd reason, you are in a life-or-death situation in which you HAVE to have a Starbucks latte, you will probably survive. As long as you are on mainland USA, you will be able to find a Starbucks location within 170 miles of any given location. The coffee chain is massive. As of March 22, 2013, there were 20,891 Starbucks stores worldwide. 65.2% of the locations are in the good ol’ USA.
9. What “skinny” means
In the coffee world, skinny is not judged by the width of a waist or the size of pants you wear (as it should be in real life). According to Starbucks, ordering a drink “skinny,” simply means that your beverage will be made with nonfat milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream.
10. A latte a day can add 10 lbs in a year
It’s true, with a combination of frothy milk and sugar, even an unflavored latte a day can mean some health risks. Pro-tip: try a little cinnamon and some fat free milk. Just as good….kinda.
11. Decaf is not completely decaf
Feel free to question all semblance of reality, but decaf coffee does still have a little bit of caffeine. It’s only about 98.64 percent caffeine free…so…I guess you can panic now.
12. Starbucks name
Some of us are just cursed to have really sweet, funky-fresh names. But, this makes it very difficult to order coffee shops with them A. Looking confused or B. butchering it. That’s why many people have crafted an easy “Starbucks name,” a simple name that they can scribble down easily. Or keep your name, shine on you crazy diamonds.
13. Starbucks Hacks
We all know that Starbucks is grossly overpriced, but like…somehow we don’t care when it’s the only thing in sight and we’re exhausted. Use this quick guide to get the most caffeine for your buck.
14. Treat Receipt and other deals
While Starbucks runs may be guilty of killing our wallets, there are some more things you can do to help. For example, for much of July and August, Starbucks has treat receipts, an offer where you can purchase a beverage in the morning and come back with your receipt to get any cold grande beverage for $2. Be sure to follow @Starbucks to keep up with all of their offers.
15. Be careful about milk sitting out
Many a coffee shop has free milk sitting out for you to use for your beverages. And while this is great, be very careful because milk that has risen above 45 degrees is unsafe to drink. Be safe out there, darlings.
Image Credit: Flickr/jamesjoel
There’s a pretty big different between “coffee prevents suicide” and the fact that one study has identified a possible correlation between regularly drinking coffee and the reduction of suicide…