Starbucks: More Than Just Coffee

Just like alcohol, the Alphas are a huge fan of Starbucks! You have to love Japan for having it everywhere.

The great thing about Starbucks is that you can spend hours there, even if you are alone! It is the one place that no one can judge you for being a "loner". I've been to many Starbucks around the world and there are never stingy if you just buy yourself a short coffee and stay there for 2-3 hours. For us Alphas, it is our meeting, studying, and simply gossiping place.

Starbucks as a:

• Meeting Place - You can actually just sit in their couches while you are waiting for someone. Also, there are sizes small enough to finish in 5-10 minutes if you are ever thirsty. 
• Study Area - There is always free Wifi and so ou don't need to worry if you need to be connected. Even with a lot of people, it is a quiet enough place so you can concentrate on your work. Plus, anytime you need a wake me up just grab yourself a Tall Espresso!
• Gossiping Corner - There is something about a cup of coffee and just chatting it up. I mean look at the TV Show F.R.I.E.N.D.S, central park was practically their home. The couches/seats are always comfy and tables always big enough to fit from 2 to 8. 

As frequent customers of Starbucks, just like our go-to cocktail, we also have our favorite beverages. 

Caramel Frappuccino

The Caramel Frappuccino is the most popular blended drink of Starbucks. You can taste the coffee but also the sweetness. The caramel has such a delectable butter sweetness to it and along with the whipped cream, its just so easy to drink. I love getting this in the heat of summer, you finish it before it even melts.. Its that amazing!

Dark Mocha Chip Frappuccino

If you have a chocolate fetish this is for you! It is the mix of coffee with mocha flavored sauce with the addition of milk, chocolate chips and blended ice. This is just the right amount of chocolate sweetness, so rich and cooling! If the frapuccino isn't enough for you, then add the whip cream and the drizzle of chocloate syrup. Yum! You have to love Starbucks during a hot summers day!

Chai Tea Latte

Another great one for the summer, is the Chai Tea Latte - less ice more milk. You can say this is the healthier drink out of the 4, its caffeine jolt is from tea rather than coffee beans. It has a great blend of bitter, spicy, sweet taste as it blends black tea with traditional spices and milk. 

Caramel Steamer and Cafe Mocha

Not ideal for the summer heat, however if you are sitting in the air conditioned room of Starbucks for longs periods of time these beverages start to look appealing. The caramel steamer is basically steamed milk with the hint of caramel - ones for the non coffee lovers but more of with the sweet tooth. As for the cafe mocha, great for beginners as it has a strong dose of coffee but can be hidden with the creamy chocolate additive.

Other beverages I would suggest are their smoothies, if you are looking for the healthier route and also their season specialties like the peppermint mochas during christmas. Oh and if you are looking for the ultimate dessert, grab that new york cheese cake - the Alphas are addicted to it!

Enjoy your caffeine hit! 

Love,

ALPHA