Waiting for my plain old cup of coffee, I wonder what in the heck could be taking so long?
Then the barista takes a deep breath and answers my question: “I’ve got one decaf-short-quad-sugar-free-vanilla-whole-milk-extra-hot latte.” Huh? It’s a mouthful. And a cup full of an overly complicated drink order that keeps baristas on their toes and regular coffee drinkers like myself annoyed. But hey, if you’re going to spend five bucks on a hot drink, might as well have it exactly the way you want it. The options are endless. From fractions of Splenda packets all the way down to exact temperatures, picky customers place their orders like questions on a chemistry exam. I hope you studied, barista, because when it comes to ordering off the menu, these people are shameless. But that’s the culture of the coffee shop. It wouldn’t fly too many other places. Imagine: “Yes, Pizza Hut? I’ll have a venti pizza with 26 and a half pepperonis arranged in the shape of a flower, skim mozzarella and all the sauce on the side. Oh, and make sure it’s exactly 135 degrees when it hits my table.” Your pizza boy would likely scoff. Your barista, however, would grin and prepare it. I went around to a handful of coffee shops in San Antonio and asked baristas, “What’s the most complicated drink order you have had to prepare?” They all had answers, but very few complaints. Very specific drink orders are expected and always accepted. So make sure you say thanks -- or sorry -- and consider leaving a tip. Click through the slideshow to see how they answered... Do you have a complicated drink order? Join the conversation on the KENS 5 Facebook page!
