Although I’m by no means a coffee addict (I have friends who down three to four cups of coffee per day), coffee has always been a part of my daily routine. After seven years of blind loyalty to Starbucks’ decaf tall skim lattes, I decided I needed some variation. I’ve compiled a list of specialty coffee drinks in Berkeley that drag me out of my comfort zone. Here are my four personal favorites and where to get them:
1. DEATH WISH
Where to get it: Fertile Grounds Cafe
What initially drew me to this drink was its hipster name; what keeps me addicted is its almond essence. This double-shot almond mocha always satisfies my sugar and caffeine cravings on relaxing Saturday afternoons. I always dip my croissant in and let the toasty sweetness fuse with the buttery scent—pure goodness.
Location: 1796 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm
2. RED EYE
Photo by Mira Nguyen
Where to get it: Fertile Grounds Cafe
Combining espresso and drip brew coffee, the Red Eye is your best friend during finals week. The strong caffeine content may help you stay awake after pulling an all-nighter, while the robust taste keeps you going during those final papers. In addition to the abundant supply of power outlets on the second floor, Fertile Grounds Cafe provides a quiet environment that’s perfect for studying.
For location and hours of operation, see above.
3. TURKISH DELIGHT
Photo by Mira Nguyen
Photo by Mira Nguyen
Where to get it: Philz Coffee
Sharing the name of confections flavored with rosewater or lemon, the Turkish Delight is a drink that you don’t want to miss. Its strong, spicy flavor changes my perception of coffee; every sip is a different combination of aromas, and its taste changes with its temperature. Its enchanting quality—I’m not exaggerating, I swear—reminds me of how the White Witch bewitched Edmund with the magical, sweet Turkish Delight in The Chronicles of Narnia.
Location: 1600 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 6:30am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8:30pm
4. IRISH CREAM LATTE
Photo by Mira Nguyen
Where to get it: Cafe Blue Door
I visit Cafe Blue Door frequently; it’s close to campus, and I have a soft spot for the window ledge seat. Occasionally, when I want something fancy, I order the Irish Cream Latte. The Torani Irish Cream syrup adds a twist to a regular latte without ruining the original taste. (Warning: if you don’t have a sweet tooth, ask the barista to reduce the insane amount of syrup.)
Location: 2244 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu 7:30am-10pm, Fri 7:30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm
Go try these drinks when you need your caffeine fix, and good luck with finals!