For coffee lovers, one of the most interesting questions to ask at a coffeehouse is surprisingly simple: What are you drinking? After all, the people who spend their days around coffee have plenty of opportunities to explore different flavors, combinations, temperatures, and ways of enjoying a cup. Their personal favorites can offer inspiration when you feel like trying something new.
At Abide Coffeehouse, coffee is about more than simply choosing something from a menu. It is also about discovering what you enjoy, sharing recommendations, and enjoying the experience of trying something different. Taking a look at what coffeehouse staff members are sipping can give you a new perspective on your next order and perhaps even introduce you to a drink you would not have considered before.
Why Staff Coffee Choices Are Worth Exploring
Everyone has different coffee preferences. Some people want a bold, coffee-forward drink that lets the flavor of the coffee take center stage. Others enjoy something creamy, sweet, iced, or flavored. Some coffee lovers have a dependable go-to order, while others are always looking for something new.
Coffeehouse staff have the opportunity to experience many of these differences firsthand. Working around coffee means becoming familiar with different drinks, flavor combinations, preparation styles, and customer preferences. Over time, those experiences can influence what a person chooses for their own cup.
That does not mean a staff favorite is automatically the perfect drink for everyone. Instead, think of it as an invitation to explore. A recommendation from someone who knows coffee can give you a starting point, especially when you are feeling curious but unsure what to order.
A Peek at What Our Staff Is Sipping
The fun part of this conversation is discovering the drinks that members of the team are enjoying right now. Staff favorites can change over time, and that is part of what makes coffee so interesting.
One person may gravitate toward a simple, coffee-forward choice because they enjoy tasting the character of the coffee itself. Another might prefer a drink with a little more sweetness or a combination of flavors that feels comforting and familiar. Someone else may reach for an iced option, while another person may prefer a warm drink that turns their coffee break into a slower, more relaxing moment.
Rather than thinking about these choices as a list of drinks everyone should try, consider them a glimpse into the many ways coffee can be enjoyed. If a particular staff favorite sounds appealing, ask what they like about it. Is it the flavor? The texture? The balance between coffee and other ingredients? The temperature? Understanding why someone enjoys a drink can make a recommendation much more useful.
And if you are sharing your own preferences with a barista, remember that you can do the same thing. Explaining what you already like can make it easier to discover something new.
What Our Favorites Say About Coffee Preferences
One of the best things about coffee is how personal it can be. Two people can sit at the same table, order completely different drinks, and both have exactly what they want.
If you enjoy coffee-forward flavors, you may naturally prefer drinks where the coffee remains the main focus. If sweetness is part of what makes coffee enjoyable for you, you might be more interested in flavored or dessert-inspired combinations. If texture matters, creamy drinks may stand out. And if you prefer something refreshing, iced coffee can offer a completely different experience.
These preferences are useful when exploring new coffee drinks because they give you a framework for making choices. Instead of asking, “What is the best coffee drink?” a better question might be, “What kind of coffee experience do I enjoy?”
That small change can make choosing your next drink much easier.
How to Find a New Favorite From Someone Else’s Favorite
Trying another person’s favorite coffee drink can be a simple way to get out of your usual routine. You do not have to completely abandon your preferences. Instead, look for something that shares at least one characteristic with the drinks you already enjoy.
For example, if you usually choose something sweet, try another drink that has a similar flavor profile but a different preparation. If you typically order iced coffee, ask about another cold option. If you usually keep your coffee simple, consider trying something that introduces a subtle new flavor without completely changing the experience.
You can also make it a small personal challenge. The next time you visit a coffeehouse, choose something based on someone else’s recommendation rather than automatically ordering your usual drink. You may discover a new favorite—or simply learn something about what you like and do not like.
Both outcomes are useful.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Your Barista
If you are unsure what to order, asking a barista for a recommendation can make the process much easier. You do not need to know the exact name of a drink or understand every ingredient on a menu.
Instead, start by describing your preferences.
You might say that you like your coffee strong, prefer something sweet, usually drink iced coffee, enjoy creamy textures, or want to try something completely different. Even a simple description can give a barista useful information.
You can also ask what they are enjoying themselves. A question such as, “What are you sipping lately?” can turn an ordinary order into a conversation about coffee.
Of course, baristas are working, so it is always important to respect their time and attention during busy moments. But when there is an opportunity for conversation, a simple recommendation can be a great way to learn more about coffee.
Your Coffee Favorite Can Change
Your favorite coffee drink today does not have to be your favorite forever.
Coffee preferences can evolve as you try new flavors and experiences. You might discover that you enjoy less sweetness than you once did. You might suddenly become interested in iced drinks. A seasonal flavor might introduce you to a combination you had never considered. Or you may simply decide that you want something different one afternoon.
There is nothing wrong with changing your order.
In fact, exploring your preferences can make your coffee routine more interesting. You can have a dependable favorite for the days when you want something familiar while still leaving room for experimentation.
Make Your Next Coffee Order a Small Adventure
You do not need to become a coffee expert to explore new drinks. Start small.
Try ordering a drink that someone else recommends. Ask your barista about a flavor you have never tried. Choose a different temperature or texture. If you normally order the same drink every visit, make one visit your opportunity to experiment.
You can even keep a simple list of drinks you have tried and what you thought about them. Write down a few observations: Was it too sweet? Did you enjoy the flavor? Was the coffee strong enough? Would you order it again?
Over time, you may start recognizing patterns in your preferences. Those patterns can help you make more confident choices whenever you visit a coffeehouse.
A Little Inspiration From Abide Coffeehouse
At Abide Coffeehouse, the enjoyment of coffee can be part of a larger experience of conversation, discovery, and community. Whether you arrive knowing exactly what you want or you are standing at the counter wondering what to try next, there is always room for curiosity.
Sometimes the best recommendation comes from someone who knows the coffee. Other times, it comes from another customer, a friend, or simply your own willingness to order something different.
The important thing is to find what makes your coffee experience enjoyable and give yourself permission to explore along the way.
Your Favorite Might Be Someone Else’s Favorite
Finding a great coffee drink does not have to be complicated. Sometimes all it takes is a little curiosity and a willingness to ask what someone else is enjoying.
Staff coffee favorites can offer inspiration, but ultimately, your own preferences are what matter most. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, temperatures, and combinations you enjoy. Try something unfamiliar every once in a while, and do not worry if your tastes change.
The next time you visit Abide Coffeehouse, take a moment to look beyond your usual order. Ask yourself—or your barista—What are we sipping today?
You might just discover your next favorite.
Don’t forget to visit our tea shop at Teasperience.
