Even if you don’t know anything else about me, you might know that I love Kibo Midnight Oil (MO). On any given morning after 9 o’clock chapel, you can find me in MO ordering a medium Mr. Blonde, my drink of choice for the last three years. If I’m not there, assume I’m either very, very ill or dead.
The other day, I realized that even after four years at Harding, I had only tried three or four drinks on the entire MO menu. I always got a Blonde, and that was that. But could I graduate from Harding and leave my favorite coffee shop behind without trying everything it had to offer? No way, latte.
So, in an effort to break out of my coffee comfort zone, I embarked on a grand and glorious mission — a mission to try as many Midnight Oil lattes as I possibly could in one week. Now that I’ve consumed 20 drinks, gained two pounds and worked through some serious caffeine-induced anxiety, here are my top five lattes.
5. The Honey Lavender Vanilla Latte: I’m not typically a fan of floral drinks — I prefer to wear my perfume, not drink it — so I didn’t expect to love this spring exclusive. But the lavender doesn’t overpower here, and blended with the sweetness of the honey, it gives the latte an almost fruity taste.
4. The Cleo:MO manager Zak Kelley described this honey, all-spice and vanilla latte as his “favorite drink that’s been forgotten.” Despite my raging sweet tooth, I liked the unique bitterness and spiciness of this drink — it’s unlike anything else on the menu. As good as this is now, it would be even better next to a roaring fire at Christmastime.
3. The Beyonce: As magical and empowering as its namesake, this latte features Cuban espresso, chocolate and white chocolate, all poured over raw sugar. This was a spiritual experience. According to MO barista Lance Hedrick, “it’s just a cup full of sugar” — which is why I like it, basically.
2. The Valencia: Every Christmas my mom stuffs my stocking with a Terry’s Chocolate Orange — you know, the kind you have to smack against a table to crack it into individual chocolate slices. This sweet latte with chocolate and orange tastes just like my favorite Christmas treat. (In my opinion, it’s better iced than hot.)
1.The Mr. Blonde:I know, I know — the whole point of this experiment was to get outside my comfort zone. But isn’t there something to be said for a drink you can order day after day for years without getting tired of it? The flavors are simple and classic — just white chocolate and the espresso — and after trying 20 other cups of coffee, coming home to my old standby was a welcome relief.
Of course, I’m not you, and my faves might not be yours. If you (unlike me) like cinnamon, you might try a Bear Grylls, a Woodsman or a Vienna. Into caramel? Try a Fred or a Yogi Bear. But regardless of your tastes, if you’re caught in a coffee rut, break out and try something new. And if you’re in MO after 9 o’clock chapel, hit me up for a recommendation — at this point, I’ve tried just about everything.
