How to Order at a Craft Coffee Shop without being Intimidated!

Who doesn't love a cozy neighborhood cafe? The smells... the sounds... and the warm drinks... Want to support your local coffee shops, but don't know where to start when it comes to craft coffee? Forget what you know about Starbucks ordering, ordering your coffee at a craft (or third-wave) shop is completely different. No "Venti", no "foam", no "Skinny", no "triple-blended", and by all means, no "extra hot". I am here to show you how to make the most of your coffee shop experience. So, do not fear. Let's face the menu together! It's only coffee. Believe it or not, most baristas are not that pretentious!

Here are ten tips on ordering craft coffee.

1. Most importantly, don't be afraid to admit you are a new customer. Your barista will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction. Their job is to make you confident and excited about your order!

2. I can't stress this enough. Don't order something just because it seems cool- you may hate it. Too often, new customers will order a random drink that sounds "fancy" or "hipster" and then immediately look disappointed when they take that first sip.

We don't want anyone leaving with buyer's remorse. Play it safe by starting with what you know or what feels familiar to you. I suggest starting with a coffee or "drip" as it is commonly referred to.

3. If you have any questions about what is in a recipe, do ask! Make sure you let your barista know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.

4. This is a big one. Drinks typically have their own sizes, so ask your barista!

- One very popular drink is the Cortado or Gibraltar. This is one part steamed milk to one part espresso, and delicious if you love the taste of espresso without the punch. You get an even balance of coffee flavor and creamy, sweet milk.

- A Macchiato is traditionally a shot of espresso with one ounce of milk, not a "reverse latte" as it is in chain coffee shops, so make sure you know which you are ordering. The traditional size is very small! You won't be receiving a caramel macchiato! (Of course, if that is what your taste buds are searching for, order a caramel latte if one is available.)

- Cappuccinos will not be topped with overflowing foam. No, but don't worry. Your cappuccino, or just "cap" as the hipsters call it, will have well-textured creamy milk often poured into a pretty little design such as a tulip or heart shape. What makes this drink different than a latte, is that it has slightly less milk. Most shops use a recipe of 2 ounces espresso, 6 ounces milk. This is the favorite drink among baristas and most craft coffee lovers! It's a great choice to experience a delicious and cozy coffee.

- Flat White is similar to a cappuccino but with less foam and more silky milk. This is especially popular in Australia and the UK. This will be slightly smaller than a latte! If ordering in the US, you may have trouble finding one of these properly on the menu.

5. Do your research: check their menu before you go in so you can walk in feeling the most confident and prepared. Most coffee shops have an online menu these days. Remember to check reviews and Instagram tags! A little internet stalking goes a long way (of course... not actual creepy stalking... that's not cool).

6. Always ask for recommendations. Your barista LOVES to recommend what they think will be the very best drink for you. It will make their day and you may leave with a new favorite drink (maybe even something off the "secret menu").

7. Don't be afraid to try new things! This is your moment to try what you can't get anywhere else. So try a new brewing method (french press, pour-over, etc.) or bean origin (where the bean is from has a lot to do with the flavor!) and expand your palate. Like wine and beer, coffee is exciting and very complex. There's a lot to learn and love about coffee.

8. RELAX. I've said it before and I'll say it again: It's just coffee. This is a time to settle down, have some caffeine (or decaf, no judgment here), read a book, or hang out with friends.

9. Don't forget to tip your barista! They work really had on that latte art.

10. Last, but not least, baristas don't hate tea or tea drinkers. Try a quality cup of tea or a milky tea latte, like matcha or chai.

- WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COFFEE DRINK?

- DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING NEW?

- DID I MISS ANYTHING?

- LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS DOWN BELOW!