My Default Coffee Order

Normally, I’m a tea drinker. You all know this – I’ve talked about it endlessly. I love my tea, especially blends from The Tea Spot (yes, I’m an affiliate and yes, I adore them). They’re women-owned, US-based, and have the loveliest backstory. But today isn’t about tea.

Today is about coffee!

While I’m still firmly Team Tea, my boyfriend is a deep coffee drinker, which means we end up at a coffee shop once or twice a week. We keep it intentional and budget-friendly, especially in a recession, and I’ve noticed that when I do order coffee, I keep it simple – and affordable.

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My Default Coffee Order

I’m not a daily coffee person, but when I partake, I care strongly about the beans. If you live in the PNW long enough, you start having very strong opinions about coffee – and yes, I am one of them. 💁🏻‍♀️. I don’t love the world-famous chain (sorry), but give me Caffe Vita, Caffe Ladro, or anything brewed with Caffé D’arte beans and I’m a happy woman.

After one truly terrible cup of coffee on a recent road trip, I came home and practically swooned over a quality roast again. It reminded me that coffee shops really come down to one thing: the beans.

So my go-to order is simple:

A split-shot Americano with room for oat milk.

That’s it. No frills. No $10 latte situation.

Most coffee shops around the PNW price Americanos at a flat rate, no matter the size. At Caffe Vita, it’s $5 across the board. While that used to be cheaper, I still think it’s a solid value. It’s coffee-forward, not milk-forward, and I never feel like I’m just paying for oat milk with a hint of espresso.

Coffee can just be coffee, you know?. ☕ It doesn’t need to be a wild “treat” to be special. There’s real happiness in something simple.

Seasonal Swaps (Because I’m Still Me)

Fall/Winter: Split-shot Americano with oat milk (half decaf, half regular)
Spring: Same, occasionally a honeybee latte with local honey and warm spices
Summer: Iced split-shot Americano or an iced oat-milk lavender latte

Most days, though? I’m drinking my tea or coffee at home 💕 – and I truly admire anyone who does the same. Making your morning drink is one of the easiest ways to save money, and it still feels like a little ritual worth savoring.

I’d love to know your default order! Whether it’s homemade or from your favorite local spot. And I hope whatever you’re drinking today brings you a little extra love and a smile.