There’s a Latte Options When It Comes to Coffee Drinks

Visiting a new coffee shop is a fun way to explore your community and support local businesses. It can also be intimidating to be confronted with a menu filled with specialty drinks as well as alternative milk and flavor options to choose from. How do you know where to start?

Common coffee drinks

Many of these drinks can be made hot or iced. Your barista can also add different syrup flavors such as vanilla or caramel upon request.

• Espresso: A strong and concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It's the base for many other coffee drinks and can be caffeinated or decaf.
• Americano: A simple yet satisfying drink made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water, giving it a similar strength to drip coffee but with a richer flavor.
• Latte: A creamy and smooth drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam. This drink is a good option for people who aren't sure if they like coffee because it has mild taste because of the milk.
• Cappuccino: Similar to a latte but with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam. It's a bit stronger and has a more pronounced coffee flavor. 
• Mocha: A sweet blend of espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup, often topped with whipped cream. It's a treat for those who love the combination of coffee and chocolate. 
• Macchiato: A traditional macchiato is a small 4 oz espresso "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam. This is very different from the Starbucks Macchiato, which can be confusing when placing an order.

What are my options for drinks at an Arapahoe Libraries café?

• Looking for a hot drink? We have drip coffee, espresso drinks, tea or steamers.
• Want something iced? We offer cold brew, iced espresso drinks, blended frosts and Italian sodas.
• Not sure what to order? Try one of the monthly drink specials that have been tried and tested by our talented baristas. Many of these drinks are available hot, iced or blended as a Frost. You can also ask your barista for a recommendation.

You'll find more than just drinks at the cafes at the Koelbel and Smoky Hill Library. You'll find offerings from local vendors including sandwiches and baked goods from Bluepoint Bakery, opens a new window, delicious coffee and lattes from Coda Coffee Company, opens a new window and tea from Two Leaves and a Bud, opens a new window. You can also browse a wide selection of books available for sale by the Friends of Arapahoe Libraries Used Bookstores.