Ever wondered what’s going on in your barista’s mind as you order? Working behind the espresso machine gives baristas free entertainment to see humanity’s most caffeinated quirks. Some orders will make them pause and sigh. Here are eight drinks guaranteed to get you silently judged by your barista. But don’t let these orders stop you from getting your desired drink, as their judgment will only remain in their heads and won’t affect you or your orders.
8. Anything with More Than 5 Modifications
Some drinks are challenging to make, including orders with more than five modifications. Yup, it’s those customers who’ll order half-caff, sub oatmilk, remove this, and add that instead—those who order secret menu items or customized drinks according to their needs. Your barista will need a flowchart to create your beverage, and the customer behind you might get irritated.
7. “Just Give Me Whatever Has the Most Caffeine”
For baristas, your order says, “I’m using caffeine as a band-aid for my problems.” They would probably give you a coffee with espresso shots. However, they’ll be concerned for your well-being, especially when you look like you haven’t slept a wink the night before. If this is your usual order, they’ll probably think about your relationship with caffeine stimulants for a moment.
6. Breve Latte with Extra Whipped Cream
That’s a heart attack in a cup! Unless you’re not a coffee drinker, breve is made of half-and-half instead of milk. Adding whipped cream is like adding butter to butter! It would leave your barista wondering if your health insurance is covered and whether they should watch out for you as you drink your order.
5. Cappuccino in a Large Cup
For non-coffee drinkers, a traditional cappuccino is about 5-6 ounces. That’s why they’re usually in one size only as you scan the cafe menu. When you order them large in a cup, you’ll get weird looks from your barista and probably get a latte with extra foam if you insist.
4. Decaf Americano
That’s like ordering a hot bean water. An Americano is already espresso and hot water. What do you think decaf and Americano are? That’s right, expensive hot water with coffee flavoring. Your barista will probably question your choices and wonder if you know that tea exists.
3. Frappuccino with Whipped Cream in January
Your barista is probably questioning you as it’s 20 degrees outside with snow. Now you want a frozen drink topped with whipped cream? While they would expect you to order from their hot drinks, they don’t have a choice but to punch in your order. They might wear three layers while making your frappuccino, as you’re about to sip on a drink with the temperature of an arctic wind.
2. Extra Hot Cappuccino
Asking for an “extra hot” is like asking a barista to destroy the microfoam they worked on. Since cappuccino is a delicate drink made out of balanced espresso, steamed milk, and foam, the extra heat will destroy the microfoam. Also, it would ruin the concept of cappuccino itself when the foam melts away.
1. The “Skinny Vanilla Latte with Oat Milk”
Now that’s a contradiction. Just think about wanting a skinny (sugar-free syrup) and an oat milk with more calories than regular milk. You may wish to add the taste of oat milk to your beverage, but that will destroy the skinny’s power. Pick a lane, whether to go indulgent or watch your calorie intake.