Jittery Joe’s spells out how their drinks are made right on the menu.
There aren’t many things more comforting to me than waking up while it’s still gray outside, sipping some good coffee and starting the day early. In contrast, one of my least favorite experiences is walking into a snobbish coffee shop and being bombarded with fancy Italian names I don’t understand, cooler-than-thou indie music I’ve never heard and practically a United Nations of coffees to choose from.
Lets try to set a few things straight. Most people are familiar with drip coffee. Pretty basic, and always a good standby if you get confused. Just remember, the darker the roast, the more intense the flavor because the coffee beans were roasted longer.
Things tend to get complicated when it comes to espresso drinks, but don’t panic. It’s a common misconception that espresso is a different bean or a different roast than straight-up coffee, when in fact, the difference is in how it is ground and brewed. Espresso is basically normally-roasted coffee beans that are ground into a fine powder. Piping hot water is forced through the grounds under high pressure to impart the distinct flavor that makes espresso unique.
The most common espresso drinks are cappuccinos and lattes. These two drinks are like siblings that may look very similar but have definite distinctions. The cappuccino is made of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam — in that order — from the bottom of the cup. A latte is made with espresso, a lot more steamed milk than a cappuccino and can be topped with whipped cream.
Looking for something sweeter? A mocha would make a great introduction to the espresso family. It is simply a latte with chocolate syrup added.
Espresso is served by “shots,” which are typically one ounce. You can add an extra shot to any drink if you’re really looking for a kick of caffeine. Once you’ve decided the number of shots, the barista (Italian for bartender), uses a special machine to steam the milk, incorporating air to give it a thick and rich texture. Order it “skinny” if you want to opt for skim milk.
Let’s be honest: you’re not going to consult this article every time you want a coffee drink. Luckily, a new Clemson favorite makes things easy for you. Jittery Joe’s on Highway 93 spells out how the drinks are made right on the menu. No pretense at this coffee house.
A variety of seating options makes this locally owned and operated shop great for studying or just gabbing with friends. Jittery Joe’s has been open since March 2007, and owner Kent Guthrie is proud to say that business is better than ever. Watch out for special events coming to Jittery Joe’s; employee Kehl Hudson says they’re working on getting some “local guys” to come play live music on weekend evenings.
Now that you’ve got the ins and outs of specialty coffees and where to grab one, go ahead and order like a caffeinated pro.
