If you live in Collegetown, chances are that you probably have an addiction to all things CTB. You walk past it every day on your way to class, you have a favorite sandwich and a favorite pizza bagel, and you’ve spent more time waiting for your to-go order in the breakfast rush than you care to admit. For regulars and newbies alike, here’s the ultimate guide at what’s going on behind the coffee counter:
1You’ll make an insane amount of vanilla lattes.
And customers may not know it, but unless you specify the type of milk you want, we use 2% or whole–which means those calories add up. Make the healthier choice and order an almond or soy milk latte or try the sugar-free vanilla syrup option for a guilt-free treat every once in awhile.
2Iced cappuccinos aren’t a thing.
All the physics majors out there back me up–foam is a lot easier to make in a drink if the drink is hot. The same goes for skim milk; there’s nothing to make bubbly! So don’t be disappointed when you order this drink and it’s pretty wet (as opposed to with proper foam), because baristas are powerless against the laws of thermodynamics.
3You ordered a decaf drink, but you might not get it.
Sometimes it’s an accident, sometimes it’s not. Just be wary if you’re not a caffeine person–baristas are humans too and if we’re in a rush, you may start feeling the buzz of your unintentionally caffeinated espresso. To be safe next time, try ordering a decaffeinated tea or non-coffee drink like the Liz Lemonade or an antioxidant smoothie.
4It’s important to know how to be a good customer.
My favorite customer is like my favorite type of guy: they know what they want. A little drink speculation is natural for your first visit, but if you’re a regular don’t be afraid to be confident in your order! If you’re on the prowl for drinks to please your barista, try asking for the ones with funky names (so that we can have fun yelling out “I have a Big Foot!”), anything iced (especially the chai–it only takes two seconds to fill your order), or just a plain ol’ brewed coffee.
5We don’t have Starbucks sizes.
It’s not a “grande,” it’s a medium. But on the plus side our equivalent of the “venti” is a whopping 32 ounces compared to Starbucks’ mere 20. So if you need a study boost, order a large coffee next time.
6My favorite part of the job
Obviously, it’s you guys! It’s amazing to get to know the vastly diverse Cornell coffee palate over the years, and to be part of a community of the most dedicated carb and caffeine addicts at this school. Hope to see you in the coffee line!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO <3
I lived in Sheldon my sophomore year and spent an obscene amount of time and money at CTB. You guys are the best and as a graduate on the other side of the country now I miss you all terribly. California has the East Coast beat on Mexican food but they're clueless when it comes to a good bagel! Next time you have a Loch Ness Monster with a Danby revisited or medium-almond-milk-white-hot-chocolate-with-a-shot-of-hazelnut please enjoy it double for me!!