THE CONFECTIONIST: Coffee Etiquette?

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Coffee Etiquette?



Yesterday, I met up with a friend for a cup of coffee. It was a cute little coffee shop right by where I live—it was quite cozy, which was great on a gray winter day. We each ordered a caramel macchiato—I've never indulged in this drink before, but I was in a daring mood. I'd definitely call it a liquid confection, for its sweet caramel flavors swirling around amongst two shots of espresso made my mouth feel like it was twirling on an ice-rink.
My friend began pouring our her heart with regards to her current rocky relationship, while I sipped on my warm drink. As I listened, I realized how fast my coffee was leaving my cup. In between offering advice and unveiling her vulnerability, I slyly glanced over to the coffee table to see if her mug was still full. I was a little disappointed when I saw that she had at least thirty more minutes, before finishing her drink. We had been sitting with our coffee for at least fourty-five minutes, and I was just three sips away from an empty mug.
I began to wonder if there was a certain standard, for how fast one should drink in the presence of a fellow comrade. Was it rude that I drank so fast? Was she just too slow? What does this say about me? Is it unacceptable that I like to drink my coffee while it's hot?
An hour and fourty-five minutes passed before my dear friend finally finished her coffee and sorted out her life. I doubt her last sip warmed her up like mine, but hopefully the company did.

Readers, what do you think about coffee drinking etiquette? Are there some rules I'm missing out on?

2 comments:

  1. Hmmmm. Interesting question. I love the Caramel Macchiato. It's a favorite. As for the etiquette of drinking a Caramel Macchiato, try not to let a wallop of whipped cream land on one's nose.

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  2. Next time you go out with this particular friend get a larger size and order your drink extra hot so that you can enjoy it as long as she does!

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