Some people wake up with their morning alarm. Others wake up with caramel cold brew. Whether it’s Biggby, Starbucks, or an ice-cold energy drink, caffeine has become fuel for some Royal Oak High School students. We talked to staff and students about their caffeine choices, from sweet and foamy to bitter and strong, to see what’s keeping everyone awake and ready to learn this semester.
Junior Lilly Antwan prefers to skip the cafe line and make her coffee at home, using her Nespresso machine.
“I use the Bianco Doppio pod, drizzle a little honey around the cup, then add caramel creamer and milk. I froth it all up, brew the coffee, and top it with the froth,” said Antwan.
Antwan chooses to make her coffee at home rather than go to a restaurant or a cafe.
“I like being able to make it
how I like it, because I don’t like coffee too strong, and when I get it at places, it can be too strong, so it’s always perfect when I make it,” she said.
For other students, the day doesn’t start till they stop at Starbucks Junior. Sam Davis is loyal to her Starbucks matcha. “My favorite place to get matcha from is Starbucks because it is convenient. When I get a Starbucks matcha, I get an Iced venti matcha latte, no classic syrup and 4 pumps of vanilla,” she said. One of the most popular drinks among Royal Oak High School students is the Starbucks Strawberry Acai, though some enjoy its close sibling, the pink drink, which is the same base as the Acai, just with a splash of coconut milk. Junior Lola Lund is a devoted fan. “Every morning I get a strawberry acai from Starbucks,” she said, adding that she drinks it with an energy drink. “I love both of them, and they make me feel so happy and energetic. I don’t think I could go a day without them.”
While some stick to their tried-and-true drinks, others love swapping them out for seasonal favorites. Right now, the ever-popular pumpkin spice flavor takes up almost all cafes’ menus. Freshman Amber Grossutti says her fall go-to drink is the Starbucks pumpkin chai. Junior Anna Adams said, “Pumpkin spice is the perfect fall drink. My favorite time of year is when I can get a grande pumpkin cream cold brew. It just makes my day feel more special.”
Other students like a quick and easy pick-up drink, like energy drinks. Senior Juliette Girgenti has a “Juvie strawberry kiwi, or the fruit punch flavor,” adding that she prefers energy drinks because they come in a bunch of different flavors. “It’s fun to try new ones,” she said. Sophomore Vanessa Harka also enjoys an energy drink in the morning “I get Alanis. I usually get a variety of their flavors, not a specific flavor. I like the taste of them and they give me a bolt of energy to make it through the day.” Harka prefers energy drinks over other beverages. “I choose energy drinks because I don’t like the taste of coffee or tea,” she said.
From homemade drinks to early caffeine runs, caffeine clearly helps keep some Royal Oak High School students running. Whether it’s for the energy, the taste, or just the comfort of a morning routine, everyone has their own go-to pick-me-up. It doesn’t matter what you’re drinking in the morning; we’re all just trying not to drift off in the first hour.
