Coffee lovers around the world debate over the superior type, temperature, places, or even coffee sizes. Well, according to Barstow’s middle school population, Starbucks drinks are very popular.

Hamish Hasenbos-Case ‘(27) fills us in on his favorite, and very popular drink choices. “See I’m very basic, so I like Starbucks and normally just the frappuccino, cold coffee, nothing special or a peppermint mocha. It tastes really good, I’ve only had it like three times.” With his limited experience with his peppermint mocha, Hasenbos-Case (‘27) has awarded a gold star to the drink along with his normal frappuccino. Although, considering the fact that he gave a hot and cold drink, it begs the question, what’s better, hot or cold? “Iced, definitely, because hot burns my mouth and I don’t really like that,” he explained. Hasenbos-Case’s love for the taste of peppermint mocha, with his limited exposure to it, has proven to be loved by others and so has his preference for cold drinks.

A nice, rich mocha seems to be the ideal choice to many. Rajah Perrenoud-Moore (’27), said, “Oh, a hot peppermint mocha! That’s good!” Though she did have a hard time choosing a drink, she was quick in response to her favorite type of temperature for her drink. “My favorite type of coffee is hot, cold is nasty. It’s so nasty,” she stated bluntly. 

On the other hand, Maira Parsons (‘27), prefers a cold drink. “I really like iced lattes, which I know most people don’t really count as a coffee, like you want some coffee with your milk? But I just really like iced coffee.” As for her go-to coffee place, Parsons (‘27) is an avid Starbucks lover. “This is gonna sound so cliche, but I really like Starbucks. But I do enjoy going to small coffee places around town. My favorite drink from Starbucks is a venti iced toasted vanilla oatmilk shaken espresso with 2 pumps of sugar free vanilla syrup, salted caramel cold foam, caramel drizzle, and light ice,” said Parsons (‘27). This tall order (pun intended) definitely takes the cake for the most exuberant order ever heard, but the person with the most diverse choices, has yet to show itself.

“I like coffee but I’m not allowed to have caffeine, but I prefer espresso, if I can get it,” said Mohammed Abu bakr (‘27). Espresso, infamous for it’s bitter taste, generally has its lovers leaning to the side of bitter coffee and steering clear of the sweet, sugar filled treats that are offered. Abu bakr (‘27) on the other hand, loves to diversify his range of drinks at his favorite coffee place. “My go-to coffee place is Starbucks and I usually get a grande. I usually get like a…mocha cookie crumble frappuccino…I like iced coffee the best as well.” he said. This delectable sweet treat can be described as an Oreo in a drink, with a lot of whipped cream. Certainly a different flavor from espresso, but nevertheless, a delicious drink! 

Another mocha lover lies in our midst, but it sure isn’t her favorite drink. Disease class and 6th grade science teacher, Mrs. Kat Jones, gives us great insight on her unique coffee blends and choices. “I prefer hot coffee over iced coffee, but if my coffee sits there long enough and it gets cold then I’m not gonna throw it out,” Mrs. Jones explained. While she does have the occasional peppermint mocha or a white one, she loves her exotic coffee blends that she brews at home. “I actually like to find unique coffee blends, so I go to Tuesday Morning and one of my favorite coffee blends they have there is Hawaiian Paradise which is just a really smooth cup of coffee,” she says. 

Though we do love a nice home brew, Starbucks once again, took the cake with a popular vote. Apparently, a nice cold coffee is well beloved by most, but not by a long run. Rich mochas and cold frappuccinos battle for the first spot, but in the end, mochas become our victor, once and for all.