Unconventional Coffee Drinks in the Northeast

A good cup of coffee is subjective. Some prefer it black, while others chant “extra, extra” like old-time paper boys when placing their orders. The fact is we might not all agree on how to take our coffee, but we certainly have no shortage of options to argue over in the Northeast. From exceptionally fresh coffee roasteries to nitro brew on tap, we have it all – but this one’s for the paper boys.

These coffee drinks go way beyond just cream and sugar. Some even push the boundary of what can still be considered coffee. And that’s just how we like it.

Banana Split Latte

Find it at: The Nook Coffeehouse

East Greenwich, R.I.

Don’t be fooled – this isn’t your average banana-flavored latte. Here, the banana split latte has the advantage of a multidimensional flavor profile thanks to black sesame tahini, which perfectly balances the would-be overpowering and sweet banana syrup. What’s left is a smokey, nutty and almost bananas foster-like taste that keeps you sipping until the last drop.

Beetlejuice Brew

Find it at: Mykonos Cafe & Bakery

Millbury, Mass.

Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. That’s us ordering this drink over and over again. Made with rich mocha syrup, iced coffee and mint cold foam, it’s reminiscent of grasshopper ice cream, but better, because caffeine. Although it’s a limited-time special made for the new movie sequel, Mykonos Cafe has plenty of creative offerings to choose from like the Teddy Graham Cold Brew, Honey-Bee Latte and even Cadbury Cream Cold Brew. Pair your drink with a yummy treat out of the well-stocked dessert case, and you’ve got yourself a perfect morning.

Butterfly Pea Latte

Find it at: Remi43 Flower & Coffee

New York City

This beautifully blue latte is right at home among the floral dreamland that is Remi43, a cafe and flower shop in one. With its subtle earthy flavor, butterfly pea flower is more often used in tea brews but creates a well-rounded profile when used with espresso. Besides its striking color, butterfly pea flower is also known for being anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants.

Ice Spice Latte

Find it at: Presto Strange O

Warwick, R.I.

Like the rapper it’s named after, this latte is a fan favorite. It’s got a lot going on: Three base flavors – pumpkin, gingerbread and cookie butter – mixed and generously topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and caramel drizzle. But everything comes together harmoniously under its piled-high dome lid. The creativity doesn’t stop there: Presto Strange O also has themed lattes for each zodiac sign offered during their month, like the Age of Aquarius latte, comprised of pistachio and honey flavors with salted honey cold foam on top.

Rainbow Cookie Latte

Find it at: Riposo Coffee Roasters

Rumson, N.J.

A tribute to the almond-flavored Italian dessert, the rainbow cookie latte from Riposo Coffee Roasters has the taste down to a science: Espresso shaken with chocolate and almond syrup blanketed with raspberry almond cold foam and topped with cocoa powder and an actual rainbow cookie. Perfection is hard to achieve, but this might be it.

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Spumoni Latte

Find it at: Over Easy Kitchen & Espresso Bar

Marlboro, N.J.

Coffee and ice cream were just made for each other. Our evidence? Affogatos, actual coffee ice cream, and this spumoni latte. Offered seasonally, this latte is created with a blend of pistachio, strawberry and mocha flavored syrups and includes two shots of espresso and green and pink cold foam on top. For the fall, they’re whipping up a Pumpkin Pie Chai made with pumpkin syrup and chai tea topped with pumpkin spice cold foam and turbinado sugar.

Taro Latte

Find it at: RaonJena Coffee & Dessert

Glastonbury, Conn.

Taro, a root vegetable native to Southeast Asia, takes center stage in this latte from RaonJena Coffee & Dessert. Although seemingly unorthodox to pair coffee with something that closely resembles a potato, taro has a unique flavor that is often described as nutty and even vanilla-like. Naturally purple-hued, taro also makes the latte an eye-catching shade of lavender. Available hot or iced.

Which extra coffee drinks did we miss? Let us know in the comments!