Christmas Present Mocha at Over Flow Coffee House in Liberty.

When the seasons change, one of my priorities is tasting all relevant seasonal coffees. The holiday season is no different. Starbucks released their selection Nov. 2, and I was there that morning. Here is my official rundown and review of a few holiday drinks.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha:

This drink is the classic winter, feel-good beverage. As soon as I think of snow, I want to be drinking a peppermint mocha and singing Christmas songs. While this drink, like most Starbucks seasonal drinks, is very sweet and lacks a prominent coffee flavor, its sweetness could only be enhanced by adding whipped cream. I mean really, if part of the holiday season isn’t developing a sweet-tooth, then what is it?

Though if you do want it to be a little less overwhelmingly sweet, I suggest adding a shot of espresso to the drink.

Overall, you can’t skip this holiday icon and just can’t go wrong when ordering it.

Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte:

I was so excited for this drink, but, honestly, I have some beef with it. While it is warming and sweet and helps to get you in the mood for the holiday season, it is essentially identical in taste to their fall specialty drink–the salted caramel mocha.

One would think a mocha would taste distinctly different from a latte, but one would be sorely mistaken in this case. Even if the chocolate from the mocha were prominent, I still think it is misleading for Starbucks to use what seems to be the same flavors in two drinks with fairly distinct names. Did they just think caramel brulee sounded more wintry? I honestly felt a bit betrayed when trying it.

That said, the caramel brulee latte was delicious and not excessively sweet–I would recommend it.

Roasterie Peppermint Mocha:

At our very own Perch, I was submitting my order of a Cardinal Grind (10/10 would recommend, especially iced) when I was asked if I had tried the peppermint mocha. I had previously been under the impression that the Cardinal Grind was essentially a peppermint mocha.

I was so wrong. The mocha had excellent peppermint flavor without being overwhelmingly chocolately. Whereas the Starbucks mocha sometimes has a chalky feel to its chocolate, the Roasterie mocha was smooth as could be.

With some whipped cream to top off the experience, this was the perfect peppermint mocha and we are so lucky to have them nearby.

Starbucks Eggnog Latte:

This latte is a subtle holiday drink. The eggnog was present but not overwhelming and the spices added to the drink were obvious but not excessive. I thoroughly enjoyed this latte and think it is an excellent way to indulge in the holiday spirit without feeling *too* basic.

Overall enjoyable, even if you’re not a huge fan of eggnog–it’s just hidden enough.

A selection of holiday coffees from Starbucks. (Photo courtesy of Starbucks)

Starbucks Juniper Latte:

This latte was also understated and calming. With evergreen hints, it satisfied a desire for Christmas spirit without going too hard and hitting you over the head with a candy cane or Christmas tree. It was nothing that special, just a solid seasonal drink.

Overall, I would recommend, especially if you want to be seasonal but hate those over-the-top sugary specialty drinks.

Over Flow Coffee House Christmas Present Mocha:

Okay guys, for real. I. Love. This. New. Coffeeshop. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Over Flow has amazing coffee–they carry Messenger as well as more local roasters–and crepes. So when I saw their holiday specials, I was ecstatic! This mocha is, as promised, a present. It is sweet, chocolatey, minty and beautiful. If you chose to pair it with one of their signature crepes, you may just transcend.

Overall, this is the holiday drink I most recommend. The environment of Over Flow, the quality of the coffee and the quality of presentation simply cannot be beaten.

Cover photo courtesy of Christina Kirk.

This partnership rekindles the relationship between Jewell and The Roasterie which stagnated when the college switched providers to Starbucks in 2013.

Discussions regarding the recent change in coffee shop suppliers began between Fresh Ideas and Jewell in April 2018 and a final decision was reached in June 2018. The decision was made on the basis of student survey responses and staff feedback.

Shelly King, Dean of Students, said she is excited about the switch and that it makes a lot of sense. Mary Dickerson, First-Year Experience Director, emphasized that it will have a positive effect in supporting a local business.

Kiki Strecker, director of dining services, noted several advantages to a partnership with The Roasterie including a greater quality of product, increased freshness and a more collaborative relationship with suppliers.

“Fresh Ideas always wants to stay current, we’re cognizant of location, sustainability and product,” said Kiki. “We made sure we incorporated some of the students’ wishes in the new menu – we added protein and yogurt, we’re creating more choices”

Other items on the new menu include Jewell specific coffees such as the “Cardinal Grind” and the “Wake-Up Call” – a hot-drink containing six espresso shots which ought not to be served to pregnant women or the elderly.

Baristas, Angela Martin (left) and Kristina Clevenger (right), prepare for work at @thebeak.

The Roasterie has also worked with students to create the “Java Jewell” coffee blend which will be sold exclusively on Jewell’s campus.

Sarah Lewis, vice president of the Student Senate and junior political science, business administration and ACT-In major was one of the few selected to attend a tour of The Roasterie and help create the blend this summer.

“It provides a blend of coffee that’s not too strong, not too weak,” she said. “Some of the flavors we tried seemed very seasonal but this worked as a perfect yearly blend.”

Along with the new menu items, the partnership ushers in an increased push for sustainability.

Kristina Clevenger, coffee shop supervisor, explained that this partnership will be more economical in production and reduce waste in sales while simultaneously allowing customers more choices.

“It’s more sustainable to have things shipped across town instead of across the country,” Clevenger said. “All of the drinks that we’re going to serve are going to be without a lid and straw, these will be available to customers across the counter who can choose if they want to use them.”

Both Clevenger and Strecker are optimistic that a partnership with The Roasterie will improve the experience of consumers on Jewell’s campus.

“The small size of The Roasterie company allows them to really invest in the quality of their coffee,” said Clevenger.

In fact, according to The Roasterie’s website, every coffee bean they use is handpicked and air roasted – a treatment used on only one percent of coffee beans worldwide.

Strecker commented that product delivered from The Roasterie will be significantly fresher than that from Starbucks and that orders will now be processed within 24 hours as opposed to seven-to-ten days.

The shorter turnaround time between order and delivery will reduce the amount of shortages in product and will enable customers to try a wider variety of syrup flavors and coffee blends, as smaller quantities can be ordered for people to sample.

“The coffee is more personable,” said Clevenger.

The Roasterie is a local company which was founded by Danny O’Neill in the basement of his Brookside home in 1978. Inspired by a study abroad trip to Costa Rica, O’Neill founded the company with an emphasis on using locally sourced products and directly trading with farmers, thereby eliminating third parties and ensuring that farmers receive higher profits.

“It feels so good to be back home and feels so good to have William Jewell back in the family,” said O’Neill. “We have had a great relationship for over 20 years and look forward to many more.”

Jewell’s name will be added to a growing list of colleges serving The Roasterie’s signature blends, including University of Missouri – Kansas City, University of Kansas and Iowa State University.

Members of the Jewell community interested in learning more about The Roasterie company and its methods can sign up online to tour the factory or to sample exclusive new coffee blends.

City Market Coffee House

Nestled in the bustling City Market, the City Market Coffee House has a relaxed and cozy atmosphere and superb coffee. Their menu has plenty of options, and their drink of the day is always delightful. A popular drink is the “Vietnamese Iced Coffee,” which is espresso and sweetened condensed milk over ice.

It is on the smaller side, but there is additional seating outside. A spiral staircase leads to a tiny upstairs with limited seating, but if you manage to get a seat, it is a perfect place to study. You can use a trip to the coffeehouse to explore the rest of the City Market, home to affordable restaurants, shopping, produce and a weekend farmers market.

Thou Mayest

Thou Mayest is the sort of coffee shop that makes one proud to call KC their home. The name means “the way is open,” and this coffee shop is the perfect place to try new things. The coffee is of exceptional quality. Their non-caffeine menu is also good. They have pastries from Heirloom Bakery. I recommend the homemade pop tart. Their menu is extensive and maybe a little intimidating, but I suggest the “Wild Child” coffee. It is a dark roast with a full and fruity flavor.

The shop has two floors and plenty of places to sit and study or talk. I would suggest studying here in the morning or early afternoon, as Thou Mayest also serves alcohol and becomes more of a cocktail bar in the evenings.

The Filling Station

The Filling station has locations in Overland Park, Kan., Midtown and Westport. Each location has a different vibe. The one in Midtown is my personal favorite. Located in an old car garage, this location really delivers on the “filling station” aspect. It is a bright and open space with a relaxed atmosphere, excellent for either studying or chatting. The menu provides a variety of brews, an assortment of pastries and breakfast items and a selection of fresh-pressed juices. Juices are definitely the highlight. Their “liquid sunshine” is aptly named and a favorite.

Hi Hat

Tucked in a neighborhood, this tiny coffeehouse has a cozy feel and many delicious menu options. Though the inside has only two tables, there is plenty of outdoor seating. I tried the Bumblebee latte with a delicious cinnamon and honey flavor, a customer favorite. With it’s friendly and obliging baristas, delicious and reasonably-priced coffee and adorable and charming atmosphere, you can’t leave Hi Hat in a bad mood.

Hammerhand

Located half a mile off campus in Liberty Square and providing a 10 percent discount for Jewell students, Hammerhand provides the perfect place for Jewell students to get coffee, study or just leave campus for a while. The visual aspect is striking. With its high ceilings, brightly lit space and pops of turquoise, Hammerhand has created a space that doesn’t look like any other coffee shop around.

Hammerhand serves strong and flavorful coffee from Oddly Correct roasterie. If you are a black coffee lover, I suggest trying the current black coffee offering. If you like coffee a little sweeter, you might ask about their current seasonal drink, which usually has unique flavors and interesting combinations. A popular drink right now is the Mayan Mocha with a spicy, chocolatey flavor.

Honorable Mentions:

Quay Coffee

Located in the River Market district of Kansas City, Quay provides a simple but effective coffee menu and a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.

The Roasterie

This Kansas City classic provides well-made, delicious drinks and a relaxed space.

YJ’s Snack Bar

A distinct and unique atmosphere, YJ’s is a wonderful place to drink coffee, eat and listen to Jazz.

Photos by Hannah Koehler.