5 Must-Try Specialty Coffee Drinks for First-Timers
Whether you’re just getting into coffee or you’re looking for something other than a black coffee, specialty drinks are a fun way to explore new flavors. At our Amsterdam-inspired coffee shop in San Antonio, we have a wide range of classic coffee drinks and specialty lattes to choose from.
We even have coffee-free alternatives, like our plant-based energy drinks and our chaga mushroom latte. If you’re a beginner to the coffee world (or just want something new and fun to try!), we’ve curated 5 must-try drinks that balance taste, comfort, and adventure, perfect for your first order.
Mr. Chagaccino: Our Most Popular Drink
It’s our most popular drink for a reason: unique, energizing, and full of earthy depth with a smooth finish. Mr. Chagaccino is an energizing chaga mushroom drink blended with two shots of espresso and your choice of milk.
If you’ve already tried lattes or mochas and want to branch out into something more adventurous without straying too far, the chaga latte is a great place to start.
Ms. Horchata: Refreshingly Light
If you’re just starting out with coffee, we recommend keeping it light and refreshing! Our Ms. Horchata is an iced horchata mixed with some cold brew that gives you a bright burst of flavor.
Horchata is a traditional drink with Spanish and Latin American roots, most commonly made from rice (or sometimes almonds) and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. Traditional lattes and cappuccinos have a richness of flavor that can linger in your mouth, which not all beginners enjoy. On the other hand, horchata has a refreshing, lightly spiced taste that pairs perfectly with coffee fusions.
If you want to dip your toes into the specialty coffee world, our horchata cold brew is the best place to start.
The Gold Digger: Sweet, Spiced Comfort
The Gold Digger is our San Antonio twist on a cinnamon latte. Made with cinnamon, white chocolate, and your choice of dairy, this latte is a beginner’s dream. It’s just rich and cozy enough to appreciate the flavor of espresso without an overpowering bitterness.
Traditional black coffee is known for its bold, rich flavor that often leans bitter or acidic, depending on the roast level. For beginners, this taste can feel unpleasant, which is why sweeter or flavored specialty drinks are a great way to ease into appreciating coffee.
Our signature lattes are best for beginners who prefer something sweet and familiar but want to dip their toes into the espresso world.
Pro tip: Try The Gold Digger iced for a dessert-like twist on a hot day at any of our Texas locations!
The Swanky: A Sweet Sensation
Every coffee lover knows that your intro to specialty drinks has to include a mocha! Mocha lattes are a classic blend of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. It’s a rich and sweet drink that balances coffee with cocoa’s smooth flavor.
Its origins can be traced back to Italy, inspired by the chocolate-infused coffee traditions of Mocha, Yemen, one of the world’s earliest coffee trade hubs.
At Archies, The Swanky is our take on a classic mocha latte with hazelnut and caramel, topped with caramel drizzle. It’s sweet, nutty, and indulgent, disguising the traditional bitterness of coffee while gently introducing you to its classic taste with complementary caramel and hazelnut flavors.
If you’re a true first-timer to coffee and feeling hesitant about that bold espresso flavor, this is a great option for you.
Matcha Latte: A Coffee-Free Energy Lift
Although not strictly coffee, the matcha latte is all the rage these days – and for good reason! Matcha is the perfect alternative to coffee if you want that gentle energy boost without the same caffeine level or flavor.
Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea that is extra concentrated. The smooth green powder is typically whisked with steamed milk for an earthy, vibrant latte. Matcha lattes are best for coffee beginners who aren’t sure about coffee but still want to try something trendy and energizing.
Pro tip: Ask for a little sweetener if it’s your first time! Matcha’s natural flavor can taste grassy until your palate adjusts.
Sip with Confidence at Archies Coffee
No matter where you are on your coffee journey, there’s a drink here for you at our San Antonio coffee shop. Start with something sweet and approachable like The Swanky or The Gold Digger, or jump into something adventurous like the Chagaccino or Matcha.
At Archies, every drink is crafted to make your first sip unforgettable. Browse our full menu online or visit us at our various locations in Texas to discover your new favorite drink today.
