Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Cheers!

It seems to me every writer has a preferred drink; the one they usually sit down with when it's time to work. Don't you think it's the norm? And the two most common choices, I'd bet, are coffee and tea.

I can't explain it. There's just something about sitting down to write, a favorite drink within reach. It makes the task ahead of me - hurdling through that dogged plot point, smoothing out the choppy prose or dialogue, etc. - easier to face; it helps my mind separate - somehow like a mere beverage provides a little retreat for me - and home in on my writer's voice.

My favorite is this:


Poured over ice and sipped through a straw, it has to be mocha. Which will come as no surprise to my friends and family. But it's an expensive habit. A carton of four bottles, though still cheaper than hitting the local coffee shop, is upwards of $6.00 at some of my local retailers. I'm willing to spend the money, but it adds up. And quickly.

But I recently found a different, worthy drink. It's a yummy alternative to the Starbucks (I didn't think there'd ever be one) and, blessedly, happens to be less expensive, too.


A friend introduced me to this Chai Tea. Can you see there on the front? It's a mix of black tea, vanilla, spices and honey. Anyway, she made it with half milk, half concentrate (as the directions call for) and ooh, dawg, is it tasty! I use 2% milk and serve it cold, as is my preference with teas and coffees, but my mom drinks hers with soy milk, heated. Either way, it's just over $3 per carton (at good ol' Wal-Mart, next to the teas and hot chocolate mixes), and it makes a gallon all said and done.

Mmm. I'm enjoying a cup of the latter right now...

So what's your writing beverage of choice?




9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Janna.
Me too on the Mocha Frapp. Like it over ice--although I have to be careful--it makes me hyper. ;)

Janet said...

Why don't you make your own cappuccino? A little stove-top espresso maker is not expensive. And homemade usually tastes better. Come by and I'll show you.

Or make your own chai. Celestial Seasonings is good.

Tea or coffee for me too, although usually homemade. And usually black, especially coffee. Lots of ice water in the summer. Occasionally mineral water.

WendyCinNYC said...

For me it's green genmaicha tea--it has toasted rice mixed with the green tea leaves and gives it a slightly nutty flavor. It's also supposed to be good for the metabolism, so I'm hoping it will aid me in my losing fight against secretary's butt.

I like it, but it's an acquired taste. I'd much rather be drinking the mocha, frankly.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Yes, I learned I should drink it during daytime hours, instead of just before bed...

:D

Janna Leadbetter said...

Janet - I've tried mastering some worthy concoction at home, but can't get anything decent. Maybe I do need your guidance.

I have a cappuccino maker, but it's kind of overwhelming to use...

Janna Leadbetter said...

I've never heard of the green genmaicha tea. But maybe I should try it to ward off same said secretary butt... It really does stink that being a writer warrants lots of downtime, plopped on a seat in front of a computer.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I'm boring, I drink water all day long. I have half a cup of coffee in the morning (about 6 oz.) then water after that.

I do LOVE Chai tea but they don't have it down here. Mmm mmm mmm. I also like peppermint tea because it doesn't have caffeine but the mint still revs you up.

Janna Leadbetter said...

I wish I could say I drink more water, it's so much healthier. I go through fits and spurts with it, but typically it's the last thing I reach for. I really need to be better about it.

Michele said...

Oh, I have to have herbal tea! Oolong, Jasmine, Yerba Mate, Nettle, Rooibos... Tasty! :-)

*smiles*
Michele