Have you ever asked a barista at a coffee shop to recommend a drink? If so, chances are it didn’t feel all that different from the kinds of conversations you’ve been having with bartenders for years… 

Here’s a few questions that go through the heads of baristas when asked to make recommendations: 

• What do you like to drink? 

• What flavors do you not like?

• Do you like really fruit forward flavors?” 

Often the response is, "Oh, I don't want it too strong." 

That's an interesting adjective because, do they mean super caffeinated? Do they mean really, really acid, too bitey of a flavor? Too much body? 

Baristas have to extrapolate meaning from this…  so there’s another list of follow-up questions: 

• Are you looking for caffeine? 

• Is that what you mean by “strong”?

• You don't like it super dark and full bodied?  

If they say no to bold flavors, a mild option would be something like a Guatemalan roast,  a really good in-between of not too fruit forward, not too bright, but it's got a really good kind of cocoa, and almost like a honey, syrupy flavor to it. This delicate acidity comes from the rich volcanic ash of the Pacaya region of Guatemala. 

If it turns out they want something really strong, over at 8&R we’d recommend something like Shakiso (below). 

Looking to expand your palette? Try ordering both options (with a special discount delivered via FB Messenger Here) and do a blind taste test. And the next time you’re in your favorite locally owned coffee shop, ask your barista what they think… chances are, they’ll have plenty to offer.