Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Student Culture

Media Credit: Matthew Kimel A venti iced Americano from Starbucks.

The end of the semester is dawning upon us, and based on past trends throughout my collegiate career, that means two things: less partying and more caffeine intake.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, though, I forgot to mention that an increase of school work or studying for finals may occur.

After years of indulging in heavily caffeinated drinks and acquiring a mega-tolerance to cup after cup of coffee and energy drinks that no longer give me wings, I've switched to the harder stuff.

Espresso.

There's no better way to get mentally prepared for a long session of school studying than to have a venti iced Americano, black, no room left for cream with two add shots ($2.50, 55 cents per added shot). You'll have all the energy and alertness needed to hit the books at the library or crank out a last-minute, 20-page essay.

If you log on to Google Maps, directions can be found to "about 11,040" locations that serve this dark, thirst-quenching beverage.

In case you can't figure out which company would serve a venti iced Americano, black, no room left for cream at so many locations in a small radius, it's Starbucks.

Your favorite barista at Starbucks may look at you like you're a little crazy when you order this high-octane drink with six shots of espresso, but just ignore it. It's totally worth the amount of extra energy that you will be able to put into your academic affairs.

Although I prefer the drink on the rocks, you can't go wrong ordering it hot with two added shots if it's a cold day. And if you can't stand the delicious taste of six shots of espresso mixed with water, try adding some sugar, cream, sweeteners and/or nonfat milk to fit your own personal agenda. If you're into that cinnamon or syrup stuff, you want to give it a go, but I won't recommend that you do.

Keep in mind, the faster you chug, the quicker it will hit you.

If it's your first time experimenting with this drink, make sure you take it slow. You may not be able to handle the rush.

If this pick-me-up doesn't lift you off the ground and get your mind bouncing off the wall, try adding another shot or two.

And if you're having trouble falling asleep at night after your venti iced Americano, black, no room left for cream with two added shots, have another one and pull an all-nighter. You can always go to sleep after your morning classes are over.

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