Whether it’s part of a morning ritual, an afternoon pick-me-up, or an all-day, everyday habit, coffee always finds a way to sneak its way into our everyday lives. One of the perks of attending Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) is the 10% student discount offered at the Starbucks located at 2 Columbus Ave (at 59th St.) Although this makes it extremely tempting to pick up a delicious drink whenever possible, it is refreshing to break tradition once in a while and visit some less-renowned shops.

Fika
41 W 58th Street, between Avenue of the Americas and Grand Army Plaza

One of my favorite underground spots to hit when I need a boost is Fika. While this particular venue requires a bit of a walk to get to, the coffee is absolutely worth it.
You can take your pick from options including freshly brewed coffee, espresso, macchiato, latte or iced coffee. I personally recommend Fika’s aromatic cappuccino, which tastes rich, creamy and smooth. Disclaimer: Fika’s coffee is on the stronger side, so be prepared if you’re new to the coffee scene or just prefer lighter roasts. Alternatives include hot chocolate, tea, and iced tea.

Juice Generation
117 W 72nd Street, between Columbus Avenue and Amsterdam Avenue

While coffee isn’t necessarily bad for you, there are definitely healthier options that
are able to provide the same spurt of energy college students so often crave. Fresh juices are a tasty and nutritious alternative to the daily “cup of joe.” Juice Generation is the place to be when you’re in the mood to indulge in a more nourishing and refreshing beverage.

I decided to put my taste buds to the test and try the cashier’s recommendation, the Hail to Kale. This juice is a combination of kale, apple, watermelon and lemon. I’m not going to lie: you can definitely taste the green provided by the kale. Still, the apple and watermelon gave the drink a sweet element, while the lemon provided a tangy kick that’s enough to jumpstart anybody. Being an avid coffee drinker myself, I am all too familiar with the rush of energy that accompanies it. With that said, I can honestly say that I was given the same rush when drinking the fresh juice without the bitter aftertaste that follows a cup of coffee.

Alice’s Tea Cup
102 W 73rd Street, between Amsterdam Avenue and Columbus Avenue

Although I shamelessly enjoy at least a couple cups of coffee a day, I do like to switch it up for tea whenever I feel like having a change of pace. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous Alice in Wonderland, the décor of the teahouse is incredibly charming and quaint.

The tea menu offered by Alice’s is extensive enough to make anyone’s head spin. If you decide to visit the whimsical café and are feeling especially adventurous, you can choose from the more daring flavors. These include flavors such as Chocolate Mint (Indian black tea with mini chocolate chips and peppermint leaves) and Rooibos Coconut Vanilla (a red bush herb flavored with coconut flakes and bourbon vanilla essence).

The best part is that you don’t always have to go for the more intense flavors. I often enjoy simply sipping on their plain Green tea called Sencha. Overall, the range of teas that are offered guarantee that you’ll never get bored of their options. My personal favorite is the Indian Chai tea, which features a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and vanilla. Just thinking about it makes me want to walk to West 73rd street and enjoy a cup.

Living in New York City comes with endless beverage possibilities, each with their own appeal. Whatever you choose to drink in the end, make sure to enjoy every single sip!