Tiny Tips: the best Starbucks drink to have before a performance

Do you love Starbucks, but never know what drink to get for your pre-performance coffee run?  In order to set yourself up for a good performance, choose something with carbs, protein, and the right amount of caffeine for you.  For most dancers over age 15, moderate caffeine is helpful to fueling a good performance.  Go with medium roast or 1 shot of espresso.  If you are under 15 or don’t tolerate caffeine well, go with decaf or something coffee-free.  Smelling and tasting peppermint can help you focus during the performance, and Starbucks offers both regular and sugar free peppermint syrups.  You can also choose from whole, 2% (default choice), and skim dairy milk, as well as soy and coconut milks to customize your drink. 

If you are getting a quick pick-me-up before a Nutcracker show, take advantage of Starbucks’ holiday menu and order a peppermint mocha (or peppermint hot chocolate if you don’t do caffeine).  Peppermint syrups are available year round, so you can order a regular coffee, hot chocolate, mocha latte, or mocha Frappuccino with peppermint syrup before any show any time of year.