www.ChrisLaBossiere.com

You know that guy in movies who claims to have a way to beat the system at the racetrack, or has a way to outsmart the casino in Vegas? In the best of these movies, it turns out to be true and we all cheer for the eclectic genious who pulls it off. Sometimes we even see past the ethical dilemma's, if they exist, because we all love to see the "man" get beat. I mean, what's a few pennies from the rich, for the poor?

Now what if I told you that you could save hundreds of dollars per year, buying the coffee you love, and at the same time sticking it to the corporate bohemoth that is Starbucks? Oh, and the good part is that this proven system is both ethical and legal!

Before the secret, here's some background on my coffee dilemma.

I used to drink Starbucks Latte's at the average rate of one per day. The combination of steamed milk and strong, hot espresso, was about all I needed to get my days started. Unlike the 8 oz. shots of crap that our office coffee machine produces, a Grande (a made up corporate word for Large) Latte would last me nearly an hour and satisfy my caffeine fix. But there are two distinct downsides to this strategy.

1. Too much milk. I love the steamed milk for the way it hones the strong taste of the espresso, but a Latte simply has too much milk. I guess this may not be a big problem for anyone with a Body Mass Index within the government approved limits, but sadly that is not me.
2. Get's cold too fast. This one is simple science. Starbucks don't like to steam their milk beyond 160 degrees, and even if you ask for extra hot, it can be close to burning at that temperature. There is NOTHING worse than forking over $4.00 for a coffee to walk out of the store with a lukewarm product in your hands.

Enter left, the Americano Misto. Firstly, we must continue to forgive Starbucks for making up words. The word Misto is a corporate creation used to add some kind of proprietariness to what in many parts of the World would be referred to as a Cafe au Lait. But since we are set out to screw them for a few sheckles here, we'll let this slide.

A Caffe Americano is an Espresso with added hot water. It has a kick to it, and even though diluted, it's still too strong for my liking. But, imagine an Americano, with a couple ounces of hot, steamed milk. Here are the obvious benefits:

1. Stays hot, longer. Simple math here. Water can be heated to greater temperatures than milk, without the risk of burning. So the more hot water you add, the hotter your drink stays.
2. Espresso Flavour. Like a latte, you can taste the strong underpinnings of the espresso. this is important too me as I need that strong flavour, but a latte is too much milk.
3. Cost. This is the best part. Starbucks (at least in Edmonton), charges $2.60 for an Americano vs. $3.80 for a latte. A savings of $1.20, which over a year can be hundreds for the addict. Starbucks will also try to charge you $0.55 for the addition of milk for the Misto.... but that leads us to...

SECRET BONUS TIP #2

If you have a Starbucks card, and I insist that you must; one of the benefits are FREE additional "flavour shots". Well that also includes the added milk fee of $0.55. So by paying with your Starbucks card, your creamy, hot, Americano Misto is now only $2.60 again.

Another benefit of having a Starbucks card, is the ability to access FREE wireless internet for two-hours per day in any of their stores. Starbucks cards are FREE and the only condition to getting the wireless is that you must register the card with Starbucks. Oh, and one more thing, on your birthday, using the Starbucks card, you get a FREE drink of your choice.

So there you have it. Don't say I never do anything for you. Now go enjoy both your coffee and your savings, on me today.