The United States of Coffee

Are you one of the 216 million Americans that drink coffee each and every day? I know I am! Think about this: those lucky enough to live in New York have 10% of America's coffee shops virtually at their fingertips. Sounds like The Coffee Snob might have to book a flight and head up north.

In The Food Network's latest magazine, New York was highly favored in all categories. It kicked all of the other states out of the park. From coffee festivals to movie sets, New York outshined them all. As each state had its own "coolest coffee cup", the best design was in New York from Nickel & Diner located in Chinatown (https://www.nickelanddiner.com). Come for breakfast, lunch and dinner to satisfy any craving. Coffee is just a small perk to all of the amazing dishes from chef Eric Rentz.

The magazine colors its pages with "the coolest coffee cup from every state" and is quite eye-catching. Florida, Louisiana, Michigan (sorry fellow Ohioans), Virginia and Utah are by far the top contenders for coolest design with minimalist designs, color, creativity and the occasional inspirational phrase.

Also highlighted in the magazine, are monthly coffee events across the nation. The coffee extravaganza ranges from Boston, for the Specialty Coffee Expo, to Hawaii, for the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, and everywhere in between. You can be guaranteed to find an event near you at least one month out of the year. What could be better?

Lastly, keep an eye out for some new coffee concoctions. The Nathan Palmer, a blend of lemonade and iced coffee, is emerging as the next new thing in Glendale, California. The cold brew lemonade has already traveled to Ypsilanti, Michigan and is a crowd pleaser. Watch out Arnold!

Closer to home in Raleigh, North Carolina, carbonated coffee is on the rise. In 2006, Coca-Cola launched a coffee flavored Coke that was not successful. Thirteen years later, 42 & Lawrence took the coffee-soda mix and began the trend again. Spreading across the United States, the drink is also popular in Huntsville, Alabama. This one's for you mom - my favorite: coffee, with your favorite: soda!

For more cool coffee facts and events around the country, check out the January 2019 edition of The Food Network Magazine! Let me know what you think!

*All credits go to The Food Network Magazine and all of the coffee shops mentioned in the article.