ON THE MENU: NOVELTY DRINKS

ON THE MENU: NOVELTY DRINKS

If you’re looking to try something new or plain-out weird in downtown Kent, you don’t have to look far – here are four of the wackiest drinks you can order from local businesses.

WORDS & PHOTOS BY Sarah Riedlinger

TARO SLUSH

@ Kenko Sushi + Teriyaki

$4.75

The Taiwanese drink known as bubble tea has been all the rage in Kent for the past year, and Kenko is no stranger to the game. Not only can you get a variety of flavors, but you can get the milk teas in “slush” form, similar to a smoothie. There are many customizations possible, but one popular choice is the taro flavored bubble tea that originates from a purple colored potato root and is sweet in taste.

SANGRIA IN-A-POUCH

@ Tree City Coffee

$3.99

Yep, you read that right – if you’re over 21, you can enjoy a relaxing drink of wine at Tree City Coffee, and it doesn’t even have to be served in a glass. You can drink it straight out of a plastic pouch shaped like a bottle. The top of the “bottle” tears off, and then you can drink the fruity beverage straight from the pouch. It’s reminiscent of childhood years filled with Capri Sun pouches, keeping all the fun and adding a mature twist.

COOKIE DOUGH BITES SODA

@ Sugar Rush

$3.00

The name “Sugar Rush” is definitely no joke – the array of syrup-filled drinks and Japanese candies that fill the store are enough to make anyone jittery. Among the wall of joke drinks such as “Dirt Soda” and “Butter Soda” is another called “Cookie Dough Bites Soda” that will peak the interest of any chocolate lover. Golden yellow in color, this drink tastes strongly of butterscotch with the fizziness of root beer.

MATCHA + ESPRESSO JR. BOLTZ

@ Scribbles Coffee Co.

$3.50

Step aside, Lipton – matcha is here to stay. The flavor, which has grown increasingly popular because of its health benefits, is a more caffeinated and bitter version of regular green tea. Though matcha is most often found in water or milk-based teas, it can also be mixed with coffee, and Scribbles Coffee Co. has created a well-balanced concoction of the flavor alongside espresso, ginger and turmeric for a short and sweet boost when you have a late night of studying.