From Happy Hour to Happy Latte: My Midlife Coffee Story
- Sally Schrempf
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Discovering the Magic of Coffee
I’ll never forget my first latte. I was with my son at a waterfront coffee shop in Scottsdale, Arizona. For some inexplicable reason, I’d let over fifty years slip by before enjoying coffee. But after savoring just a few sips of this new and delectable concoction, I was in awe. Coffee wasn’t just a beverage; it was an experience! I now look forward to a coffee date with the same anticipation I once had for happy hour — and I’m getting into far less trouble!
Coffee Health Benefits: Why Your Daily Cup Does More Than Wake You Up
Coffee (like our equally delicious friend, chocolate) was once shunned as an unhealthy indulgence. However, today’s research indicates that moderate coffee consumption can actually be beneficial for our health.
It’s packed with antioxidants that protect your cells and may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers (including breast and skin cancer).
Studies also link coffee to better brain health and a reduced risk of liver disease.
And yes, science confirms what we’ve always felt deep in our souls: coffee perks you up and makes everything feel better!
Coffee Caution: How to Sip Smart and Still Enjoy Every Drop
Despite its awesomeness, coffee isn’t perfect for everyone (especially those sensitive to caffeine). And you’ll be negating the benefits if you load up your cup with sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, or creamers. That doesn’t mean coffee has to be boring! I make a delicious latte with organic whole milk. My daughter adds a tablespoon of maple syrup, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a dash of Ceylon cinnamon to give her latte a delicious sweetness.
A couple more points to keep in mind:
Coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops worldwide. Buying organic ensures your brew is free from herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. It’s kinder to farmers, the environment, and you!
Let your coffee cool a bit before drinking. Some studies link scorching-hot beverages to a higher risk of esophageal cancer.
Ironically, the roasting that makes coffee so delicious also creates acrylamide, a known carcinogen. But don’t freak out — you’d have to drink an outrageous amount of coffee to hit dangerous levels.
Coffee Culture: Finding Comfort and Connection
So now that the scary stuff is out of the way, let’s get back to the warm-and-fuzzy feeling we get whenever we spy a coffee shop. I wouldn’t feel comfortable eating in a restaurant alone, but I have no qualms about being alone in a coffee shop. It feels like a home-away-from-home, where our mutual joy in coffee binds us!
How Coffee Changed My Life: From Happy Hour to Joyful Ritual
So, how did coffee change my life? At the beginning of this blog, I mentioned the similarity (for me) between happy hour and a coffee date. I indulged in too much of the former before I discovered the pleasure of the latter (or latte — ha-ha). It’s lovely to have found the same camaraderie in the coffee shop that I once had at the bar. And that’s why coffee has become more than just a beverage — it’s a lifestyle I love, and it loves me back!
Coffee with a friend is like capturing happiness in a cup.
