Excavations of Claymore: the Black Leprechaun

I walked outside a moment ago and it smelled like December.

All week I've been thinking how much it smells like falling leaves, though in fact no leaves have fallen or even changed. It's been getting me excited for all the fun fall traditions, like apple picking, pumpkin carving, corn mazing, and roads diverging in yellow woods. Though I like it warm, fall is a magical time and I've been getting pretty excited for it.

BUT I'M NOT READY FOR WINTER.

Of course, New England rarely caters to my requests, so winter it shall be. Tonight was the first night it was really cold enough for me to go to Claymore, our on-campus coffee-shop, and get my favorite: the mint chocolate steamer! And I thought, while hunching over my goblet of warmth on my way across the quad, what better time to begin my new series, Excavations of Claymore?

I have been at this school for two years. I have purchased two - count 'em, two - coffee beverages in my time here. I do not drink coffee. I do not need it. I do not like it (Sam I am).

I cannot tell you the difference between a mocha and a latte. I wouldn't know amaretto if I tasted it. I dunno what the hell Irish creme is but it's definitely not a rich alternative to regular creme.

For the sake of all our entertainment, most notably the friends who get to witness me bouncing off the walls on a caffeine high, I am going to become a coffee connoisseur this semester. I have made it my personal goal to try every drink advertised in Claymore, whether it be caffeinated, carbonated, cold or hot, and blog about it afterward.* To make things a little less preposterous, I will also invite coffee-inclined advisors to comment so that my bias will not influence you against drinks that may actually be delicious to coffee-lovers.

But I figure I'll start with a beverage I know and love: The Black Leprechaun (steamed milk with mint and chocolate flavors)

There is a ritual to drinking a Black Leprechaun. I've been perfecting it for two years.

Rule number one: You must hold the drink with both hands. Wrap them around the cup so that the warmth touches as much of your skin as possible.
Rule number two: Do not open the lid. You don't want to see the color mint, chocolate and milk make when you mix them together.
Rule number three: Before you're allowed to take a sip, you must hold the drink under your nose, close your eyes, and breathe in its heavenly scent.
Rule number four: Eyes must be closed for the first sip.
Rule number five: Smile (as if you could help it).

It's a great winter drink. Cozier than cocoa. Richer than chai. Liquid leprechaun gold all the way from your tongue to your tummy! A must try (but ask for extra flavor, especially if you don't like milk!)

* With the possible exception of Granny's Turbo-Charged Butterscotch Latte, which includes 3 shots of espresso. I might die.