“Life is too short to drink bad wine,” according to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and I would like to extend that sentiment to coffee. There are times, however, when a less savory alternative is convenient. I have a peculiar habit of waking up too early in the morning. I have no choice but to get out of bed and go make myself busy with something. At such times, I don't want to engage in a convoluted coffee making process, but just want a quick jolt. Some weeks ago, I got a hold of some instant coffee products to try out during my early morning prowls. Add hot water and go. One of these products was Starbucks Premium Instant Medium Roast. It came in a compact 90g tin, and I enjoyed the subtle aesthetic choices, particularly the golden brown type.
Opening the lid, there's a second metal seal that is peeled off by pulling back on the tab. When the seal is broken, the magnificent aroma of coffee just wafts and hits you straight in the nose. So delightful!
The coffee itself looks like brown gold. It's a soft refined coffee with a light fluffy consistency, perfect for dissolving in a steaming cup.
Adding 250 ml to two teaspoons of coffee, I then used a frother to whip up a wonderful foamy layer of caffeinated heaven.
I prefer my coffee black, so without further ado, I picked up the cup and took a sip.
Gag!
The stuff was horribly bitter. I realized I needed to take drastic measures and put a few teaspoons of milk powder and some sugar in the bitter brew.
I took another sip.
Ah! That's the stuff. The drink was quickly transformed into a foamy elixir of goodness. The dairy and the sugar softened the bitterness. It's not my first choice of coffee, that's for certain, but it's a pleasant substitute for those time when you just want to get on with the show without too much fuss.
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