Naughty or Nice? Your Coffee, Santa’s Judgment
/
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the annual showdown between the Naughty List and the Nice List. But this year, we’re not talking about reindeer games or last-minute gift shopping – we’re talking about coffee. Here in Denver’s RiNo Arts District, where creativity flows as freely as espresso, your go-to holiday brew might just reveal whether you’re sipping sweetly into Santa’s good graces or indulging a bit too much to make the Nice List. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Nice List Contenders
Black Coffee
Ah, the overachiever of the coffee world. No sugar, no cream, no nonsense. Black coffee is basically the kid who turns in their homework early and volunteers to shovel the driveway. Low in calories, simple, and effective, it’s the gold standard for staying on Santa’s good side.
Verdict: Sleighs straight onto the Nice List.
Americano
The Americano keeps it cool (or hot, depending on your order) with nothing more than espresso and water. It’s like black coffee’s sophisticated cousin who still makes time for family dinners. Light on extras, big on flavor.
Verdict: Nice List. Santa approves.
Cappuccino
Foamy, balanced, and delightfully frothy, a cappuccino is just festive enough to feel celebratory without going overboard. It’s the coffee equivalent of decorating with tasteful string lights instead of covering your house in glitter.
Verdict: A respectable Nice List placement.
Matcha Latte
Okay, so it’s not technically coffee, but matcha latte fans deserve a shoutout. Matcha’s antioxidant-packed goodness keeps things green and wholesome, making it a stellar option for those looking to keep their halo shiny.
Verdict: Nice List, with a side of smug healthiness.
Treading the Line
Flat White
A flat white is smooth, creamy, and unassuming. But while it’s less indulgent than a sugary latte, that steamed milk can sneakily inch up the calorie count. It’s like that friend who’s generally well-behaved but still steals a cookie before dinner.
Verdict: A solid middle ground – Santa’s keeping an eye on you.
Latte
The latte is the middle child of coffee drinks: reliable, comforting, but maybe a little too dependent on milk for Santa’s liking. It doesn’t get flashy with whipped cream or caramel drizzles, but it’s also not as virtuous as black coffee.
Verdict: Borderline nice, leaning towards naughty if flavored syrup makes an appearance.
Naughty List Indulgences
Ah, the PSL. The reigning queen of autumn who overstays her welcome into December. With its syrupy sweetness, whipped cream, and sprinkling of spices, the PSL is basically the coffee version of eating all the holiday cookies before the guests arrive.
Verdict: Naughty, but unapologetically festive.
Peppermint Mocha
Peppermint mocha is here to sleigh, with its chocolatey richness and minty flair. But let’s be real: between the chocolate syrup, sugary peppermint, and whipped topping, this drink has racked up some serious holiday mischief points.
Verdict: Naughty, but we’ll let it slide because it tastes like Christmas in a cup.
Eggnog Latte
Eggnog latte, you’re the life of the party, but we need to talk. Eggnog is already a rich treat, and mixing it with espresso only amplifies the decadence. It’s the drink equivalent of that one relative who keeps piling more food onto their plate even when it’s overflowing.
Verdict: Ho-ho-horribly naughty, but oh-so-delicious.
Caramel Brulée Latte
Crème brulée-inspired caramel goodness, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crunchy caramel pieces? Santa’s sugar radar is going off the charts. This drink is like finding your stocking stuffed with candy when you asked for a new journal.
Verdict: Fully on the Naughty List, and it’s loving every minute.
Honorable Mentions
Cold Brew: Chill, smooth, and low on extras, cold brew could land on the Nice List… unless you’re still adding sweet cream or flavored syrups. Proceed with caution.
Holiday Blends: Straightforward brewed coffee with a seasonal twist (think hints of cinnamon or nutmeg) keeps it classy. Definitely Nice List material
The Final Brew-dgment
At the end of the day, whether your coffee drink is on the Naughty List or Nice List depends on how you dress it up. A dollop of whipped cream or a pump of syrup won’t ruin your holiday spirit – after all, even Santa indulges in cookies. Just remember: it’s all about balance. So go ahead and savor your favorite cup of holiday cheer… naughty or nice!
Looking for more Holiday coffee related fun? Check out our blogs: