It seems that the best go-to first date option (not to mention the best way to study and entertain your friends) takes place at the coffee shop. After all, it is entirely too soon to invite your prospective date over to your place (especially if you still live with your parents), and let’s hope you don’t invite yourself over to their humble abode. While knowing what you want is always important, no one wants a bossy love interest.

Inviting that special someone to go grab some coffee is one of the most popular courting ideas for good reason. There is nothing more cozy than curling up in a comfy chair with a hot cup of joe, so why not invite the person who makes your heart flutter to join? Plus, coffee is undeniably delicious and full of caffeine that will keep you awake, even if your date is reminiscing about time spent at a Nickelback concert. Hey, no one said all dates are good ones.

Whether it’s one of those butterflies-in-your-stomach-first dates with someone you hope to truly fall head over heels in love with or a five-year anniversary with a boy who once was a stranger that made you weak in the knees (he probably still does), go the coffee route. Try creating this decadent and delicious peppermint coffee at home (or in a public place, if it is a first date), and share it with the one you love, or crush on, or both.

Sarah Cunningham writes about food for Small Kitchen College. She’s a senior at SCAD, where she studies fashion and spends too much money on thrift store knick knacks & tries her best to experiment successfully in the kitchen. Read More…

**Recipe**

Lovely Peppermint Coffee
Serves 2

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup fresh brewed regular coffee
2 teaspoons peppermint syrup
2 teaspoons whipped cream
1 tablespoon crushed peppermint
1 tablespoon chocolate shavings

Brew appropriate amount of hot coffee for two people and pour into two mugs. To each coffee mug, add in 1 teaspoon of peppermint syrup and mix together.

Evenly distribute the milk to each mug and add one spoonful of whipped cream to both. Lastly, sprinkle the crushed peppermint and shaved chocolate over the whipped cream and enjoy.

Tags: college life