On the East Coast, people drink water, coffee, or Diet Coke. Out here on the West Coast, it’s amazing to see how people customize their beverages. Lattes aside, in the last week alone I’ve seen at work:

Homemade iced coffee in a mason jar, brewed extra strong to combat the dilutive effect of the ice cubes.

Homemade sarsaparilla: a mixture of Pepsi and root beer

Green tea made with whole leaves, purchased from a specialty store online (although I’m told Starbucks now sells whole leaf green tea as well)

I think I will need to become more adventurous and customize my own beverage. But honestly, I’m not too picky.