Andraya Croft | MLive.com/ Illustraition Milt Klingensmith

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David C Bristow | MLive.com

So many choices!

Somestimes a chalk board can make you dizzy. On our trip to visit 22 coffee shops in our search for Michigan's Best, we were lucky enough to sample some fantastic drinks. Here are some of the best. By the way, if you're in the Saginaw area, say hello to Phyllip “Phyl” Taylor, co-owner of Common Grind Coffee Shoppe. -- John Gonzalez

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Bestsellers Books & Coffee in Mason (The Honey Badger)

Barista/manager Chris Wardelll at Bestsellers Books & Coffee hands me the Honey Badger -— honey, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, steamed milk, espresso and whip cream ($3.18 for a 10 oz. to $4.24 for a 20 oz). Loved the kick!

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Black Owl Cafe in Kalamazoo (Chai Latte)

The Chai latte features black tea, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper and other spices. It is combined with steamed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon ($2.75, 10 oz.-$3.75, 16 oz.).

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Andraya Croft

Brew House in Muskegon (Brew Shots)

“Brew Shots” are shots of espresso with three different liqueurs ($3). The Brew House is also a bar and offers 24 tap handles, as well as coffee.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Brewtopia in Bay City (Red Velvet Latte)

A Red Velvet latte, which can be ordered with white or dark chocolate and raspberry syrup. It was very sweet, of course. ($3.75)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Cabin Creek Coffee (Northern Lights Latte)

The Northern Lights Latte, which is made with coconut, toasted marshmallow and a double shot of espresso. ($3.75)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Checker Records (Salted Caramel Mocha)

The Salted Caramel Mocha is heavenly. A close second: Elvis Presley Teddy Bear — Frappe, with white chocolate, caramel and a double shot of espresso. ($4.25 or $5.95)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Common Grind Espresso Shoppe in Saginaw (Oreo Espresso Shake)

This decadent specialty drink includes espresso, five Oreo cookies and three scoops of ice cream in each 20 ounce serving. ($4.50) "If you're on a diet, this might not be your first choice," said co-owner Phyllip "Phyl" Taylor.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Drip Drop Drink in Muskegon (Cubano Chocolato)

Cubano Chocolato, a special mixture of raw sugar over espresso before the shot is pulled, and then adding sugar before it is steamed. It started as a special on Facebook, and now is one of the shop's top sellers. ($4.25, 10 oz.)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Espresso Bar in Ann Arbor (Flat White)

Flat white — A really smooth drink that’s less airy and less foamy than a cappuccino. ($3.50)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Espresso Elevado in Plymouth

Coconut Lemongrass Latte ($5.25) -— Combining coconut milk, whole milk, agave syrup and fresh lemongrass, which drinks like a latte and finishes almost like an earthy tea. It works.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Flint Crepe Company (Chai Latte)

The chai latte — made fresh every day with all the right ingredients. Not overly spiced. It’s perfect. ($3.75, 12 oz.)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Good Beans Cafe in Flint (Creme Brulee Cappuccino)

The Creme Brulee cappuccino ($4.25) is oh so decadent, and sweet, of course. They use a blow torch to make it just perfect.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Harless + Hugh Coffee in Bay City (M-25 iced drink)

The M-25, an iced drink made with two shots of espresso, a simple syrup and milk, all made in a martini shaker. ($4.25)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Jackson Coffee Co. (March Madness)

The March Madness specialty drink -— This mocha, white chocolate and caramel mix can come hot, iced or frozen. Its name frequently changes with the seasons. ($3.92-12 oz., $4.45-16 oz., $4.98 20 oz.)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Lemonjello's Coffee in Holland (Fireside Latte)

The Fireside Latte — local maple syrup, cinnamon and Third Coast coffee from Madcap (16 oz. for $4.75). Todd Chance of The Grand Rapids Press refused to share.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Madcap Coffee (One and One)

Try a One and One: A double shot of Third Coast Espresso, split into a Cortado, with MOO-ville Creamery milk, and a single shot of Third Coast. ($3)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Mighty Good Coffee in Ann Arbor (Miel)

Miel — A latte with local honey, house-made syrups and cinnamon that is a bit sweet, but not overpowering. ($4.50)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Roos Roast (Honey Vanilla Latte)

Honey Vanilla Latte — This sweet treat uses fresh honey and vanilla extract — not syrup. ($3.50 to $4.50)

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Strange Matter in Lansing (NOLA Ice Coffee)

The NOLA iced coffee is brewed overnight with chicory roots and added simple syrup and milk, so it's like "an iced, sweet, creamy coffee drink." Served in a 16 oz glass $3.75

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Jeff Schrier

Thunderbrew in Saginaw (Perfect Storm)

The Rerfect Storm is a combination of cold brew coffee, ice, a shot of espresso and half and half ($3.90).

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Tuscan Cafe in Northville (Tuscan Supreme)

A Tuscan Supreme is a layered latte, which is piled steamed milk atop chocolate and caramel syrups, then the foam followed by espresso ($4.12).

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Water Street Coffee Joint in Kalamazoo (Affagato)

Affagato — A single origin espresso of the day from poured over Palazzolo’s Tahitian Bean Vanilla Gelato ($4.20)