While many years ago coffee was eaten as a whole bean, or eventually brewed into a strong drink, today it is served in a vast array of delectably doctored ways. From strong, straight black espresso to sweet, frothy mocha-lattes, today’s coffee choices have something to delight the palates of even the most discerning.

The recent growth of major chains, such as Starbucks, has given rise to a new movement in coffee that has truly raised the bar for what customers can expect. Gone are the days of a simple cup of joe, or a quick sip of mud, today’s coffee consumers are treated to an unprecedented number of interesting flavor combination options. Cafes and coffee retailers now regularly experiment with new flavors, including caramels, chocolates, white chocolates, and more. They also often offer seasonal variations of classic favorites, such as cinnamon spiced lattes during the holiday season, or pumpkin spiced mochas during the fall.

Today’s plethora of coffee drink customization options has helped to make coffee a favorite little daily indulgence of millions of Americans. In this troubled economy, in particular, many Americans are taking solace in enjoying some of the smaller, reasonably priced luxuries of life, while forgoing some more extravagant purchases.

Coffee has indeed become a fixture in the daily routine of many of these Americans, not only for its delicious flavor, but also because of the welcome morning pick-me-up it provides. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are not always sleeping eight hours a night or exercising as regularly as we would like. A cup of coffee in the morning provides that little extra boost to help ensure that you have a better, more productive day at the office or at home with the kids.

Additionally as scientists begin to uncover the numerous health benefits of coffee, an increasing number of health-conscious Americans are considering a shift from sodas or teas to this time-tested, nutrition-laden drink.

Much of the focus on the healthful properties of coffee has been centered around the fairly recent discovery of the abundance antioxidants found in coffee beans. Coffee beans, which are dark brown in color, are said to be close to blueberries in richness of antioxidants. As a result they are believed to be beneficial in preventing premature skin aging, among many other benefits to the body.

Perhaps the most important role of antioxidants in human health, however, is their cancer-prevention property. Enjoying a simple cup of coffee every morning along with a bowl of fresh blueberries or broccoli every evening, could potentially go a long way in preventing illness later on. Thus more and more Americans are considering introducing coffee into their dietary regime in order to start reaping some of its numerous and significant health benefits.

Whether it is enjoyed for its health properties, its delicious flavor, or its ability to perk up one’s morning, coffee is quickly growing in popularity among Americans today.

Damian Papworth loves drinking coffee made from one cup coffee makers. When he has guests over though, he uses his krups 4 cup coffee maker

I’m a simple man with simple tastes so water suites me just fine. I don’t need anything fancy when I need something to quench my thirst, plus water is relatively free, so you don’t have to pay for it. Some of that flavored water stuff is a joke, too, with tons of sugars and stuff in it you might as well just drink soda instead of that’s what you want. Water from a reliable and filtered spout can really cure what ails you and is also great for your body, skin, weight and your teeth. Sure it doesn’t come in a fancy can but that’s what makes it great.

Green Tea

Some people hate the taste of green tea but screw those people, they don’t deserve it. Green tea is an acquired taste for many people. I have grown to love it in its original form or with a splash of citrus or lemon. Green tea has all sorts of healthy benefits with its only downside being, like most teas, but less so than dark teas, it can stain your teeth and hot beverages have been seen to slowly wear the enamel off your teeth. But of course you’d have to drink a lot of it to have that kind of effect.

Scotch

Another acquired taste that yields much rewards scotch is a slow, contemplative drink. Scotch is the perfect drink for a romantic evening sitting in front of the fire with a book or with a lover. Scotch does not judge you or talk ill of you behind your back. Scotch is happy with itself and happy with who you are as well. Scotch is a friend who listens. Scotch is best enjoyed during the quite, stillness of the day. Scotch is life.

Grape Juice

How can you not love the thick, juicy, rich taste of non-fermented grape juice. It is funny that the actual process of making a grape juice that is non-alcoholic is actually more effort and work than to ferment it. For many kids, grape juice is fondly remember as the summer afternoon drink after running around in the neighborhood skinning knee, chasing skirts and sitting in a wicker patio set. As an adult it reminds one of a simpler time and possibly, maybe even that lost love.

Alan Lomax is a freelance writer from MN.