Coffee has replaced the malt or soda as the drink of choice among teens who want to hang out with their friends in a place with ambiance. Coffeehouses are springing up all over the country, providing rich brews mixed with lots of milk and whipped cream. Though there has been some concern about caffeine content, most teens aim for lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos, drinks with lots of steamed milk. Some are even savvy enough to order decaf. Recent research is showing that coffee, in moderation, may even help with concentration. And for some parents trying to get more milk into their teenagers, coffeehouse brews aren’t that bad.

Not only are teens drinking more coffee, but they are also dispensing these savory drinks at local coffeehouses. In fact, some of these young baristas are so into coffee that they go on to compete in national latte art competitions. That is, they create images in the foamy milk: hearts, leaves, trees, etc.