Spring is here, and with it comes one of our favorite traditions—the seasonal staff beverage contest. Every year, our team rises to the occasion, channeling personal stories, creative instincts, and a whole lot of taste-testing into drinks that find their way onto our menu. This season, one drink rose to the top, and it came from right in the heart of Queens.
Lychee Mint Spritz
Sarah, Barista at Long Island City Roastery Cafe
Ever since we opened our Long Island City Roastery in 2019, we've been a staple of the neighborhood—and you'll probably smell the cafe before you've even arrived. The sweet scent of freshly roasted coffee drifts through Queens' signature numbered streets and avenues, drawing you in before you've even reached the door. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a number of friendly faces, some familiar, some new, and one barista in particular: Sarah—winner of this season's beverage competition with her Lychee Mint Spritz. We sat down with Sarah to learn more about the inspiration behind the drink and her time at Joe.
How long have you worked at Joe?
Two years.
What’s your go-to order at the cafe?
An iced coffee with oat milk, sugar-free vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Simple but perfect!
What was the inspiration behind your drink?
My inspiration came from my South Asian background. Being half Bengali, I really wanted to bring a meaningful cultural element from my upbringing into something people could experience through flavor.
What vibe or feeling were you going for?
I was going for a fresh, summery vibe, something like a mix between a mojito and a lychee martini. Light, refreshing, and a little fun.
What did your first version taste like?
In the first version, the mint was a bit too overpowering and kind of overshadowed the lychee.
What didn’t work along the way?
I originally used dried mint, which definitely didn’t work. No one wants bits of mint stuck in their teeth.
What was the turning point where it clicked?
Switching to a mint concentrate was the turning point. It balanced the flavors so much better and really brought everything together.
Did anyone at your cafe help shape the final version?
Yes! My manager Roberta and my coworker Sabelle were really helpful in shaping the final version, especially when it came to getting the RTU and matcha ratios just right.
Working at LIC, what’s been your favorite part about this cafe?
Definitely the diversity and the sense of community. It’s a really welcoming environment. I also love being around the roasting process.
What do you hope people feel when they take their first sip?
Refreshed and pleasantly surprised.
The Lychee Mint Spritz is now available for a limited time at all Joe Coffee cafes. Sign up for the Joe Coffee loyalty app and enjoy a discount on your first one!
