With summer coming up, the Region is ready to walk the vibrant downtown scene in Valparaiso. Whether heading to a summer concert in Central Park Plaza or checking out some of the awesome local shops, when the need for refreshment hits, Blackbird Cafe is there to help.
As the weather heats up, take an opportunity to cool down with Blackbird’s iced and cool drinks. As one of Valparaiso’s most eclectic coffee shops, Blackbird has a selection of iced coffees ranging from the classic iced latte to richer tastes like the cold brew. With the addition of seasonal brews, the iced coffee menu will help any java drinker get their caffeine while keeping them frosty in the summer sun.
One particularly popular drink is the nitro cold brew. The nitro cold brew’s texture is smoother than a regular cold brew, an effect that is achieved through the infusion of nitrogen into the drink. The result is a drink smooth enough to need less sugar and creamer, making for a healthier drink compared to your average cup of joe.
Another summer favorite last year was the Honeycomb Lavender Latte. An iced lavender latte topped with a honey cold foam, the drink paired well with Blackbird’s variety of fresh pastries and sandwiches, making it a go-to lunchtime choice.
In addition to these two drinks, many of Blackbird’s standard coffee offerings can be made iced for a small surcharge. These include the Red Eye, Americano, Cafe Latte, Matcha Latte, Mocha Latte, Chai Latte, Cafe Miel, Breve, Machiatto Caramello, Matcha Mint, and Apple Pie Chai.
If coffee isn't your thing, Blackbird also has over three dozen flavors of tea that, for a small surcharge, can be made iced instead of hot. From herbal blends like the blood orange herbal to classics like the masala chai blend, you can find a tea to make your tastebuds happy. A full list of tea flavors can be found here.
A tea-based special to be on the lookout for is the Butterfly Refresher. A crew and fan favorite, the Butterfly Refresher combines butterfly blue pea tea with the fruity tartness of hibiscus to make a one-of-a-kind summer refresher.
For those looking for something sweet, Blackbird also creates a diverse selection of smoothies and juices. The fruit smoothies are made from a combination of two fruits of your choice – strawberry, blueberry, mango, or banana. There is a special smoothie called the Nutty Monkey that features a peanut butter and banana taste.
There’s also house-made Italian soda that comes in 20+ flavors. It’s the perfect complement to a BLT With a Bite or Mozzarella Panini and can be enjoyed on its own during the dog days of summer.
With such a wide variety of refreshing drinks to keep you cool during the summer, making Blackbird a stop on your days out is a no-brainer. Take a break, enjoy a drink, and support the longest-standing cafe in Valpo!
To learn more about Blackbird Cafe or to view its full menu, visit blackbirdvalpo.com.
