Booze and Coffee In Oklahoma

// Coffee peeps in Oklahoma talk about the drinks they crave from other local purveyors. //

With Caffeine Crawl Oklahoma just days away we asked a few of the state's top coffee shops and roasters what their favorite statewide drinking spots were, and what their go-to was in coffee, whether in their shop or not. Many outside the state overlook Oklahoma's food and beverage scene, but as someone doing business there since 2012, I'm a fan! - Jason Burton

Image from Open Container's Facebook page.

Tyler Duncan of Topeca Coffee says his favorite non-coffee go to is Open Container in Tulsa. "It’s a pretty new, small bar that’s in the Boxyard— a bunch of shipping containers turned businesses. The view of downtown coupled with the sunsets is hard to beat. Plus, the manager is from Hodges Bend, so the drinks are super good.", states Tyler. 

When it comes to coffee currently, his favorite drink in the biz is "always" going to be Kenyan/Tanzanian Peaberries. He says, "Usually doesn’t matter from whom, but those are my favorite year-round." Tyler explains that, "Rayyan Mills from Yemen is producing some of the most amazing cups of coffee these days. It’s a lot higher price because you’re essentially buying through a war-torn country, but purchasing this coffee helps to re-stabilize some infrastucture of the state’s economy. It’s a great moral purchase that tastes good."

Image from The Patriarch's photo gallery page.

At Coffee Slingers team member Samuel Wilson's favorite non-coffee or tea concoction is at The Patriarch in Edmond. I can second that from my visits there. Samuel likes their cozy, two-story interior, numerous beer taps, and backyard courtyard. The Patriarch is his go-to place for a relaxed and well curated beer selection. 

A cappuccino is Samuel's caffeinated comfort. He says he loves, "espresso and perfect velvety microfoam mixed throughout the cup making this my favorite expression of our Huckleberry espresso paired with milk." Samuel shares that it's "approachable and delicious - it's perfect for veterans and newcomers to coffee alike."

Image from Roxy's Ice Cream Social Instagram page.

Nick Bollinger, co-owner of Junction Coffee isn't really a big alcohol drinker. But, he does find drink refuge outside coffee at Roxy's Ice Cream Social with their craft sodas, both on tap and in bottles, plus that ice cream. Oh, that ice cream! 

For coffee, Nick leans towards traditional Australian flat whites currently. Also, cordados and cubanos are favorites. He likes that espresso to low milk quantity balance. As he puts it, "Basically anything with a 1:1 (ish) milk espresso ratio."

Left: Image from Ludivine's Facebook page. Right: Image from Fassler Hall's Facebook page.

Like Nick, Elizabeth Fleming, co-owner of Cuppies & Joe in OKC is in love with coffee drinks. I mean, aren't we all - for the most part? If she's seeking out a cocktail, she's headed to Ludivine, and  Fassler Hall, with locations in both Tulsa and OKC, for a beer. Both nationally recognized drinking establishments.

​Elizabeth has a liking for espresso, too. Cuppies & Joe's Joe Momma (who's momma?) is made using espresso, cane syrup, half & half, and ice. The drink is shaken using one of their housemade syrups.

Image from McNellie's The Abner Facebook page.

Hopping over to the college town of Norman, Gray Owl Coffee owner, Jenny Vigil, has several different favorites for wine, cocktails, and beer. She points out that their, "local ale house, The Abner, is a great place to grab a brew. They rotate their tap beers quite frequently and always have a variety of different types of beers." Big college towns are prime for good drinks these days. The Generation X parents visiting need somewhere to go and stay out of trouble, right?

Jenny's favorite beverage they serve at Gray Owl is a shot of espresso from their supplier, Topeca Coffee. She loves how, "simple, yet always complex in flavor" a shot can be.

Several images from previous trips to the state.

There are so many places to go drink in Oklahoma, and such an easy day trip for many in northern Texas and the southern part of the midwest. Also, the industry is very hospitable, so take advantage of that and ask the locals about their favorite hidden gems. 

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