It was an in-between summer and fall day in Princeton, NJ. I walked down Witherspoon Street, to a tucked away café called Small World Coffee. I had an hour to spend before a doctor’s appointment, and I was looking for a place to decompress after a stressful first day of school. I scoured the menu and landed on an item called “Nola Frappé.” My brain immediately went to the hot drink I had in New Orleans called Café Au Lait—hot coffee served with hot milk—a drink that went so well with beignets. I asked the barista to clarify what the Nola Frappé was—

“It’s a blended Nola style iced coffee,” he said. 

“I’ll have that. For here,” I added. 

As I waited for my order, I saw just how demanding being a barista was because of the fast-paced nature. The line to order a coffee extended almost outside the door, but my drink was ready within a minute. It came out in a clear, tall glass with a paper straw. I grabbed it and sat down behind the condiment counter.

I took my first sip. It was cold and frothy, almost like a milkshake, except with a lighter texture. It was pretty sweet, but still rich in flavor. I loved the novelty of it, too. Before I had to go to my doctor’s appointment, I quickly ordered one to go for my mom to try. 

The next time I went, I convinced my friend Noelle to try the Nola Frappé too. We went on a sunny Wednesday afternoon at a time that wasn’t too busy. I remember her initial reaction: a confused expression. I was worried to ask her for her opinion, but she surprised me and said, “it’s really good!” I was glad to see that she liked it as much as I did.

Next time you’re in Princeton, make a stop at Small World Coffee and try the Nola Frappé (the drink is seasonal so make sure you get it in the summer!).