Wanda’s Cafe, located in the Yeager Center, offers many meal options but is known for its delectable Starbucks-inspired drinks.
“Yes, our drinks are Starbucks inspired, but I’d have to say they taste better and are cheaper,” Zambia Lowe, a 10-year Wanda’s employee, said.
Lowe picked the five most popular:
1. Caramel Macchiato
A creamy mix of vanilla, steamed milk and espresso, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce. This drink is a great morning pick-me-up or to keep energy going after class.
2. Tazo Chai Tea
A spiced black tea blended with ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. This delicious fusion of spices is great for those who aren’t coffee lovers, but enjoy a nice, hot drink.
3. White Mocha Frappuccino
Perfect for anyone who loves white chocolate, this drink strike the perfect flavor balance of coffee and white chocolate flavored sauce, blended with milk and topped with sweetened whipped cream.
4. Vanilla Latte
This is the most popular flavored latte. It has a blend of coffee and milk with a heap of vanilla flavor. Try drinking this for vitality during a late-night study session.
5. Frescante
This is California Baptist University’s version of Starbucks’ Frappuccino. Made with half-and half and espresso. This combination of tasty ingredients will be one of your new favorites.
Many students who try Wanda’s drinks say they are better than Starbucks. Pretty bold statement, huh? Well, try one (or maybe even all) and decide for yourself!
“What makes us different from Starbucks is our creativity. Who else would come up with frozen hot chocolate or a frozen caramel apple cider? Those are just a few drinks off our secret menu,” Lowe said.
Her personal favorite is another item off the secret menu – the Chocolate Covered Strawberry. “It’s made with half-and-half, espresso and another top secret ingredient. It’s basically a base made with coffee. You can add whatever flavor you’d like. Our popular ones are Caramel, White Mocha, Caramel Mocha, and an Oreo Frescante, which seems to be growing on people. There are no light versions, so if you’re going to go for it, you might as well go all the way and add some whipped cream”, said Lowe.
Yolanda Crumby, nursing major, said, “I love all of Wanda’s drinks. Anything with caramel is delicious. Its their variety, and rich flavors that keep me coming back for more.”
Sonya Tucker, lead barista at Wanda’s, has added two Valentine’s Day-themed drinks to the menu: the “Cranberry Kiss” and “Truffle Shuffle,” which include secret ingredients that your taste buds will have to discover on their own.
The next time you’re looking for a new favorite drink, a booster to keep your momentum in the afternoon, or just a refreshing drink to quench your thirst, pop into Wanda’s and try their flavorsome drinks.
