Normally I’m not one to buy Frappuccinos (sorry, Starbucks) or anything similar to them, but when someone I follow on Instagram posted a picture of the Blended Mocha drink from Willoughby’s it looked too good not to try. Their coffees are usually pretty strong so I was a little hesitant to see how they would do with making a sweet drink, but they knocked it out of the park. It’s very sugary, but since the coffee is so bold the flavor still comes through so it doesn’t taste like a milkshake. Not to throw shade, but the other big coffee brands just can’t compare to this local gem. Plus, it’s perfect for a sweltering summer day when it’s too hot to drink anything else.

Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea has locations in Madison, Branford, and New Haven. For more information, visit www.willoughbyscoffee.com.