Gateway?

Is Starbucks providing a gateway drug that leads straight to the umbrella drink?

As I waited for my doppio or flatwhite, I watched in fascination as the barista made a green and pink concoction. That touch of vitriol adds a frisson, a bit of danger that makes the whole thing that much more attractive.

The typical mix from the Starbucks menu tends toward the ultra-sweet, extra-caloric, and hyper-colorful. This is true of even their coffees and also the puppy treat they dispense.

Her customers for the pretty green and pink glass were two tweens who placed identical orders. Nonetheless, they each grabbed a straw to sample what first came off the assembly line.

I was distracted, so I did not witness the second share, although it would have only been fair!

Eventually, these girls would graduate (or could) to an alcohol laden very sweet and pretty item at an adult emporium. They might grab a straw to get a fresh taste of what the barkeep had created and then dip the same straw in the next one he made.