Many people, before walking into the school building, usually make a pit stop to grab a “fun drink” to start off their day. Coffee and energy drink chains have become a major trend among teenage girls, especially items from places like Starbucks, Dunkin, Dutch Bros Coffee, and 7 Brew Coffee. These drinks, often colorful, highly customized, and sweet, have grown beyond just caffeine boosts and become a form of self-expression and social media culture.
Many teens say part of the appeal is customization. From flavored cold brews to layered refreshers and energy drinks, customers can build drinks that feel personal and aesthetic. For a lot of teenage girls, ordering a drink is less about coffee and more about creating something that fits their mood or personality.
“I don’t even like strong coffee,” junior Priya Gupta said. “I just like getting something cute that tastes like dessert and feels fun to drink with my friends.”
Social media has also played a big role in the trend. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with videos reviewing new drink combinations, ranking seasonal releases, and showing “what I order in a day” content. These videos often go viral, pushing more teens to try trending drinks for themselves.
Chains like Starbucks and Dutch Bros Coffee regularly release seasonal menus and limited-time flavors, which adds to the excitement. The idea of “trying it before it’s gone” has made these drinks feel more like an experience than just a beverage.
“I feel like it’s kind of a trend and a hangout thing too,” senior Ieva Ezerskis said. “We’ll go after school, get drinks, and just sit and talk. It’s not really about caffeine for us.”
Even though the drinks are often high in sugar and marketed as treats, many teens view them as part of their routine lifestyle rather than an occasional indulgence. For some, it’s also about the social aspect, going with friends, posting drinks online, and participating in popular trends.
As “fun drinks” continue to grow in popularity, they reflect a larger shift in teen culture where everyday items, like coffee and energy drinks, become part of identity, aesthetics, and social connection.