Brewing Up Trouble: My Latest Crossword Conquest
Another crossword, another delightful mental workout. This week’s puzzle presented its usual array of challenges, forcing me to delve into my mental Rolodex of trivia, etymology, and pop culture references. I particularly enjoyed the theme running through the longer answers – a subtle nod to the season that I only caught on to halfway through.
But enough about the overall puzzle. Let’s dive into a specific clue that brewed up a bit of head-scratching on my end, one that involved a topic near and dear to my heart, especially as the mercury rises:
“Summer coffee choice“.
Now, on the surface, this seems straightforward enough. We’re talking about coffee, and we’re talking about summer. Immediately, my mind raced through the possibilities. Is it a particular brewing method that shines in the heat? Is it a type of bean known for its refreshing qualities? Is it a specific drink that offers a cool caffeine boost?
The length of the answer, indicated by the number of squares, played a crucial role in narrowing down my options. I mentally eliminated anything too short, like a single-word description, and started considering more complex, multi-word answers.
My initial line of thought involved focusing on brewing methods. Could it be something like
cold brew
? The popularity of cold brew has exploded in recent years, and it’s undoubtedly a refreshing way to enjoy coffee during warmer months. It’s less acidic than traditionally brewed coffee, leading to a smoother, more palatable experience, especially when consumed ice-cold. However, the number of letters didn’t quite align.
Next, I considered geographical origins. Could the clue be hinting at a specific coffee bean region known for its lighter, brighter flavors that are particularly appreciated in summer? Perhaps a
Kenyan AA
or a
Costa Rican Tarrazu
? These beans often boast citrusy and floral notes, making them incredibly refreshing alternatives to heavier, earthier coffees. But again, the letter count proved problematic.
My attention then turned to specific coffee-based beverages. Maybe the answer involved a drink that is uniquely suited for summer consumption. An
iced latte
? A
frappuccino
? These options are certainly popular, offering a sweet and icy caffeine hit. But these, while tempting, didn’t quite fit the puzzle’s requirements in terms of letter count.
I even considered slightly more obscure options, like coffee-based cocktails that are enjoyed during summer brunches. A
coffee negroni
, perhaps? Or a
espresso martini
, served chilled? While delicious, these felt like a bit of a stretch, and the letter count was off.
The challenge, of course, lies in finding that perfect intersection between the clue’s thematic element (summer), the inherent characteristics of coffee, and the limitations imposed by the grid itself. It’s a process of elimination, a dance between intuition and logic, and a constant shuffling of possibilities until that ‘aha!’ moment finally arrives.
I circled back to the original premise, thinking about the most direct and obvious link between coffee and summertime refreshment. And that’s when I really started considering what felt, in the pit of my stomach, was the best answer.
This clue really highlighted the beautiful versatility of coffee. It’s a beverage that transcends seasons, offering comfort and energy throughout the year, but adapting its form and flavor to perfectly suit the nuances of each season.
Available Answers:
ICED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Caroline Hand / Ed. Patti Varol