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Seven drink recipes anyone can make at the dining halls

  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read

Whether you are tired of JJ’s milkshakes or sick of $8 coffees, here are seven drink recipes you can use to make the most out of your dining plan.

Photo by Vernon Demir/The Barnard Bulletin

February 25, 2026

Across the many dining options on campus, there is no shortage of meals available for your swipes, but what about drinks? When fountain machine sodas become boring, finding an exciting drink covered by your meal plan becomes difficult. Instead of splurging on overpriced lattes or setting up a sprawling matcha station in your dorm, crafting your own drinks using college-subsidized ingredients can be fun and cost-effective. From a refreshing, icy beverage to parch your thirst to a steamy tea to warm your body on a chilly morning, there is surely a drink for you among these seven options. 


It is important to note, however, that the availability of certain ingredients — especially syrups — is not guaranteed, so some creativity with alternatives may be needed. Further, while these recipes are convenient to follow, feel free to mix and match ingredients and create your own concoctions. 


1. Frosted Lemonade


A refreshing and creamy blend of tangy lemonade and smooth vanilla ice cream. Perfect for when you want a cold, sweet treat. 


Available: Ferris Booth Commons and JJ’s Place


  1. Fill two-thirds of a cup with any lemonade. 

  2. Top off the remaining third with vanilla milkshake or soft-serve ice cream.

  3. Stir until evenly combined. 


2. Affogato


An Italian classic — velvety vanilla ice cream drowned in a shot of rich espresso. A sweet indulgence that doubles as a delicious, energizing alternative to your usual pick-me-up. 


Available: Ferris Booth Commons, JJ’s Place, and John Jay Dining Hall


  1. Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a hot-drink-safe cup. The single-serve cups from the freezers work the best. Aim to fill one-third of the cup.

  2. Use a spoon to make a shallow well in the ice cream.

  3. Add one shot of espresso to the center.

  4. Stir until the consistency is creamy and smooth.

  5. Enjoy immediately while warm; drink it straight or use a spoon!


3. Peppermint Mocha 


A cozy winter treat that blends a warm, chocolatey base, bold shot of espresso, and cool hint of peppermint. 


Available: Ferris Booth Commons and JJ’s Place


  1. Prepare a hot chocolate using a coffee machine, make sure to leave room in the cup.

  2. Add one shot of espresso.

  3. Stir in two pumps of peppermint syrup.

  4. Optional: add in creamer or milk of choice. 


4. Mandarin Coconut Refresher


Craving an expensive Starbucks refresher? Try this thirst-quenching and flavorful mix of tangy citrus and creamy coconut with a dash of gingery cardamom. 


Available: Ferris Booth Commons


  1. Fill a cup three-quarters full with “Tractor Mandarin Cardamom Beverage,” which is located near the omelet station.

  2. Top off the rest with coconut milk or any other creamer or milk of your choice.


5. Honey and Chamomile London Fog


A soothing and lighter alternative to your usual lattes: floral chamomile tea and warm honey blended into a milky drink that will warm you this chilly winter.


Available: Ferris Booth Commons, JJ’s Place, and John Jay Dining Hall


  1. In a heat-safe cup, steep one chamomile teabag with hot water and a tablespoon of honey.

  2. Once the tea is brewed, fill the rest of the cup with your choice of milk.


6. Citrus Dole Whip Float


A creamy and tropical twist on a classic ice cream float, enjoy this creamy and fruity beverage to cure your seasonal depression.


Available: Hewitt Dining Hall. 


  1. Fill a glass three-quarters full with a citrus juice of your choice, such as orange juice or lemonade. 

  2. Top off the rest of the cup with the available flavor of Dole Whip. 

  3. Enjoy as a layered float or stir to create a creamy drink.  


7. Charged Soda 


Tired of the same bitter energy drinks? JJ’s has an energy drink syrup that can turn any drink — from Coca-Cola to orange juice — into an energizing treat!


Available: JJ’s Place.


  1. Fill a cup with your choice of soda or any other beverage.

  2. Add one to three pumps of “Glacier Clear Natural Energy Concentrate,” which is located near the freestyle soda fountain.


Photo by Vernon Demir/The Barnard Bulletin

Personally, I have the Chamomile London Fog almost every day, as it is low-calorie and easy to make at almost any dining hall, although the drink I most look forward to treating myself to on special occasions would have to be the affogato. I was shocked by how rich and decadent it was — it transported me from the bustle of Ferris to a secluded Italian cafe on a rainy day. 


Concocting these drinks provides me with small but meaningful rituals. As a freshman, the novelty of dining halls has long worn off — replaced with the fatigue of rotating menus and crowded tables. Yet, experimenting with these drink recipes has made once-mundane trips into exciting opportunities to try new flavors and express my creativity. Further, after finding out that many of my friends also have their own signature combinations, I have found joy in sharing these moments and recipes with them. Ultimately, these drinks offer more than just a sweet treat: they stimulate innovation, form connections, and add variety to your everyday routine.

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