Hot, hot, hot

Mercury hits 102 on the 4th

07/04/2012 3:38 PM

By Bill Motchan

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Julia the barista at Morgan Street Cafe has seen an increase in smoothie orders this very hot week.

We just got back from the 7-11 on Van Buren and Green, where we snagged a couple of the last remaining bags of ice.

The clerk told me they were going like hotcakes today, as was Gatorade. That's actually a smart purchase when it's this hot outside, because it helps replace electrolytes. Water is even better for you, and should be consumed often.

I checked in at the Morgan Street Cafe to find out if the heat is changing drink orders. Julia the barista told me cold drinks are far outweighing hot ones. That makes sense, but neither iced coffee or tea is really a good idea in 100-degree heat, unless they're decaffeinated. Another no-no in extreme heat is beer, because alcohol actually increases body temperature.

The one item on Morgan Street Cafe's drink menu that's most popular right now is smoothies. That's another good option, because they consist largely of fruit.

Whatever you drink on this steamy holiday, stay cool and be safe!

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