Chai or chai lattes have been increasing in popularity, popping up on coffee shop menus around the world. The term “chai“ comes from the popular Indian drink, masala chai, a spiced black tea, brewed with water that has milk and sugar. Since chai is made with black tea, it is caffeinated, but significantly less so than its coffee counterparts. For people who do not love coffee, chai is a great alternative! Chai has become an extremely popular flavor and scent option with cupcakes, ice cream, syrups and even candles featuring it.
There are many drink combinations with chai to choose from! A popular one is a dirty chai, which is an espresso shot mixed with chai, milk and sometimes cinnamon. It enhances the taste of the coffee with hints of spice and sweetness. Another is a chai and matcha latte, which merges two popular drinks. The chai balances out the bitter, nutty, umami profile of matcha, and the combination serves as a warm and comforting beverage choice.
During the fall season, many cafes and coffee shops offer specialty options that center chai. This can combine fan-favorites, such as pumpkin spice chai, apple pie chai and chaider, which is a combination of chai and cider. These drinks can be served hot or cold, and with or without cold foam. When looking for a specialty chai in the area, we found IV Coffee Co.
IV Coffee Co. is a woman owned and operated business that opened in Sunbury Station in 2023. IV is a super cute spot with tons of drink options and a robust seasonal menu. The owners also operate a coffee trailer in Mifflinburg on weekdays. The Sunbury location is adorable, and while there is very limited indoor seating, there are several tables outside for customers to enjoy their drinks on a nice day. Sunbury Station, the former town train station, is now home to IV Coffee and a connected antique shop that houses a variety of goods from over 40 different vendors.
The menu offers many drink options to choose from, making it difficult to choose just one. The Apple Chaider caught our attention, which is what we both ordered. The combination of the two flavors was amazing in balancing the apple cider and the chai. It wasn’t too sweet and was the perfect fall drink for a cold and rainy day. Grace also got a specialty latte called Luke’s Pancakes, which was a vanilla cold brew with maple pancake syrup, cinnamon sugar cold foam and a caramel drizzle to finish it off.
Overall, we give this week’s coffee spot a 4.5 out of 5.
Flavor – The flavors of the two drinks were both so lovely. They were delicious fall drinks, with the spice and sweetness from the chaider and the toasty flavor from the coffee. Neither of the drinks were overbearingly sweet and were nice to sip on and warm you up.
Fun – The location of the cafe was very nice, situated right alongside the train tracks in a red building. The interior of the shop had a very cute vibe as well, with a decorated sitting area surrounded by windows. There was also outside seating, which was perfect to sit, drink and chat! We were also able to wander around and explore the other stores, which reminded us of the Street of Shops in Lewisburg.
Fame – Neither Grace nor Grace had ever heard of IV Coffee Co. before, and we think it may be due to the location 20 minutes away. It is a smaller shop, but it seemed to have been frequented by many Sunbury locals.
Funds – At around $5.50 a drink for 16 oz (smallest size), we feel that these specialty drinks were very reasonably priced. They have such a wide range of options and yet still serve affordable, high-quality products.