Asking for a Non-Coffee Recommendation
The customer expresses a desire for something other than coffee (e.g., 'tea', 'hot chocolate', 'smoothie') and asks the barista for their top non-coffee recommendation.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
recommendation
A suggestion for something good to try, like a drink or food item. Use it when asking for advice in a cafe or store.
leaning towards
To prefer or be more interested in one option over others. It's a polite way to ask about someone's preference, e.g., 'What are you leaning towards?'
personal favorite
Something that you like the most out of all options. Ask about someone's 'personal favorite' to get a sincere suggestion.
hit
Something very popular or successful, like a best-selling item. In cafes, say 'It's a real hit' to mean many people love it.
refreshing
Describes something cool, light, and energizing, especially drinks on a hot day. Use it to describe smoothies or iced teas.
balanced
Even and not extreme, like a drink that's not too sweet or sour. It's useful for describing flavors that taste just right.
adjust
To change something slightly to make it better for you, like making a drink less sweet. Say 'Can you adjust it?' when customizing an order.
coming right up
Means the order will be ready very soon. Baristas use this to confirm and reassure customers.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Do you have any good non-coffee recommendations?
This is a polite way to ask for suggestions when you don't want coffee. It's useful for starting a conversation about alternatives. The question form 'Do you have...?' is common for seeking advice.
Are you leaning more towards tea, something sweet like hot chocolate, or maybe a refreshing smoothie?
This sentence offers options and asks for preference. 'Leaning towards' shows inclination, and listing choices with 'or' helps guide the customer. Use it when recommending items in service roles.
What's your personal favorite non-coffee drink on the menu right now?
Asking for a 'personal favorite' gets an honest opinion from the staff. The question uses 'what's' for informal inquiries and 'right now' to specify current items. Great for engaging in conversations.
If I had to pick just one, I'd say our new Berry Blast Smoothie is a real hit.
This expresses a top choice with 'if I had to pick,' using conditional 'I'd say' for suggestions. 'A real hit' means popular. Useful for giving recommendations confidently.
That sounds delicious! And not too sweet?
This shows interest with 'sounds delicious' and asks for confirmation. The tag question 'And not too sweet?' seeks reassurance. Use it to express enthusiasm while checking details.
Not at all, it's pretty balanced. We can also adjust the sweetness if you prefer less.
'Not at all' means definitely not, reassuring the customer. 'Pretty balanced' describes even taste, and 'if you prefer' offers customization. This pattern is helpful for responding to concerns.
I'll go with that!
A simple way to decide and order something. 'Go with' means choose. It's casual and direct, perfect for ending the recommendation discussion and placing an order.
One Berry Blast Smoothie coming right up.
This confirms the order politely. 'Coming right up' promises quick service. Use it in customer service to make customers feel valued and informed.