Photo by David N. Seelig 

Coffee creates a
buzz in the valley

By MIchael Ames

As the short winter days sap the energy from our bones and the hours of darkness rob our bodies of essential sunlight-borne vitamins, it is easy to fall into a deep state of fatigue, a walking hibernation.

And so we turn to coffee to wake us up, to get our motors running, to pump high-pressure blood through our veins for hours upon hours of winter sporting, of skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Without coffee, mornings would ooze into sedentary days: endless jigsaw puzzles enlivened, perhaps, by reruns of “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Coffee breathes life into those long winter hours before the mountain opens. Wake up early, when it’s still dark, and frequent one of the valley’s sundry coffee shops where an attentive barista is ready and willing to whip up a hot cup of joe, custom formulated to high- or low-octane needs.

Zaney’s, the valley’s newest coffee shop, situated on River Street in Hailey, is a good place to start.

“We are home of the original double shot,” says Sue Martin, who opened the surging south valley café with her son and the venture’s namesake, Zaney, in early 2005.

Indeed, a double shot is the norm at Zaney’s. If you need more pep in your engine, though, there’s always the 6530’. Named for the altitude of Carbonate Peak, the idea is that its four shots of espresso are enough to simply propel you up the popular Hailey climb. Carbonate is visible from Zaney’s windows too, so everyone can watch your quick ascent.

Meanwhile, in Ketchum, Java on Fourth also provides outrageous helpings of caffeine, caring little for your mellow mood once you leave the cushioned appointments of this cozy westside coffee house.

The K.P. Special boasts three shots of espresso with a spicy hot chocolate additive. If that much caffeine still leaves you feeling sluggish, you may be deceased. If you are not actually a goner, try the Keith Richards. With four shots of espresso, the Keith should shock your system into facing the world, one morning at a time.

For some, the Keith is just right. Sven Hinkle has been living in Ketchum for eight years and starts each and every morning with the Keith’s gusto.

“It would probably injure most people to have four shots in the morning,” Hinkle says with pride. “I’m only sorry I wasn’t here when it was served with a Lucky Strike,” he said, recalling Java’s early days when an unfiltered cigarette accompanied the morning stimulant. Now, with several stores in southern Idaho (including one in Hailey), Java is following health code and cutting back on such rock star perks.

For something different, wander up the eastern slope of Fourth Street in Ketchum to the Coffee Grinder. This bohemian den of coffee pleasures features a smorgasbord of fresh baked goodies and a slew of original coffee concoctions.

The Grinder Cappuccino is a mouth-watering, gut-warming mixture of homemade mocha, steamed milk, espresso and a dollop of freshly made whipped cream. For a diversion, the Orange Grinder Cappuccino is a logical citrus extension: the Grinder Cappuccino poured over a fresh slice of orange.

The Grinder, as locals call it, is the spot for those with a sweet-coffee-tooth as well: Viennese coffee is topped with fresh whipped cream and dusted with chocolate. And if you’re drowsy, the Popeye offers the coffee du jour with an additional shot—or four—of espresso.

Strega Tea house, on First Avenue, specializes in exotic teas and infused drinks imported from distant corners of the globe. Complementing their fine assortment of teas is Yerba Maté, a stimulating herb harvested from the high country of South America.

Yerba Maté features an adult dose of mateine, a caffeine alternative. Strega’s Maté Latte is a double shot of the herb drink mixed with organic milk (or soy milk) and honey. Not to be outdone, Strega also has its own coffee creations, including a Mo-cha-cha, espresso complemented by cinnamon, unsweetened dark chocolate and fire-roasted red chilies for a mild spice.

The Hailey Coffee Company, on Main Street in Hailey, helps make the south valley the spot for true coffee connoisseurs. The Hailey Coffee Company, like Zaney’s, roasts its own beans. This valley institution also sells those freshly roasted beans to various local establishments.

One of the most unusual drinks going in this often-crowded emporium is the Kenya Kupp, a drink of concentrated, slow-brewed (overnight) coffee with a house syrup for sweetness.

For those on the go, Bellevue’s Cowboy Coffee Company and Hailey’s Golden Elk both offer a drive-thru. At the Elk, you can roll down your window for a cinnamon mocha Sassy Elk.

Missing the comforts of civilization? Tully’s on Sun Valley Road and Starbucks on the northeast corner of Main Street in Ketchum feature their own signature drinks, such as Starbucks’ seasonal eggnog and gingerbread lattes and Tully’s peppermint mocha.

For a sleepy valley, Wood River surprises with a surplus of caffeine peddlers and winter warm up huts. Take advantage; drink up. •