I have a very serious relationship with coffee. Between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., the answer is always "yes" if you decide to offer me coffee. I am not advocating for a caffeine dependency, but I will advocate for death before decaf.

For the last fews weeks of summer, coffee has proven time and time again to be the best friend a girl can ask for. From long drives, to early morning hikes, to intentional conversations, there is no aspect of life that coffee does not augment.

Personally, I like my coffee about as sweet as me (so… not particularly) with a little splash of cream to save my stomach from some of the acidity. I mean, if you’re asking. But hey, I’m an equal opportunity coffee drinking, and I’ll drink whatever is available.

A hot cup of coffee to start the morning, even if the sun isn’t quite up? No problem.

Talk about an excellent way to wake up slowly and enjoy the morning. A great cup of coffee is the perfect balance to an early morning when you have time to let the mug warm your hands and the caffeine illuminate the world — enjoy the coffee, enjoy the day.

A couple shots of espresso mid-morning during a marathon drive? Yes, please.

I’ll be honest, some days I don’t have time to really enjoy my morning coffee. Other days, even if I do, I still need an extra kick of energy after I’ve been up for more hours than I managed to sleep the previous night. One or two shots of espresso offer a quick burst of energy. (P.S. a shot of espresso has less than 5 calories each, it’s the perfect way to get your coffee fix while not feeling guilty after your fourth coffee product of the day.

An iced coffee to kick of the afternoon? Don’t mind if I do.

By the afternoon, it’s hot. There is no more eloquent way to describe Texas in the summer. An iced coffee is the perfect way to enjoy both the bitter deliciousness that is coffee while reaping the benefits of caffeine in your bloodstream, all while avoiding the scorching heat (kind of.)

A chai coffee mix (aka a dirty chai) at the end o the day? Yum!

A dirty chai is a chai tea latte with shot(s) of espresso in it, or chai tea brewed into hot coffee. Either way, this coffee is sweet without being sugary so and manages to taste like a dessert I wouldn’t complain about having every night. This is the perfect balance of flavor, cream, and energy. Especially for the end of the day coffee fix to help with that final push of homework.

From necessity to enjoyment, coffee’s got it.