Do you ever have a morning when your iced coffee is gone too fast? Or, maybe you're one of those conspiracists who questions the liquid-to-ice ratio. Well, now you can skip past the usual 12-, 16-, and 20-once cup choices straight to a 30-plus-ounce...bucket?
One of the latest drink trends to spawn out of the TikTok algorithms, the viral bucket beverages are being taken up by coffee stands across the U.S., with Spokane as no exception. True to the trend's name, the drinks are served in clear, plastic containers with a single large straw and a handle for easier, um, handling.
At 23 N. Freya St., Mudslingers was at the helm of the trend with its owner ordering a supply of the buckets in the spring. In mid-May, Mudslingers started slinging the 33-ounce buckets ($10 on average), for any iced or blended beverages. Within the first week, over 1,000 buckets were sold, and the demand hasn't ebbed. To accommodate those who still want the cute bucket, but can't stomach the size, the coffee stand also offers a 14-ounce "baby bucket." The sizes will be offered as long as supplies are available, and handwashed buckets can be reused for future drink orders.
Roll through The Blvd Coffee Company's stand at 1127 W. Northwest Blvd. to get a 34-ounce bucket ($9-$13) of any ice or blended beverage. The coffee shop also saw the trend online and introduced it as a summer special on June 2. Lotus energy drink-based orders have been the most popular for the new large size — Blvd Coffee staff recommend the mango passion Lotus with a dragonfruit cold foam ($11).
You're also in luck at the recently opened Lucky Bistro, 325 S. Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley, which is bringing on the buckets as a limited special for iced and blended beverages. In one week of offering the 34-ounce drinks ($9), the bistro sold more than 100, with energy drink-based concoctions being a front-runner. There are 16 ounces of Red Bull in a bucket order, for instance, for those who need more than an average caffeine boost.
SUPPORT HANGRY'S
On the morning of Wednesday, June 4, a grease fire broke out at Hangry's Spokane Valley location at 11923 E. Trent Ave. Starting on the restaurant's stove top, the grease fire spread to the ceiling and caused roughly $75,000 of damage. The restaurant is temporarily closed, but Hangry's North Spokane location at 6325 N. Wall St. remains open.
FATHER'S DAY FEASTS
Considering the holiday's Spokane origins, local businesses are making sure fathers are treated right this Father's Day, June 15, by offering discounts, specials, barbeque and more.
Dine at Clinkerdagger with your dad on June 12 and enjoy a three-course menu ($62) with a choice of salad, a main dish like prime rib, and a dessert. Or, head on over to Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson in the Spokane Valley, where SmokeRidge BBQ is serving up smoked and grilled favorites on June 12 from 11 am to 4 pm.
For dessert, check to see if Birdie's Pie (with locations in Spokane and North Idaho) still has some of their Father's Day specials. If your dad has a mammoth appetite, order him a pie ($30) with a variety of flavors and gluten-free options, or get the Dad Bod Quad ($21.50) of four smaller pies.
