We asked Starbucks employees to tell us what's really going on behind the counter, from their pet peeves to their strategic use of decaf.

BEVERAGES
If you want to enjoy a cup of coffee at its peak, pour your coffee first, then add sugar, then add cream or milk. Physics says so.
Pour yourself a glass of the black stuff (which actually isn't black at all) and read on for some facts about the legendary brewery, which has been carefully pouring pints of its famous stout since the mid-18th century.
Forget oatmeal and protein shakes. Marshmallow-flavored cereal in a can is the true breakfast of champions.
Tequila is always mezcal, but mezcal isn't always tequila. (And only one of them can come with worms, although it isn't exactly encouraged.)
Coffee isn't the only way to get your morning buzz on. Ditch the jitters and try these caffeinated bracelets, face wipes, and other innovative options instead.
The bottom of the H2Joe is a stainless steel coffee mug; the top is an insulated water bottle. Both keep your beverages at their ideal temperatures all day while saving space in your bag.
Up late drinking last night to celebrate the New Year? We know how you feel. Here's how to treat the damage done the night before.
Globetrotters, take note.
Eggnog: you know it's delicious, but did you know it once led to a riot at West Point? Let's all raise our glasses to one of the most popular beverages of the holiday season ...
PBR could end up DOA.
Instead of buying expensive wine, make a one-time investment in the right glassware.
Road trip?
It's National Vodka Day. Think outside the bottle.
Instead of two people each winning a grand prize of $40,000 in the company's 1992 giveaway, more than 800,000 people held a winning bottle cap. That's when things got ugly.