Rhode Read:M-O-O for Coffee Milk, RI's Sacred Cow (article) by Eva Pasco on AuthorsDen

Pour one on! On July 29, 1993 the Rhode Island State Legislature proclaimed coffee milk “The Official State Drink of Rhode Island.” Though certainly no cash cow to alleviate the state’s budget deficit, coffee syrup manufactured in Little Rhody aka The Ocean State, is worth stirring for. As early as 1930, Rhode Island’s pastures became greener with the introduction of coffee milk. In 1938, Eclipse of Warwick manufactured its rendition of coffee syrup under the marketing slogan, “You’ll smack your lips if it’s Eclipse.” Autocrat of Lincoln brewed a mixture of syrup and coffee extract by 1940, under the lure,” A swallow will tell you.” Both Eclipse and Autocrat engaged in sticky rivalry until 1991 when Autocrat bought the Eclipse brand name and secret formula. Both labels produced by Autocrat are available in stores. More than a geographical destination with the distinction of being the smallest state, more than a seashore sanctuary in summer, Rhode Island offers so much more for the Rhode/road scholars who wish to venture off the trodden paths for mere pennies-- in this case, to “pour one on.” BYO—buy your own 32 oz. Autocrat coffee syrup at any of our popular supermarket chains such as Stop & Shop. Add a measured dose to a glass of milk, and give it a stir before guzzling it down the hatch. Another moo-ving experience for the savvy traveler crossing our rickety bridges is to brake at any one of our Newport Creameries scattered throughout the state, even though this franchise has become an endangered species. Whether you prefer window takeout, straddling a stool, or sitting at a booth, be sure to order a “coffee cabinet.” This exclusive Rhode Island beverage consists of coffee ice cream combined with coffee syrup and milk, dubbed “Awful Awful” on the menu. Most road scholars know the joys of traveling are based on memorable experiences indigenous to an area off the beaten paths and undisclosed on maps. If you find yourself in Rhode Island, pick up a bottle of our famous coffee syrup. An empty Autocrat syrup bottle makes a lovely souvenir for your coffee table!
	Web Site: Quickie vid: Newport Creamery Awful Awful

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on July 26, 2015

I appreciate your witty writing which elicits humor all the while teaching some of us (me) new things. Thank you, Eva. Love and peace,

Regis

Reviewed by E Phillips

Reviewed on July 21, 2015

A ROAD scholar in the military means "Retired on Active Duty." It's one of the few things I remember about those days. I was not one of them. I promise.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Your writing style is always inviting and often, appetizing. Like the phrase, "pour one on."

Once described as coming from, "that vast wasteland between the two Coasts," I've never heard of coffee syrup, although my depression grandparents had numerous ways of using coffee as some kind of food, like "coffee and crackers." A sugary concoction of coffee, condensed milk, and soda crackers, with a healthy helping of sugar to cut the bitter taste of the coffee that probably stunted my growth. ;-)

We were very familiar with Hershey's or Nestlé's chocolate syrup that we could drizzle in our milk and turn it into chocolate milk. Awful Awful is such an appetizing name for a coffee and ice cream treat.

Ron