COLUMBUS OHIOIMPERO COFFEE: THE JOHN WAYNE

The Short North neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, once home to abandoned factories and high crime rates, has become a trendy arched district of boutiques and restaurants, particularly blossoming in the past decade. The gentrification would not be complete without a specialty coffee shop or two; one of these shops is Impero, a three year old cafe and roastery located on the main thoroughfare of North High Street.

And though their pourovers and cold-brews are delicious, one particular drink stands out: the espresso and cream-laced John Wayne.

Indicative of it’s namesake, this delicately crafted drink is taken all at once, in one shot. The contrast of hot and cold, sweet and strong, coupled with a dose of caffeine, makes it go down smooth; yet once imbibed, it’ll kick you from behind, in a good way.

Poured slowly and deliberately, the John Wayne is comprised of one’s choice of flavored syrup, a band of half and half, and topped with freshly pulled espresso — all suspended above each other like oil and water. Toss it back, and off to the races one goes.