Music

Toronto coffee shop creates Tupac-inspired 'five-shot' drink

by Luke Ottenhof

January 31, 2017

For such a strong drink, this is pretty tasteless.

Independent, boutique coffee shops are an ever-exploding market for North Americans. While the Starbucks/Tim Hortons dichotomy used to denote taste, status and cultural capital (the generalization being that Starbz consumers were of a more elite cut than Timmy’s drinkers), that’s now been extrapolated to corporate chains/independent cafés. The influx of local business is indeed a good thing, and their branding as authentic, genuine and ethical alternatives has been vastly successful.

Toronto’s latest opening, Brockton Village’s aesthetically beautiful, minimalist Run and Gun Coffee, was inspired by basketball culture. And murdered rappers!

The café offers a drink called the “Tupac,” a five-shot espresso drink (curious, given the rapper was only hit with four bullets), and dots of milk on top for ‘bullet holes.’ FIVE espresso shots. Pretty much guaranteed to fuck you up physically… and emotionally, if you’re still not over Shakur’s 1996 death.

It seems a little distasteful, but I guess it’s not Urban Outfitters-level distasteful. Maybe you can chug one down in memory of the west coast rap icon. For all your weirdly 2Pac-related drink/heart palpitation needs, head over to Run and Gun’s Dundas West shop.

Until then, remember to spread the love.