At the end of 2024, Haines City announced its new signature coffee, making it the first municipality in Polk County to have a branded blend. Created by Polk Roasters, the Haines City Cafecito Roast has a s'mores-esque flavor with notes of milk chocolate, graham cracker, and toasted marshmallow.

We can't lie, we were a little jealous to hear this news. In our opinion, no one does coffee better than our locally owned shops — so what if Lakeland created its own blend?

Not to be outdone, our readers became the roasters and created coffee blends inspired by Swan City, picking everything from the roast to the flavor profile. Most voted for a perfectly balanced medium roast, and out of 10 choices, the top three notes were sweet, nutty, and chocolatey.

Now comes the fun part: adding in your favorite flavor combos. Reader Jan S. suggested vanilla and coconut, and Naiomi A. would try out lavender with hazelnut. Jean B. brought it back to Lakeland’s citrus growing roots, saying, “An orange essence with rum flavoring to make it go down smoothly.” We’ll take a cup now, please.

If you’re craving a cup of sweet + chocolatey java, pick up one of these blends from local roasters:

Black Swan Blend by Ethos Roasters
Decaf Colombia by Patriot Roasters
Peru Huadquiña FTO by Concord Coffee