Insta-worthy Wholesome Eats at a Newport Cafe

At Drift Cafe, colorful bevvies reign supreme. Take, for instance, the stunning purple Be Zen Latte or sunny yellow Maple Golden Milk. But even though a vibrant cerulean Blue Algae Latte tastes like “Lucky Charms cereal milk,” according to co-owner Sam David, it doesn’t come with the laundry list of sugary syrups and artificial flavors you’d expect from sipping the rainbow. 

“The goal with Drift was to create something we’d personally love,” shares David. She and husband Rob DePaola have been working in the restaurant industry since graduating college, and it was always a dream to open their own place. “With a focus on a healthy, active lifestyle, we wanted to bring something to Newport that highlighted wholesome food with quality ingredients.” 

The Blue Algae Latte gets its hue from blue spirulina, an ingredient that comes with health benefits, too. Combined with maca powder (which can help boost stamina), house-made vanilla bean syrup, and choice of milk, “it’s a healthy pick-me-up without caffeine,” says David. With more of a kick, the Be Zen Latte is another popular choice. “We use ube powder (from purple yams), CBD from Flower Powered Medicinals [a line of products by Island Wellness Center in Middletown], espresso, and house-made lavender syrup.” 

Along with cold and warm drinks for all vibes, Drift Cafe serves artfully prepared smoothie bowls and just added Summer Love to the menu: blended passion fruit, mango, banana, strawberries, and coconut milk, topped with fresh pineapple, organic coconut flakes, and granola. 

“All of our food is made fresh to order, and we try to make a majority of our sauces, granola, and nut butters in house,” shares David. “Even as a fast-casual concept, my hope is for customers to feel a higher level of service and menu knowledge than expected from a cafe.”