House Speaker John Boehner

My Morning Cup features the coffee rituals that most of us have. People from all walks of life — from US senators to ballplayers, subway drivers to college professors — have submitted entries that will run each day.

John Boehner, 64

West Chester, Ohio

US House Speaker

Describe your coffee routine. Where do you frequent, what do you like?

When I’m home, I stop for a cup at the Speedway gas station near my house. I’ve been going there for … I don’t know, at least 20 years. If I’m in Washington, I go out and buy a cup at Starbucks on my morning walk, then make more when I get into the office. I’ve usually got a half a cup or so beside me in my office during morning meetings.

Make or buy?

Both.

If make, what coffee do you use and how do you make it?

I don’t know the brand of the machine in the office, but we use Starbucks coffee and always filtered water. Everyone who makes it knows to put it in that carafe as soon as it’s brewed. If you leave it on the machine too long, it tastes burnt.

If buy, where? What time? Do baristas know you?

Pretty early in the morning. I always say “hi” – I’ve usually got a ballcap on, but they might recognize me.

What’s your order?

Large coffee. They call it “venti” at Starbucks.

How do you take it?

A little creamer or milk.

Iced or hot?

Hot. If I want something cold, I’ll drink a Diet Coke.

Alone or with company?

Well, I’ve always got a Capitol Police security detail with me. And other Members and staff when I get to the office.

Where do you drink it? Seated or on the go?

Both.

Any simultaneous noncaffeinated stimulation? (newspaper, radio, cigarettes, etc.)

I drink the first cup while I’m reading the news on my iPad.

How many more cups the rest of the day?

Sometimes half a cup in the afternoon. Depends on how rested I am, and the weather.

What time will you drink your last cup?

Just depends on the day.

What’s your stance on decaf?

Eh.

Describe the most memorable cup of coffee you’ve ever had.

I don’t know about “most memorable” but I had a bunch of meetings – with the prime minister, the president, business leaders — in Turkey a few months ago, and that coffee is STRONG.