The Omega Café is a central hub on campus, an inviting rest stop where people can gather for conversation, a drink, or a tasty treat.

New to the beverage case this year—among old favorites like kombucha, coconut water, and local milk—are reusable glass mason jars filled with colorful iced teas and juices. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they provide an environmentally friendly alternative to the roughly 4,500 iced drinks served in compostable plastic cups last year at Omega. 

Inspired by the popularity of the raspberry iced tea offered in previous years, the Café staff tested dozens of teas to determine the flavors that tasted best cold brewed. They now serve several delightful varieties of iced tea from our Millerton, New York neighbors, Harney & Sons: Paris black tea, raspberry, peppermint, and tropical citrus green tea.

Flanking the teas, additional Mason jars brim with fresh green juices, house lemonade, iced coffee, and infused waters. 

After enjoying your beverage, you can choose to return the mason jar to receive your $2 deposit back or save it to reuse. Holding on to the jar may be a welcome alternative for those who want a small souvenir from their time at Omega or for those who forgot to bring a reusable water bottle. (Though do note that the lids are not 100% watertight, so be sure to keep the jar upright if you put it in your bag.)

These new containers are part of the Café’s larger effort to support Omega’s zero-waste goal. In addition to the mason jars, the Café menu now features local ingredients purchased in bulk, all Café to-go packaging is entirely compostable (including the straws), and all the bottled drinks you’ll find in the beverage case are recyclable.

If you’re coming to Omega this season, be sure to stop by the Café and check out these new, sustainable offerings. And don’t forget, as an expression of our gratitude for your support, members receive a 10% discount on all the treats available in the Café.