TAKE A SHOT (OF ESPRESSO)! The French Press launched Flight Fridays at the start of February, and for just $10.95 folks can try three 7.5-ounce iced drinks.

Get a sip of this! An Eau Claire coffee shop staple, The French Press, just launched Flight Fridays in response to caffeine-lovin’ folks who have been requesting the specialty for some time.

Coffee flights offer a taste of several iced drink varieties in one order, all served up on a platter. They’re as yummy as they look, though in the Chippewa Valley they’re not easy to come by.

Whirlybird Coffee, a newer shop in Chippewa Falls, launched their weekends-only flights just a few  months ago while The Nickel Barn in Osseo also serves its own on some weekends. Keeping in mind that flights are only available on weekends at the other shops, The French Press decided to cater to the T.G.I.F. crowd, offering flights on Fridays for $10.95.

The French Press’s coffee flights are also larger than your average flight-sized serving per cup, offering three 7.5-ounce iced drinks. For the month of February – flight flavors are set to change each month – the Sweet & Salty iced latte, Lavender Basil Matcha, and Cherry Mocha are making their debut.

The French Press's latest addition to its menu also brought in a new blackboard full of eye-grabbing items and info, thanks to previous employee and current art teacher, Mak.

“I realize we’re not going to get the weekend crowd with Friday flights, but we aren’t trying to compete with the other shops (who offer flights),” explained Kris Tollefson, owner of The French Press. “We’re just too busy on Saturdays and Sundays, and we want to offer a nice experience with our flights rather than a rushed or frustrated one.”

Since officially becoming the sole owner of The French Press in the new year, Kris and the shop’s two managers have been excited to keep operating the coffee joint locals have come to love, as well as add new flavor – like its Friday Flights.

“My two managers know the vibe of flights, so I let them choose the flavors,” Kris said. “That’s where the Lavender Basil flavor came from; we actually make our own basil syrup here in-house, so it’s fresher and so delicious.”

The French Press launched the new specialty on Friday, Feb. 3, though the day’s crowd wasn’t as large as they expected (likely due to below-zero temperatures – thanks Wisconsin). The French Press team is confident the flights will catch on, and considering how delicious and unique their variety is, they won’t be a secret for long!

As for the future, Kris said their team will keep offering the kind of personable, comfortable service and atmosphere that has made The French Press a go-to for coffee, brunch, and more in the Chippewa Valley for nearly a decade.

Swing into The French Press (2823 London Road, Eau Claire) on Fridays for a $10.95 iced coffee flight, with new flavors introduced each month.

Keep up with The French Press on Facebook and learn more at thefrenchpresseauclaire.com.