Riding off the Hot Coffee minigame controversy from 2004 of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and the "coffee" euphemism in general, coffee companies across the U.S. have taken to serving their lattes with some 'skin' milk; coffee served by bikini-wearing baristas. Coming off the success of other successful 'sex-sells' businesses, many coffee shops have latched on the the obvious pairing of half-naked women and coffee.

The mother-daughter team at the Little Shop Espresso in Washington serves their cafe drinks and treats wearing lingerie. Kellie Echeverry, the owner of Little Shop Espresso, bought the business in February, but she wasn't getting many customers. "Business was crashing to the point where I was going to close it down," she said. Since donning the Pussycat Dolls' look, Echeverry says that her business has more than tripled. Bikini Barista's think that it's a sign of the times.

Stephanie Bayless, a bikini barista at Hotties, Mochas, and More in Garden City, Idaho, says, "It's just bikinis. If you float down the Boise River, if you go to Lucky Peak, if you go to Roaring Springs, you're gonna see girls in bikinis. It's the exact same thing. We're just serving coffee." Not to mention the baristas are making bank: the girls make minimum wage, plus $80 to $150 a day in tips.

Though the media has picked up on some minor controversy over the uniform and while naysayer's scorn the thought of women serving coffee in bikinis, the strategy seems to be paying off big for the owners of these sexy coffee shops. Not only are sales up, but management has been looking for new ways to grow.
From Coffee Nation in Oregon to Java Mama's Express in Bakersfield, Bikini baristas are the hot new trend.

Get Your Pick-me-up: Moka Girls in Auburn, The Sweet Spot Cafe in Shoreline, Bikini Espresso in Renton, Little Shop Espresso in Washington, Hotties, Mochas, and More in Garden City, Idaho, and Natte Latte in Port Orchard.