Smoked Rosemary Maple Latte

As the crunch of dry leaves and the smell of fireplaces fill the brisk fall air, our thoughts turn to warm and comforting flavors to pull us through the colder days and longer nights.

Our Smoked Rosemary Maple Latte blends the savory aromatics of smoked rosemary with the rich and complex sweetness of maple syrup and the deep flavor of blackstrap molasses. This was a favorite menu item at Single Speed Coffee Roasters where I used to work, but it feels even more appropriate here in Rochester where we actually have fall. 

Recipe Details

• Complexity - Medium
• Severs - 1
• Prep Time - 5 Min
• Cost - ($$)

Ingredients

• Approx. 1 - 1 ¼ fl oz (30-36 ml) espresso
•  4fl oz (~120 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 fl oz (~20 ml, or 20 g) maple syrup
• 4 dashes molasses bitters
• 1 sprig rosemary

A Note on Maple Syrup

Here in New York we have access to a lot of local agriculture, including maple syrup. This recipe requires "maple" syrup in particular and we don't recommend subbing it for inferior breakfast or pancake syrups. Think of it as an investment and don't hesitate to enjoy it in other cocktails and of course, on pancakes.

For our bitters in this recipe we used Fee Brothers Molasses Bitters that are produced here in Rochester. Fee Brothers are a local company that have been in business since 1864 and both Nick and myself use their products in a range of drinks. I'm personally a firm believer that bitters belong in coffee drinks. But enough on that.

Equipment

• Espresso machine
• Steaming pitcher
• Shot glass pitcher
• Food torch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Smoke the Rosemary

Prep a cup and saucer by lightly burning rosemary. You want to torch the rosemary until smoke starts to rise in a thick plume. Note that you will need fresh rosemary to produce thicker smoke. Once you achieve a thick smoke, place your rosemary on a food safe, non flammable surface and place your cup over it.

Steam Your Milk

While the cup collects smoke, prep your espresso and froth your milk. 

Combine Your Maple Syrup and Bitters

Turn over your cup and add 20 grams of maple syrup and four dashes of Molasses bitters. You can increase or decrease either of these ingredients to taste or to adjust based on your desired level of sweetness.

Pull Your Espresso

Pull your espresso into the maple molasses base and stir to incorporate. Be sure to work your milk to maintain proper texture. If you're confident, you can pull your shot and steam milk at the same time.

Pour and Garnish

Pour your milk and flex those latte art skills. Complete your garnish with a sprig of rosemary. If your sprig from earlier was torched but not ashy, you can reuse it for your garnish, otherwise clap a fresh sprig between your hands and carefully place it across the edge of your cup.

Photography by Grace Walker

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