The 2024 Holiday Season is in high gear, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner everyone is going to need a little extra something in their coffee. While we adore a sip of eggnog latte or a classic chug of peppermint mocha, we’re always looking for holiday beverages that surprise and inspire us.
The Caffè in Oakland is rolling out a limited-release holiday adjacent collaboration with Chef Francis Ang of Abacá—with sunchokes, panutsa, white chocolate, and cream cheese. It’s called the White Choke-latte, and it’s all part of Mr. Espresso‘s Chef collaboration program.
We spoke with Mr. Espresso co-owner Luigi Di Rucco to learn more.
What inspired the creation of this drink?
Restaurant Abacá chef Francis Ang loves the smell of roasted sunchokes. The warm and comforting fall aroma made him think it could be a good match with coffee, so he worked with The Caffè by Mr. Espresso to create a sunchoke-based specialty coffee drink.
Who created it?
Restaurant Abacá Chef Francis Ang and Luigi Di Rucco, co-owner of Mr. Espresso.
Are there any unique or locally sourced ingredients used in this drink?
The drink is made with two unique ingredients: roasted sunchoke puree and panutsa (a nutty Filipino sugar)
How did you work to balance the flavors and create the perfect taste profile?
Roasted sunchoke puree with a touch of salt brings a savory component to this coffee drink, which is balanced by the sweet, creamy, caramelly flavor of panutsa sugar, Vahlrona white chocolate and cream cheese. The drink is served hot with a shot of espresso and garnished with orange zest for a citrus kick at the finish.
What kind of coffee is used in this drink?
Mr. Espresso Neapolitan Espresso.
Does this drink work as both hot and iced?
This drink is served hot.
How much does it cost?
$6.50
How long is it available?
Until November 30, 2024.
Thank you
Photos courtesy The Caffè by Mr. Espresso. Follow The Caffè on Instagram @thecaffeoak.
On The Menu is an exploration of the best, most beautiful, most delicious, and most thought-provoking original signature drinks on cafe menus worldwide. It is presented by DONA Teas & Tisanes.
