Black Garlic & Maple Iced Coffee

This innovative beverage pushes the boundaries of traditional iced coffee by combining the deep, earthy sweetness of a homemade black garlic and maple syrup with smooth, rich cold brew coffee. Topped with a splash of oat milk, it creates a surprisingly harmonious and sophisticated drink that is both comforting and intriguing. It is the perfect choice for adventurous coffee lovers looking to explore new and exciting flavor profiles. This drink challenges the perception of what coffee can be, transforming it into a gourmet experience.
Black Garlic & Maple Iced Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is categorized as a modern, non-alcoholic coffee drink. It falls into the specialty coffee niche due to its unusual, culinary-inspired ingredients. It's an inventive creation that pushes the boundaries of traditional coffee preparations.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic coffee drink served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. The serving size is generous, making for a refreshing and substantial beverage.
Serving size
Approximately 300-350 ml / 10-12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink is inspired by the modern culinary trend of using fermented and umami-rich ingredients in unexpected applications. Black garlic, with its balsamic-like sweetness and savory depth, has migrated from high-end restaurant kitchens into the world of craft beverages. This recipe reflects an experimental approach to coffee, treating it as a versatile base for complex flavor combinations beyond the usual sweet and creamy profiles. It embodies the spirit of third-wave coffee culture, which emphasizes creativity and quality ingredients.
Origin
This drink does not have a single point of origin but rather emerged from the experimental third-wave coffee movement in North America and Europe. Its creation is characteristic of the late 2010s and early 2020s, a period marked by a surge in culinary-inspired coffee recipes and a focus on unique, non-alcoholic beverage options.

Black Garlic & Maple Iced Coffee

The drink's name, Black Garlic & Maple Iced Coffee, is descriptive of its primary flavor components. Alternative names like "Umami Iced Coffee" or "Savory Maple Cold Brew" highlight its unique savory-sweet character, appealing to those seeking unconventional coffee experiences.
Original name
Black Garlic & Maple Iced Coffee
Alternative names
  • Umami Iced Coffee
  • Savory Maple Cold Brew

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a complex flavor profile where savory umami and earthy notes from black garlic meet the sweetness of maple syrup, all grounded by the rich bitterness of coffee. Its aroma is equally intriguing, and the texture is smooth and creamy, especially with the addition of oat milk.
Flavor
Savory, Earthy, Sweet, Umami, Caramelized, Balsamic
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Earthy, Sweet maple, Subtle garlic
Taste balance
Sweet, Umami, Slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering sweetness, Complex savory notes, Clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Dark brown, Opaque, Creamy top layer
Texture
Smooth, Slightly viscous, Creamy
Seasonality
All-season, Refreshing, Intriguing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor intensity is moderate, led by a distinct balance of sweetness and umami, with the coffee's natural bitterness providing a solid foundation. It is a completely non-alcoholic and still beverage, with a touch of creaminess from the oat milk.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires cold brew concentrate, oat milk, and a homemade syrup made from black garlic, maple syrup, and water. A pinch of sea salt is recommended to elevate the overall flavor profile.
  • Cold brew concentrate90 ml / 3 oz
    A smooth, low-acid cold brew works best to not overpower the delicate syrup flavors.
  • Water90 ml / 3 oz
    For diluting the concentrate. Adjust amount based on the strength of your concentrate.
  • Oat milk60 ml / 2 oz
    Barista-style oat milk provides the best creamy texture. Other plant-based or dairy milks can be substituted.
  • Black garlic cloves3 cloves
    For the syrup. These are fermented and have a soft, sweet, and savory flavor.
  • Maple syrup60 ml / 2 oz
    For the syrup. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
  • Water60 ml / 2 oz
    For making the syrup.
  • Sea salt1 pinch(optional)
    A small pinch enhances the complexity and balances the sweetness.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a small saucepan and a sieve to prepare the black garlic syrup. For assembling the drink, a simple bar spoon and a serving glass are sufficient.
  • Small saucepan to create the syrup.
  • Fine-mesh sieve to strain the syrup.
  • Bar spoon for stirring the final drink.

Instructions

The process involves first creating a black garlic-infused maple syrup by simmering the ingredients and straining. The final drink is then assembled by combining cold brew, water, and the cooled syrup over ice, stirring, and topping with oat milk.
1. Prepare the Black Garlic & Maple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the black garlic cloves, maple syrup, and 60 ml (2 oz) of water.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, using a spoon to mash the soft garlic cloves to help them dissolve.
3. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly and infuse with the black garlic flavor.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar. Let it cool completely before use.
5. Assemble the drink: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
6. Pour the cold brew concentrate and the remaining 90 ml (3 oz) of water into the glass.
7. Add 15-30 ml (0.5-1 oz) of the cooled black garlic syrup (to taste) and a pinch of sea salt. Stir thoroughly with a bar spoon to combine.
8. Gently pour the oat milk over the back of the spoon onto the top of the drink to create a layered effect.
9. Garnish with an orange twist or a thyme sprig, if desired, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

An optional garnish of an expressed orange twist adds bright citrus aromatics that complement the deep, savory notes. A sprig of thyme can also be used for a complementary herbal aroma.
  • Orange twist: Express the oils over the drink's surface before dropping it in.
  • Thyme sprig: Place a fresh sprig of thyme on top for an aromatic touch.

Dietary Information

This is a vegan, vegetarian, and alcohol-free coffee beverage. Assuming the use of certified gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free oat milk, it is suitable for various dietary restrictions, though it does contain caffeine.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink has a moderate calorie and carbohydrate content, primarily derived from the maple syrup. The exact nutritional values will vary based on the amount of syrup and type of milk used.
Calories
Averagely 90-150 kcal / 377-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
20-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
18-28 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect for a weekend brunch or as an adventurous afternoon pick-me-up, this drink suits any occasion where you crave something beyond the ordinary. It's a fantastic conversation starter and a unique treat for a creative coffee break.
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Weekend brunch
  • Adventurous tasting
  • Creative coffee break

Pairing suggestions

This drink's unique savory-sweet profile pairs wonderfully with items that complement its complexity. Consider savory pastries, the bitterness of dark chocolate, or the nutty crunch of biscotti. It can even stand up to the bold flavors of an aged cheese board, making it a versatile brunch beverage.
  • Savory pastries like a mushroom or cheese tart.
  • Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage.
  • Biscotti or other lightly sweet, crunchy cookies.
  • An aged cheese board with nuts and figs.

Black Garlic & Maple Iced Coffee: A Savory Twist on a Classic

The Black Garlic & Maple Iced Coffee is a bold, innovative beverage crafted for the adventurous palate. It skillfully balances the deep, roasted notes of cold brew with a unique syrup made from sweet maple and umami-rich black garlic. The result is a surprisingly delicious and complex drink that is savory, sweet, and deeply satisfying. Finished with creamy oat milk, it offers a smooth texture and a sophisticated flavor profile that challenges the conventions of a typical iced coffee experience.

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