Sea Salt Coffee

Sea Salt Coffee is a uniquely satisfying beverage that plays on the contrast between bitter, cold coffee and a luscious, cloud-like topping. The base is typically a strong cold brew or a chilled Americano, providing a robust coffee flavor. This is then crowned with a thick, whipped foam made from heavy cream, a touch of sugar for sweetness, and a prominent note of sea salt, which enhances the overall flavor profile and cuts through the richness of the cream.
Sea Salt Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Sea Salt Coffee is primarily classified as a modern coffee drink. Its innovative combination of a salty cream topping with traditional iced coffee places it outside of classical coffee preparations, making it a contemporary creation.

Serving

Sea Salt Coffee is a non-alcoholic, cold drink served in a tall Highball or Collins glass to showcase its distinct layers. No special glass treatment is required.
Serving size
350-475 ml / 12-16 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink was invented and popularized by the Taiwanese bakery chain 85°C Bakery Cafe in 2008. It quickly became their signature beverage, captivating customers with its unique sweet-and-salty flavor combination, which was a novel concept in the coffee world at the time. Its success spread globally as the chain expanded, introducing the unique drink to an international audience.
Origin
Taiwan, circa 2008.

Sea Salt Coffee

The drink's original name is Hǎiyán Kāfēi (海鹽咖啡), which translates directly to "Sea Salt Coffee" in Mandarin Chinese. It is also known by descriptive names like Sea Salt Iced Coffee or Salty Cream Coffee, which highlight its key components and serving style.
Original name
Hǎiyán Kāfēi
Alternative names
  • Sea Salt Iced Coffee
  • Salty Cream Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, with a smooth, liquid coffee base and a velvety foam top. The taste is a balanced interplay of the coffee's bitterness with the sweet and salty notes of the cream.
Flavor
Coffee, creamy, sweet, salty, rich
Aroma
Roasted coffee, dairy, sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, salty, bitter
Aftertaste
Creamy, clean, lingering coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered, dark brown, white foam top
Texture
Smooth, creamy, velvety, liquid
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, defined by a rich creaminess and a prominent sweet-salty balance over a bitter coffee base. It is a non-alcoholic and completely still beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a base of strong cold brew coffee, along with heavy cream, milk, sugar, and sea salt to create the signature sweet and savory foam topping.
  • Cold Brew Coffee240 ml / 8 oz
    Strong, chilled Americano (2 shots of espresso topped with cold water) can be used as a substitute.
  • Heavy Cream60 ml / 2 oz
    Must be cold to whip properly.
  • Whole Milk30 ml / 1 oz
    Adds a lighter texture to the foam. Can be substituted with more cream for a richer foam.
  • Granulated Sugar1 tablespoon
    Adjust to personal taste. Powdered sugar dissolves more easily.
  • Sea Salt1/4 teaspoon
    Use a good quality sea salt for the best flavor. Adjust to taste.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The primary equipment needed is a milk frother or a hand mixer to create the velvety foam. You'll also need a small bowl to mix the foam ingredients.
  • Milk frother or hand mixer for whipping the cream foam.
  • Small bowl for combining and whipping the foam ingredients.

Instructions

The process involves whipping cream, milk, sugar, and salt into a soft foam, then pouring this mixture over a glass of iced cold brew coffee. The key is to achieve a stable yet pourable foam.
1. In a small, chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and sea salt.
2. Using a milk frother or hand mixer, whip the mixture until it thickens to a soft peak consistency. It should be thick enough to float but still be pourable.
3. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour the cold brew coffee over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
5. Gently spoon or pour the sea salt foam over the top of the coffee to create a distinct layer.
6. Garnish with an extra pinch of sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a pinch of sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder can be added on top of the foam for visual appeal and an extra flavor accent.
  • Pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the foam.
  • Light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over the foam.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy, making it unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or a vegan diet. However, it is naturally egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric, with a significant amount of sugar and carbohydrates coming from the sweetened cream foam. The exact nutritional values can vary based on the amounts of cream and sugar used.
Calories
averagely 250 kcal / 1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 18 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a refreshing afternoon treat, especially on a warm day. It's also an excellent choice for brunch or anytime you're craving a coffee that feels a little more special and indulgent than your usual cup.
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Summer refreshment
  • Unique coffee experience
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

Sea Salt Coffee pairs wonderfully with light, buttery pastries that complement its creamy texture and rich flavor. Items like croissants, madeleines, or simple biscotti are excellent choices as they won't overpower the drink's unique sweet-and-salty profile.
  • Butter croissant
  • Biscotti
  • Madeleines
  • Light pastries

The Sweet and Salty Symphony of Sea Salt Coffee

Sea Salt Coffee is a modern Taiwanese creation that has gained global popularity for its innovative flavor profile. It consists of a strong iced coffee base topped with a luscious, creamy foam seasoned with sea salt and a hint of sweetness. This contrast creates a multi-layered sensory experience, blending the bitterness of coffee with a rich, savory, and sweet topping. It's a refreshing and indulgent alternative to standard iced coffee, perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting.

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