The first of my fall favorites, an apple clarification with a rich cold brew base. Also, as a bonus, spiced maple syrup that is delicious.
INGREDIENTS
SPICED MAPLE SYRUP
200ml dark maple syrup
2g black peppercorns
7g cinnamon sticks (approximately two sticks)
2.5g green cardamom pods
1g whole cloves
THE EVIL QUEEN
200ml cold brew
200ml clear apple juice
30ml spiced maple syrup
25ml 10% malic acid solution
150ml whole milk for clarifying
ANISE CONCENTRATE
3g star anise
40ml of water at 195 degrees Fahrenheit
BUILD
There are two ways to make the spiced maple syrup, depending on what equipment you have. I opted to sous vide the spices and maple syrup together at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour before straining out the solids. However, you can also do this on the stove by combining the same ingredients together in a sauce pan on medium-low heat for 15 minutes and then allowing the spices to infusing as the liquid cools. Be cautious about not letting the maple syrup reach a boil, keep it at a very gentle simmer.
Allow the whole anise to steep in hot water for 30 minutes before letting cool and transferring to an atomizer.
To a large carafe, mix the cold brew, apple juice, maple syrup, and malic acid solution. Into another pot or larger carafe, add your whole milk. Pour the apple coffee mixture into the milk and allow it to settle and curdle for 15 minutes. Strain through a coffee filter twice until all cloudiness is removed. Chill and serve with a spritz of anise concentrate on top.