The Evil Queen

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.