A tart, espresso-forward drink that almost feels like a sour but not quite. Best enjoyed with a thick book in the other hand.
INGREDIENTS
THE READING NOOK
1.5oz tart cherry juice
Double espresso (see below)
3/4oz orgeat syrup
5 drops of 10:1 saline solution
Egg white
Expressed orange oil
BUILD
For this drink in particular, the type of coffee used is going to massively affect the final flavor profile. I would suggest a fruit-forward coffee, roasted light-medium. Something like a natural Ethiopian or Colombian coffee would work well. If you use something darker or blended, you’ll find the final drink tasting far more chocolate-forward (which can still be nice, don’t get me wrong, it’s just a bit less complex).
In a cocktail shaker, add the cherry juice, espresso, orgeat, saline, and egg white. Dry shake vigorously for 45s. Add ice and shake again for 15-30s to fully chill. Strain into a coupe glass. Express orange oil atop drink before serving. Garnish with speared cherries and orange peel if you desire.
Sip and enjoy.
