Baristas’ Signature Drinks Are Works of Art
Last Wednesday, I was browsing weblogs in search of wildly different coffee beverages I could incorporate into my too short list of personal specialties. My regular latte and cappuccino just won’t do the trick anymore, now that my friends bought themselves a better espresso machine than mine. I tease them, saying that’s the reason the visit less often. They didn’t deny it…
That’s where my motivation came from. I found some amazing ideas at CoffeeGeek.com in a report about the 2005 South East Regional Barista Championships, complete with photos and descriptions of each finalist’s performance.
Every competitor was required to pull and serve 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos and 4 signature drinks in 15 minutes. Signature drinks are espresso based and flower from the imagination of the barista and may very well be the turning point to win the judges’ favor. Here are my findings. They’re sure to have my friends coming back for more!
From: Lena Abed
Theme: Middle East
Signature Drink: Kiva Han
Served in demi-tasse, alongside baklavas and pistachios, Kiva Han incorporates half-n-half, lemon zest, cardamom and sweetened condensed milk. It is topped with cinnamon.
From: Ryan Goodrow
Theme: Ninja Barista
Signature Drink: inspired by Washigton Post food column
Start by pulling an espresso in a tall shot glass. Pour orange syrup and sparkling water in a water drop shaped glass. This looks spectacular as « beer foam » forms when the espresso shot is poured into the water drop glass. Served cold.
From: Elizabeth Gray
Theme: Wonder Woman
Signature Drink: Wonder Woman
Banana syrup and half-n-half are mixed and chilled with espresso in a shaker. Presentation is Queen : a fluted glass is rimmed with unsweetened coconut flakes, raw sugar, and coconut powder. The shake is poured in and topped with frothed milk. Going the extra mile includes banana chips on the side.
From: Lemuel Butler
Signature Drink: Good Morning On The Go
Pulling the shot of espresso along a cinnamon stick adds spice to this maple syrup-based drink. Simply put, it’s maple syrup, coffee and frothed milk, presented in a glass cup with a leaf design on the side made in chocolate and maple syrups.
