Developing Our Specialty Beverage Program

Signature Espresso Beverages were recently released at all of our cafes, and we wanted to take a moment to dive deeper into their creation and the unique stories behind them.

As a company, we agreed it was time to introduce signature beverages to our menu in a way that would truly set us apart. To bring these drinks to life, we sought out distinctive partners and started with syrup infusions. There are plenty of options for syrup partners, but we had the unique opportunity to connect with food scientist Caroline Lafleur at SCA Chicago this past year, who had just launched her company, Bon Bouquet. Working with Caroline, we were able to develop custom infusions that perfectly complement our coffee and other ingredients.

Our collaboration began with a cupping session, where Caroline joined our Director of Coffee & Sourcing, Jose Lepe. This session opened her eyes to the intricacies of cupping and the flavor profiles within the coffee flavor wheel. A deep respect for coffee grew, as Caroline quickly noticed that the infusions were not going to be about the sweetness—they were about enhancing the flavors of the coffee.

First up in our lineup is the Cardamom Mocha. This drink builds on our classic mocha, made with house-made chocolate ganache and the citrus notes of our Owl’s Howl Espresso. The addition of Bon Bouquet’s green cardamom syrup introduces a fragrant, spiced layer that takes it to the next level. The result? A creamy, chocolatey, and bold experience that doesn’t just complement the coffee—it makes it shine.

Next is the Brown Butter Miso Caramel Latte, featuring Bon Bouquet’s brown butter infusion, which brings out the toasty, nutty flavors of Owl’s Howl. We then add a touch of miso paste, giving the drink a unique salty umami note. Together, these elements make for a comforting yet surprising flavor profile.

From infusions to espresso, these beverages use no artificial sweeteners and are entirely natural. The same dedication we put into sourcing coffee for our espresso is mirrored in the thoughtful creation of these specialty beverages Each drink represents the passion and creativity of our team, and we are so excited to share them with you.