Grounded Kitchen Spiced Apple Cider Macchiato
Founders
1
5 minutes
10 minutes
Drinks
A bold espresso drink layered with concentrated apple cider, warm baking spices and creamy steamed milk.
This is where coffee meets the flavours of a warm apple dessert. Apple cider is gently reduced with brown sugar and apple-pie spices, concentrating its sweet-tart apple character before it is combined with strong espresso and finished with a layer of frothy milk.
Unlike an apple-flavoured syrup, the cider reduction keeps the flavour of real apples at the centre of the drink.
Ingredients
For the cider reduction
- ½ cup (120 mL) apple cider
- 1 tsp packed brown sugar
- ⅛ tsp apple pie spice (see Note below)
For the macchiato
- 2 shots espresso, or ½ cup (120 mL) extra-strong dark-roast coffee
- ½ cup (120 mL) whole milk or oat milk
- Ground cinnamon, for finishing
Directions
- Make the cider reduction. Add cider, brown sugar and apple pie spice to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over low to medium-low heat. Cook uncovered for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to approximately 2–3 tbsp (30–45 mL). Do not boil hard; a gentle reduction concentrates the apple flavour without scorching the sugars. Remove from heat.
- Make the coffee. Pull two shots of espresso or prepare ½ cup (120 mL) very strong dark-roast coffee.
- Build the apple-coffee base. Pour the warm cider reduction into a large mug. Add the hot espresso and stir well to combine.
- Froth the milk. Heat until steaming but not boiling, ideally 140–150°F (60–65°C). Froth until light and creamy.
- Assemble. Slowly pour the warm frothed milk over the apple-espresso mixture, allowing some foam to remain on top. Keep a noticeable layer of coffee and apple flavour rather than making the drink mostly milk.
- Finish. Dust lightly with ground cinnamon and serve immediately.