The world of coffee has seen its fair share of unusual trends, but none have garnered as much attention as the recent rise of scallion lattes. Yes, you read that right. The humble green onion is making its way into brews across the internet, thanks to a viral trend on TikTok. But before you wrinkle your nose, dive into our explainer to learn everything you need to know about this unconventional coffee craze.
What is a Scallion Latte?
A scallion latte is a recent coffee trend that combines espresso with scallions, also known as spring onions. Here’s a breakdown of the drink:
- Base: An iced latte, typically made with espresso, ice, and your choice of milk.
- Scallion Twist: Chopped scallions are added to the drink, both at the bottom of the cup and as a garnish on top.
Where did the Scallion Latte coffee trend originate?
Scallion Latte first gained popularity in China as part of the “dark cuisine” trend. The “dark cuisine” trend in China refers to unconventional food and beverage combinations that challenge traditional culinary norms and push boundaries. These creations often involve unusual ingredient pairings, presentation, and preparation methods that may initially seem bizarre or even disgusting but can be surprisingly tasty.
In addition to the Scallion Latte, other examples of dark cuisine include coffee-infused rice, oyster coffee, beef broth latte, and soy sauce lattes. This trend is characterized by a willingness to experiment with novel flavors and presentation styles, often for entertainment and social media purposes.
How to Make a Scallion Latte
The scallion latte might be a head-turner, but its recipe is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own green onion coffee concoction:
Ingredients
- Fresh scallions (spring onions)
- Ice
- Milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- Espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
- Optional: Sweetener (simple syrup, honey)
Instructions
- Prep the Scallions: Wash and chop the scallions. You’ll want mostly the green parts, but a small amount of white can be included too.
- Build Your Base: Fill a glass with ice. Add a layer of chopped scallions on top.
- Milk It: Pour your chosen milk over the ice and scallions.
- Coffee Kick: Add a shot of espresso (or strong coffee) to the mix.
- Sweetness (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter latte, add a touch of simple syrup or honey at this point.
- Scallion Savvy: Garnish your creation with another sprinkle of chopped scallions for that extra green goodness (and visual impact).
Tips
- Start with a small amount of chopped scallions and adjust to your taste preference.
- Experiment with different milks! Oat milk or a creamy cold foam could add another layer of flavor.
- Feeling adventurous? Try muddled scallions for a more intense onion infusion. Simply muddle a few chopped scallions in the bottom of the glass before adding ice.
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What does a Scallion Latte taste like?
The taste of a Scallion Latte is a subject of debate among those who have tried it. Some describe it as having a unique, complex flavor profile that combines the boldness of espresso with the sharp, sweet crunch of spring onions. Others find it unpleasant, with some even calling it “horrific” or expressing disgust. The reactions range from enjoying the “unique taste” to losing their appetite. The drink is often described as having a spicy aftertaste, which can be a redeeming quality for some, but not for others.
Other notable coffee trends on TikTok
TikTok has become a hotspot for innovative and sometimes quirky coffee trends. Here are some notable coffee trends that have captured the attention of coffee enthusiasts on TikTok:
1. Dalgona Coffee
Description: Also known as whipped coffee, this trend became wildly popular during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Make: Mix equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, then whip until it forms a thick, frothy consistency. Spoon the whipped mixture over a glass of milk.
Appeal: Visually striking and easy to make, this coffee trend offers a sweet and creamy treat with a strong coffee flavor.
2. Proffee (Protein Coffee)
Description: A combination of protein shake and coffee, appealing to fitness enthusiasts.
How to Make: Brew coffee or espresso and mix it with a protein shake or add protein powder to your coffee.
Appeal: Provides a boost of caffeine along with protein, making it a popular choice for pre- or post-workout consumption.
3. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
Description: A refreshing, dairy-free drink that gained popularity, especially after being featured by Starbucks.
How to Make: Shake together espresso, brown sugar syrup, and ice, then pour over oat milk.
Appeal: Combines the rich flavor of espresso with the sweetness of brown sugar and the creaminess of oat milk, creating a balanced and refreshing drink.
4. Matcha Coffee
Description: A fusion of matcha green tea and coffee, offering a unique blend of flavors.
How to Make: Prepare matcha by whisking matcha powder with hot water, and separately brew a shot of espresso or coffee. Layer the matcha over the coffee or mix them together.
Appeal: Provides the health benefits of matcha with the caffeine kick of coffee, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
5. Cold Brew Lemonade
Description: A surprising combination of cold brew coffee and lemonade.
How to Make: Mix equal parts cold brew coffee and lemonade, serve over ice.
Appeal: The tartness of lemonade complements the smooth, slightly bitter flavor of cold brew, resulting in a refreshing and invigorating drink.
6. Coffee Jelly
Description: A dessert-like coffee drink featuring coffee-flavored gelatin cubes.
How to Make: Make coffee jelly by setting brewed coffee with gelatin. Cut the set jelly into cubes and add to a glass of milk or coffee.
Appeal: Offers a fun texture and an interesting way to enjoy coffee as a treat.
7. Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Description: A rich and creamy coffee drink made with egg yolks.
How to Make: Whip egg yolks with sugar until fluffy, then fold into hot coffee. Optionally, add condensed milk for extra sweetness.
Appeal: The egg mixture creates a thick, custard-like foam on top of the coffee, resulting in a luxurious and decadent beverage.
8. Butter Coffee (Bulletproof Coffee)
Description: Coffee blended with butter and sometimes oil, often promoted within the keto diet community.
How to Make: Blend hot coffee with unsalted butter and MCT oil until frothy.
Appeal: Claimed to provide sustained energy and promote mental clarity, this trend appeals to those following low-carb or high-fat diets.