iced shiso americano
or make it an espresso soda
when i started planning out our home cafe menu, i knew i wanted to give our guests some degree of variety beyond the usual espresso drinks. while i’m not usually a syrup girl, i felt like making a few unique syrups would be the perfect way to introduce novelty! i had originally planned on making a black sesame mocha syrup and a pandan-coconut syrup but then i saw shiso at the farmer’s market and had an idea: what if i made a shiso syrup for the coffee, a la philz’s mint mojito?
shiso is a japanese herb that sits somewhere between mint and basil, with a note of anise/licorice. tbh i was nervous about this combo!! especially since i personally find shiso to be overpowering at times but when steeped in simple syrups, it softens up and becomes more delicate. it ends up giving the coffee a slightly herbal, anise note that feels fresh.
next time, i’d also have sparkling water as an option so that our guests can opt for an espresso soda. the shiso syrup already gives the coffee a refreshing touch, and i feel like adding soda water would make it even more perfect for summer.
i’ve been relishing in the leftover syrup and making boy and i shiso americanos as a little morning treat, especially with this fake summer heatwave.
recipe! iced shiso americano
i used:
for the iced shiso americano/espresso soda
1 oz shiso syrup (see recipe below)
2 oz espresso
4-6 oz water or sparkling water
ice
garnish: 1 shiso leaf
for the shiso syrup (yields ~8oz syrup):
1.5 cups water
¾ cup white sugar
10 large shiso leaves, torn
to make
shiso syrup:
add the water and sugar to a small pot and bring to a gentle simmer, just until the sugar dissolves
turn off the heat, add in the shiso leaves, and let steep for about 30 minutes, then strain out the leaves and let cool completely before using
syrup will be best if used within a week!
shiso coffee: add a shiso leaf to a glass, then fill a glass with ice. pour in the shiso syrup, add still or sparkling water, and finish with the espresso. give it a gentle stir and taste — add more syrup if you want it sweeter or stronger!
hope you enjoy! x christy