Military

Happy Halloween! Try a Gothic Latte

October 31, 2019Brittany Ramjattan
Gothic Latte

Composite by Coffee or Die Magazine.

With the rise of Instagram foodies, we’ve also seen the rise — and fall — of “black foods” such as black waffles, black ice cream, and black pasta. It’s a simple way to garner attention for those seeking monotone social media feeds. While the movement is ridiculous at best, there is a specific time of year when black foods are acceptable — and almost expected. This Halloween, we offer the Gothic Latte — which is basically a fancier black latte


Black lattes are nothing new. This trendy drink has been masquerading as a health food since the early 2010s. The coloring agent of choice in a black latte is activated charcoal, which should come as no surprise. In all the Instagram-friendly foods listed above, charcoal is a key ingredient since it often acts as a detoxification agent, drawing bacteria out of the body. We now know that heaps of charcoal isn’t great for us, but a small amount in a holiday-specific latte isn’t going to kill anyone.  


Recipe by Brittany Ramjattan. Graphic by Erik Campbell/Coffee or Die.

You can get an ounce of food-grade activated charcoal on Amazon for just under $7. If you’re hesitant to invest in something you’ll only use once, a quick Google search provides plenty of uses for the remainder. It’s important to note that this isn’t the same charcoal we use for grilling or drawing. Food-grade activated charcoal has been imbued with added oxygen, which makes the molecule more porous and easier to mix into liquids and batters, but also pretty good at absorbing nutrients. We’ll be using it here in earnest. 


While typical black latte recipes call for almond milk or maple syrup, we’re less interested in the health component than the aesthetics. Whatever type of milk or sweetener you have on hand will work just fine. For this Gothic Latte, we’re using activated charcoal, whole milk, brown sugar, and espresso. The acidity and moisture in brown sugar lends a richer taste to lattes in general, and when combined with the charcoal, it strikes a perfect balance. We suggest serving this in a clear mug to take full advantage of the color.



Brittany Ramjattan
Brittany Ramjattan
Brittany Ramjattan is a freelance writer with a background in film. Brittany is currently a graduate student at Stony Brook’s Television Writing program in Manhattan, and when she’s not slaving over her computer, she’s slaving over her French press, working on her perfect cup. 
More from Coffee or Die Magazine
dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

Army vs. Navy mascot
The Navy Goat vs. the Army Mule: Mascot Origin Stories

For nearly as long as the Army-Navy football rivalry, the academies’ hoofed mascots have stared each other down from the sidelines. Here are their stories.

ukraine long-range weapon
Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Has Developed a Long-Range Weapon, a Day After Strike Deep Inside Russia

Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel the weapon was produced by Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries but gave no other details.

ambush
7 of the Best Movie Ambush Scenes of All Time

Ambushes make for great action scenes. Here are seven of the best to ever grace the big screen.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, with his daughter, center right, reportedly named Ju Ae, review the honor guard during their visit to the navy headquarter in North Korea
North Korea Launches Missile Toward Sea After US Flies Bomber During Drills

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the launch occurred Wednesday but gave no further details, such as how far the missile flew.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved