How to Make Whiteism Coffee: A Unique Cold Coffee Drink

If you’ve ever walked into a café and wished the menu had something truly different—something bold, unexpected, and actually delicious—then you’ve probably asked yourself: what’s next in coffee creativity? Enter Whiteism Coffee, a unique beverage that turns the usual iced coffee on its head with an unlikely mix of ingredients that somehow works.

The recipe for Whiteism Coffee includes 150ml of black coffee, 15ml of rum, 15ml of sugar syrup, and 50ml of fresh asparagus juice. That’s four core ingredients, plus ice, shaken or layered carefully for a striking, refreshing result. It’s an inventive yet structured drink that brings balance through contrast.

What Is Whiteism Coffee?

Whiteism Coffee is a creative cold coffee cocktail originally developed as a signature drink for a themed café. It combines black coffee with rum, asparagus juice, and sugar—yes, asparagus. Far from being savory, the asparagus adds a subtle vegetal note that plays against the bitterness of coffee and sweetness of the sugar. The drink is served over ice and built in layers for visual effect and flavor separation.

Why This Combination Works

At first glance, mixing asparagus juice with coffee sounds unusual—but in practice, the earthy, slightly bitter profile of asparagus complements the roasted depth of coffee. The rum introduces warmth and complexity without overpowering the drink, while the sugar balances the inherent bitterness of both the coffee and the vegetable juice. The result is a chilled beverage that’s aromatic, layered, and surprisingly refreshing—ideal for warm-weather menus or adventurous coffee drinkers.

Ingredients Breakdown (Exact Measurements)

• Black coffee: 150 milliliters (preferably freshly brewed, medium to light roast)
• Rum: 15 milliliters (white or dark rum works, though white is more neutral)
• Sugar syrup (or fruit sugar): 15 milliliters (adjust to taste)
• Asparagus juice: 50 milliliters (freshly pressed or cold-pressed)
• Ice cubes: a small amount for serving

Step-by-Step Method

Here’s how to build Whiteism Coffee the right way:

1. Brew and cool the coffee: Use a siphon (e.g., a Hario siphon or similar) to brew 150ml of black coffee. Once brewed, transfer the coffee to a metal cup, then place that cup in a larger container filled with ice water to chill it down quickly via ice bath. This step ensures your coffee is cold without dilution.
2. Prepare the base layer: In your serving glass, add the 15ml of sugar syrup (or fruit sugar), 15ml of rum, and 50ml of fresh asparagus juice. Stir gently until well combined. Add a few ice cubes to the glass at this stage.
3. Pour the coffee: Using the back of a bar spoon, gently pour the chilled black coffee over the back of the spoon to layer it atop the mixture in the glass. This helps create a gradient effect and maintains distinct flavors in each sip.

Tips & Notes

The coffee must be properly chilled—using an ice bath is more effective than simply adding ice to hot coffee. Fresh asparagus juice is key; bottled versions may include additives or lack the desired freshness. If asparagus juice isn’t available, you could experiment with other mild vegetable juices, though the flavor profile will change. Adjust sugar and rum levels to suit your guests' preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whiteism Coffee exactly?

Whiteism Coffee is a cold mixed coffee drink that includes black coffee, rum, asparagus juice, and sugar. It’s served over ice and layered to combine sweet, bitter, vegetal, and boozy flavors in one unique beverage.

Can I use regular coffee instead of siphon-brewed coffee?

Yes, you can use any good-quality black coffee, but the original recipe uses coffee brewed via siphon for clarity and smoothness. Avoid overly bitter or dark roasts, as they can clash with the asparagus.

Where do I get asparagus juice?

Fresh asparagus juice is best made at home with a juicer. Bottled versions may not offer the same freshness or flavor balance. Look for cold-pressed vegetable juices if making your own isn’t possible.

Why is rum used in this coffee drink?

Rum adds a gentle warmth and depth to balance the bitter and vegetal notes. It’s used in a small quantity (15ml) so it enhances rather than dominates the coffee flavor.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately after preparation to maintain the texture and flavor separation. Pre-mixing all ingredients may cause the drink to become watered down or lose its layered effect.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Whiteism Coffee

For Whiteism Coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui or Yirgacheffe beans. Ethiopia Huakui offers bright citrus, jasmine, and tropical fruit notes that pair beautifully with the herbal asparagus and rum. Alternatively, the Yirgacheffe delivers floral, lemony, and stone fruit tones with a crisp acidity—perfect for lifting the vegetal profile. Both are light to medium roasts, ideal for siphon or filtered brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.