Florence Coffee Company Recipe
Since 2003, Florence Coffee Company has provided the smoothest flavored coffee from its drive-thru locations all across Missoula and the Bitterroot.
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Ingredients
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Base Espresso & Coffee
Flavored Syrup (Florence signature vanilla-caramel)
Milk & Foam
Finish & Garnish
Method
Flavored Syrup (Florence signature vanilla-caramel)
- 1
Make the syrup
Combine granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
- 2
Allow mixture to simmer without stirring for 6–8 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a light amber color. Watch closely — caramel can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- 3
Immediately remove from heat and carefully stir in light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. (Corn syrup helps keep the caramel from recrystallizing and gives a smooth texture.)
- 4
Allow the caramel to cool for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in the vanilla extract. If you prefer a pourable syrup rather than thick caramel, add 1–2 tablespoons hot water and stir until combined.
- 5
Transfer the syrup to a heatproof jar. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Syrup will keep up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
Base Espresso & Coffee
- 6
Brew espresso & coffee
Pull two shots of freshly brewed espresso (about 2 oz total). Meanwhile brew 1 cup of hot drip coffee (medium roast) so both are hot and ready.
- 7
Pour the espresso into a 12-16 oz serving cup, then add the hot drip coffee and stir gently to combine. This creates a fuller-bodied base similar to Florence Coffee Company drive-thru blends.
Milk & Foam
- 8
Steam or heat milk
Combine whole milk and heavy cream (if using) in a milk pitcher. Steam with an espresso steam wand to about 140–150°F (60–65°C) until velvety microfoam forms. If you don't have a steam wand: heat milk gently on the stove or microwave to the same temperature, then froth vigorously with a handheld frother or shake in a tightly sealed jar for 30–45 seconds.
- 9
Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to smooth the foam into a glossy texture.
- 10
Pour the steamed milk over the coffee base, holding back foam with a spoon then layering foam on top for a creamy finish.
Assemble & Garnish
- 11
Sweeten and finish
Stir 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled vanilla-caramel syrup (adjust to taste) into the coffee base before adding milk, or drizzle syrup in the cup before pouring coffee for swirl effect.
- 12
After pouring milk and foam, drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel over the foam. Finish with a light pinch of ground cinnamon.
- 13
Serve immediately with a straw or spoon for stirring. Offer extra syrup on the side for customers who want it sweeter.
