The Electric Lemonade is back for limited time at 1000 Faces Coffee in downtown Athens

Mary Renfroe
Updated ·2 min read

If you’ve ever wondered what coffee and lemonade taste like together, you’re in luck because 1000 Faces Coffee in downtown Athens now has the answer. This not so obvious flavor pairing is the the star of their new drink, The Electric Lemonade, which consists of espresso, Fentimans’ rose lemonade, honey cascara syrup, and a lemon twist.

This refreshing espresso drink showcases a unique flavor profile with a floral aftertaste, and the rose lemonade gives it a springy pink coloring.

Barista making The Electric Lemonade at 1000 Faces Coffee.
Barista making The Electric Lemonade at 1000 Faces Coffee.

“It’s far from your basic or typical latte,” said coffeeshop manager Jose Peña.

Originally masterminded by James Simmons, the former director of education at 1000 Faces, the drink was taken off the menu back in 2019. However, Peña pushed for its comeback as one of his favorite drinks, and now, it’s back for the summer.

When asked why he urged for the drink’s return, Peña responded, “I really wanted something light and spritzy for the summer.”

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The main sweetness of the drink comes from the house-made honey cascara syrup.

“Traditionally, cascara is actually meant to be brewed as a tea, so we make a strong tea simple syrup out of it with honey instead of sugar,” said barista JJ Baltrusaitis.

Essentially the dried fruit of coffee, cascara is the dried skins of coffee cherries. During the pulping process, the coffee beans are removed from the fruit, leaving the typically discarded cherry remains. However, staying true to their values of sustainability, 1000 Faces does not let the cascara go to waste.

The Electric Lemonade on sale for $5.50 at 1000 Faces Coffee.
The Electric Lemonade on sale for $5.50 at 1000 Faces Coffee.

“I think by using the cascara, it’s a fun way to utilize another portion of coffee that you don’t usually see. I’ve never seen it used like this before here, and I just love that we try to get the most out of the coffee,” said Baltrusaitis.

When news of the drink’s return recently hit Instagram, old fans rejoiced. “YES!!! the. best. drink. ever.” commented Athens photographer @emilyddukes on the announcement.

1000 Faces café is located at 510 N. Thomas St. in downtown Athens.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: 1000 Faces Coffee brings back Electric Lemonade for limited time