Many coffee aficionados get turned off by specialty (and flavour-added) espresso-based drinks, largely because of their perceived low quality and high sugar content. And yet creative baristas around the world are always concocting new mixes and substitutions. When it comes to coffee, new ideas don't necessarily have to result in heavy-handed and tacky drinks.

This brings us to The Slow Room's own invention "The Mandoccino." What is a Mandoccino? Short glass (similar to what might be used for a cortado), espresso, steamed almond milk, chocolate. There's a balanced intensity that defines this drink, which is very much worth its $3 price tag.

It's the furthest thing from those cloyingly sweet caramel-drenched atrocities, in that the almond milk and chocolate provide more than enough sweetness without the addition of loads of other sweeteners. Its interesting mix is what lured me in, and its subtlety is what kept me interested and drinking. Seeing this kind of creativity is refreshing, and something I'd like to experience in more espresso bars around town.

The classic espresso is always a comforting staple, but nothing terrible would happen if someone stuck an almond milk espresso based drink on their menu once in a while — or something else out of the norm for that matter.

Know of an unique or unusual coffee-based drink being served at a Toronto cafe? Let us know, and we'll put it on our list to profile.

Writing and photo by Adam Menceles