This feature was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and Infiniti. Vox Media editorial staff was not involved in the creation or production of this content.

In partnership with Infiniti, The Line examines innovation in the culinary world. With our host — the award-winning chef Curtis Duffy of Chicago’s Michelin-starred Grace — we take a look at the people and ideas shaping the next generation of food and drink.

The Upgrade

The days of craft coffee as a niche industry are long gone. Carefully roasted and artistically prepared coffee is a fixture in cities and towns across the U.S. And, as the proverbial tide has risen, early coffee specialists have pushed the boundaries of what is possible.

Durham, NC-based Counter Culture Coffee is leading innovation in coffee roasting production, preparation, and education. In this video, renowned Counter Culture barista Lem Butler takes us through his latest signature beverage creation 'The Upgrade,' a harmonious, wholly new beverage that breaks down the volatile compounds of each of its ingredients: cashews, maple syrup, peaches, coconut milk powder, tonic water, pink Himalyan sea salt, lime, and of course, espresso.



Below, the science behind siphoning coffee, a brewing technique used and perfected by the folks at Counter Culture.