**Macchiato Mercy Kill**
*Inspired by the brutal finishers in fighting games, this macchiato delivers a swift and powerful flavor impact, tempered with a hint of sweetness – much like a mercy killing.*
### Ingredients:
1. 1 shot (30ml) of dark roasted espresso
2. A dash of milk (preferably whole milk for its creamy texture)
3. 1/2 tsp activated charcoal powder (for a dark, mysterious hue)
4. A drop of almond or hazelnut extract (to soften the impact)
5. 1 tsp of dark chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate
6. Red raspberry syrup (for a hint of bloody aesthetics)
7. Crushed red peppercorns or chili flakes (for a hint of heat and intensity)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Espresso:** Brew a shot of dark roasted espresso into a macchiato glass or cup. The darker roast symbolizes the impending doom of the mercy kill.
2. **Activate the Charcoal:** In a separate vessel, combine the activated charcoal with a small amount of hot water, stirring to create a smooth, dark solution.
3. **Heat the Milk:** Using a saucepan or steam wand, heat a small amount of milk. You don't need much for a macchiato, just enough to mark the espresso.
4. **Flavor the Milk:** Add the charcoal solution and almond or hazelnut extract to the milk. Stir until combined.
5. **Pour & Mark:** Slowly pour the milk over the espresso, allowing just the microfoam to mark the surface, creating a distinction between the dark espresso and the slightly lightened foam.
6. **Add the Intensity:** Drizzle the dark chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate) over the marked foam. This represents the inevitability of the mercy kill.
7. **Bloody Touch:** Carefully dot or drizzle the red raspberry syrup over the macchiato, symbolizing the blood in a mercy kill.
8. **The Final Kick:** Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red peppercorns or chili flakes on top. This brings a hint of heat and represents the sudden intensity of the mercy kill.
9. **Serve & Savor** your Macchiato Mercy Kill, a drink that delivers a powerful flavor experience with an element of surprise!
*Note:* The charcoal gives this drink a unique look, but it doesn't add much in terms of flavor. Always ensure you're using food-grade activated charcoal. Adjust the sweeteners, heat, and other flavorings to your preference. The idea is to capture the essence of a mercy kill with its strong, swift, and surprising elements!
