Drink This Now: Fall sips at Apparition Coffee

Apparition Coffee // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Apparitions and heavy metal may scare off some folks, but Waldo welcomes the lot year-round. 

The team at Apparition Coffee has worked together to create a menu of autumn specials that may sound like a fright, but actually delight.

Jacob Kingsley has created the “Snapdragon and witch’s fire,” a unique but approachable raisin, cinnamon, and caramel latte. One doesn’t have to consider themselves too adventurous to order this. The subtle tang of raisins was more present in the scent than the flavor. Kingsley has also kept the popular banana latte trend going with “Liberate bananas,” a spiced banana bread latte that I couldn’t stop reaching for. 

Rye Boothe came up with a chicory-infused cold brew, potent on its own but made festive and fearless with a torched marshmallow topper. 

And for a year-round trick (more like treat), the signature “Apparition” latte is best served iced. Dark chocolate, black cocoa, black tahini, smoked sea salt, and milk are served with an espresso shot poured over the top for a ghostly visual effect on this mildly sweet and reliable option. 

The uniqueness continues in the pastry display. Savannah Sellers concocts fresh-made scones, hand pies, protein balls, and more each day. I purchased two to enjoy later, since my bacon burrito was so filling: a caramel apple chai hand pie and a butternut squash, kale, and goat cheese scone. 

Together, Kingsley, Boothe, Sellers, and the rest of the team make Apparition a delectable and friendly joint, like if Casper had a hardcore phase he never completely grew out of.

Apparition Coffee is at 328 W 85th St., Kansas City, MO 64114.