Where to Find Barista Competition-Worthy Signature Coffee Drinks Around Los Angeles - Eater LA

"Alex Novack and Erin Ritter run Syndicate in Sierra Madre. This stylish bakery-cafe features an abstract mural depicting the nearby San Gabriel Foothills and one of LA’s most ambitious signature drink rosters. Ask about the evergreen Bolt or winter-specific Frostbite Mocha. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the Mood Ring, the barista’s choice, named for a Relient K song. When I arrived on a crisp fall day, Barista Elias Lucero asked, “Do you prefer hot? Iced? Dairy? Non-dairy?” My hot, dairy requests resulted in a warming maple, cinnamon and orange bitters latte. “Sometimes I like to do an Almond Joy, which is chocolate ganache, coconut cream and almond milk.” Lucero says, “If it’s hot out, sometimes I’ll do maple with orange bitters and espresso tonic.” Syndicate’s motto challenges baristas and customers: “Dare to be brilliant.”" - Joshua Lurie