Nowhere on the Cognoscenti Coffee Chinatown menu does it say that they’re serving Thai iced coffee, but considering scientifically minded barista Jack Benchakul is Thai-American, and he’s using prominent Thai ingredients in each signature beverage, I’m willing to take that leap. These drinks are the best reason to visit the latest outpost from Benchakul and Yeekai Lim in a Far East Plaza space where Chris Gere also serves Scoops ice cream.

In the case of Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew Latte and Makrut Lime Malbec Cold Brew Latte, Benchakul utilizes simple syrup reductions, Clover organic milk and 48-hour cold brew, in this case, a seasonal Catapult blend from Portland’s RoseLine Coffee Roasters.

Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew Latte ($5) showcases a pandan syrup Benchakul makes using whole pandanus leaves and Madagascar vanilla beans. He adds cold brew and milk and gives them a good shake, resulting in a frothy, herbaceous, slightly nutty sip.

Makrut Lime Malbec Cold Brew Latte ($5) has even more depth, with reduced simple syrup starring Girl & Dragon Malbec wine. Benchakul adds makrut lime zest and sweet-tart makrut lime juice from his very own tree. You might know makrut by another name – Kaffir – but that term is downright racist in certain parts of the world, particularly South Africa.

Still, Benchakul isn’t focused on stirring up controversy. His mission is to create delicious, refreshing drinks, and he’s certainly accomplished that in Chinatown with these lattes.