ESPRESSO CHAI COLD BREW
This cold brew is a treat for coffee aficionados and chai tea lovers alike. It's a robust, aromatic brew that marries the best of both worlds, offering a delightful blend of caffeine and spice. Infused with whole and ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, and star anise, it's a bold and smooth concoction. Combine it with your choice of creamy dairy or non-dairy milk, and you've got a classic coffee with the allure of masala chai.
Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg are sweet and warming. Based on Ayurvedic principles they help to stoke ones digestive fire. I often turn to these aromatic treasures when I crave comfort, balance, and relaxation. It might seem peculiar to pair these soothing spices with the energizing jolt of coffee, but the truth is, when consumed in moderation, black coffee offers various benefits, particularly for those who metabolize it well. There's something inherently comforting about savouring your morning coffee, and combining it with these comforting spices feels like a match made in flavour heaven. I hope you enjoy this cold brew as a refreshing start to a sunny day, offering the perfect balance of warmth and zest
Ingredients for this Espresso Chai Cold Brew:
1/3 cup of your favourite coffee. (I suggest using a medium-dark roast which really brings out the flavour for a cold brew).
Aromatics and spices: star anise (1) cardamom (2 pods), cinnamon (3 inch), all spice (2-3), clove (1-2), pinch of nutmeg. Feel free to customize amounts based on desired flavours and boldness.
1 1/2 cups water (room temp is best).
1 1/2 cups ice cubes
Optional: dairy or non-dairy milk
Optional salted maple sweetener: Combine 1 tbsp of maple syrup with a pinch of salt
Step 1: Grind Beans and Flavour Brew
Grind 1/3 cup of your favourite coffee or use pre-ground. Ensure it is a coarse grind. Note: Ground coffee and whole bean ratio is about 1:1.
To a jar, add whole aromatic, fragrant spices like star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, all spice, clove, pinch of nutmeg.
Add 1/3 cup of ground coffee and 1 1/2 cups water (room temp) and stir.
Step 2: Brew Overnight and Strain
Close jar lid and stick it in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours. I personally like to brew it closer to the higher end as 12 hours will produce a weaker brew. I brewed mine for 16 hours and the flavour was nice.
After a long, cold night in the fridge, remove brew. Strain using a sieve and cheese cloth (2-3 layers). *Use a reusable cheese cloth to prevent waste.
Step 3: Combine and Enjoy
Cold brew is highly concentrated so it’s best to combine equal parts coffee and water and add ice. If you like it strong, add just ice to your brew.
Optional: Add cream, milk or a non-dairy milk of choice (almond, oat, soy, cashew etc.)
Optional: Sweeten with salted maple drizzle. Stir and enjoy. 🌞
