What Exactly Is Chicory Coffee?
Before it was trendy, chicory was a well-known coffee companion. Made from the roasted and ground root of the chicory plant (a relative of the dandelion), it has a long history as both a coffee additive and a complete substitute, especially in New Orleans.
The tradition dates back to times of coffee scarcity, but it stuck around for a very good reason: its flavour. Chicory boasts a robust, toasty, and slightly bitter taste with woody and nutty notes. While it doesn't contain any caffeine, its deep, dark character mimics the satisfying richness of coffee, making it a perfect base for a complex and flavourful beverage. It brews into a dark liquid that looks just like coffee, offering a similar sensory experience without the jitters.
The Dairy-Free Dream Team
The magic of this particular drink lies in the pairing of earthy chicory with creamy coconut milk. While regular dairy can sometimes clash with chicory’s bitter notes, coconut milk complements it perfectly. Its natural sweetness and rich, fatty texture soften chicory’s edge, creating a beautifully balanced and velvety-smooth drink. The tropical hint from the coconut adds a modern twist to the classic chicory flavour, transforming it from a historical substitute into a genuinely gourmet beverage. This combination is what elevates the drink from a simple alternative to a destination flavour experience, making the call to “ditch dairy” feel less like a sacrifice and more like an upgrade.
More Than Just a Trend
While the taste is the main draw, chicory root comes with some interesting wellness credentials. Its most notable component is inulin, a type of prebiotic fibre. Prebiotics act as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can contribute to better digestive health. For those looking to cut back on caffeine, chicory offers the ritual and flavour of a dark-roast coffee without any of the stimulating effects. You can blend it with your regular coffee to cut your caffeine intake in half or drink it straight for a completely caffeine-free treat. This makes it an excellent choice for an afternoon pick-me-up or an evening drink that won’t interfere with your sleep.
How to Make It at Home
Ready to try it? Making this delicious iced drink is incredibly simple. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a few key ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 tablespoons ground roasted chicory
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) full-fat coconut milk (from a can for extra creaminess)
- 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener (like jaggery, maple syrup, or honey), optional
- Ice cubes
**Instructions:**
1. **Brew the Chicory:** Brew the ground chicory just as you would coffee. A French press works wonderfully. Add the chicory grounds and hot water to the press, stir gently, and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. If you don't have a French press, you can simply steep the grounds in hot water and then strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter.
2. **Cool it Down:** Let the brewed chicory concentrate cool to room temperature. For a quicker result, you can place it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
3. **Assemble Your Drink:** Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled chicory concentrate over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds of the way.
4. **Add the Coconut Milk:** Top it off with the coconut milk. If you’re using a sweetener, stir it into the chicory concentrate while it’s still warm to ensure it dissolves completely. Watch the beautiful swirl as the creamy white coconut milk mixes with the dark chicory, and give it a final stir before sipping.
Customise Your Cup
The best part about making this at home is that you can tailor it to your exact preference. Not a fan of coconut? Try it with oat milk for a similarly creamy texture or almond milk for a nuttier flavour. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the chicory as it brews for extra warmth and complexity. For a richer, more decadent version, blend all the ingredients with ice for a Frappuccino-style drink. The recipe is a starting point; feel free to experiment to find your perfect combination.
