Why This Combination is Magic
At first glance, coconut, chicory, and coffee might seem like an unusual trio. But their flavours are deeply complementary. The magic begins with the cold brew process, which uses cold water over many hours to extract flavour from the coffee grounds.
This method produces a brew that is significantly less acidic and smoother than hot-brewed coffee, providing a perfect, mellow base. Next, we introduce chicory. The roasted and ground root of the endive plant has been a coffee companion for centuries, especially in New Orleans. It’s naturally caffeine-free and imparts a toasty, slightly bitter, and almost chocolatey flavour that deepens the coffee’s profile. Finally, full-fat coconut milk provides a luxurious, dairy-free creaminess and a subtle sweetness that ties everything together. The result is a drink that is complex yet balanced, robust yet smooth, and utterly refreshing.
Gathering Your Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste. For the best results, start with a coarse grind of your favourite medium or dark roast coffee beans. A coarse grind is essential for cold brewing to prevent a cloudy or bitter concentrate. For the chicory, look for roasted and ground chicory, often sold online or in specialty grocery stores. It's sometimes available blended with coffee, but for this recipe, it's best to have it separate to control the ratio. When it comes to coconut milk, choose the full-fat, canned variety for maximum creaminess. The kind sold in cartons is often thinner and won't give you that rich, velvety texture. You’ll also need filtered water for the best-tasting brew, and a sweetener of your choice—maple syrup, jaggery, or agave nectar all work beautifully.
The Recipe: What You'll Need
This recipe makes enough concentrate for about four servings.
For the Cold Brew Concentrate:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 2 tablespoons ground roasted chicory
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
For Each Drink:
- ½ cup cold brew concentrate
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk, well-shaken
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup or your preferred sweetener (optional, to taste)
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: Making the Cold Brew Concentrate (The Night Before)
1. Combine: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee and ground chicory.
2. Add Water: Pour the cold, filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently with a long spoon to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
3. Steep: Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours. A longer steep time will result in a stronger, more robust flavour. Avoid steeping for more than 24 hours, as it can become bitter.
4. Strain: After steeping, strain the concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean jar. This step is crucial for a smooth, grit-free drink. Do not press on the grounds, as this can release bitter compounds. Your concentrate is now ready and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Part 2: Assembling Your Drink (The “Instant” Part)
1. Fill a glass: Fill your favourite glass with ice.
2. Mix: Pour in ½ cup of the prepared coffee-chicory concentrate.
3. Add Creaminess: Top with ½ cup of well-shaken, full-fat coconut milk.
4. Sweeten: Add sweetener to your liking and stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
5. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade creation.
Tips and Customisations
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect blend.
- Blended Version: For a Frappuccino-style treat, combine the concentrate, coconut milk, sweetener, and a handful of ice in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add a Spice: A small dash of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract can add another layer of warmth and complexity.
- Make it Stronger: If you prefer a more coffee-forward drink, simply adjust the ratio to use more concentrate and less coconut milk.
- Toasted Coconut Garnish: For a professional touch, toast some shredded coconut in a dry pan until golden and fragrant. Sprinkle it on top of your finished drink for added texture and aroma.
