What is This Magical Combination?
This drink is a trifecta of taste and texture, bringing together three distinct elements into one harmonious cup. At its heart is cold brew coffee, known for its low acidity and smooth profile. This is blended with chicory, a roasted root that adds a deep,
nutty, and almost chocolate-like flavour. The finishing touch is creamy coconut milk, which provides a luscious, dairy-free richness that perfectly complements the bold coffee and earthy chicory. The result is a drink that feels both indulgent and refreshing, a sophisticated step up from your everyday iced latte, and something you can easily master in your own kitchen.
The Secret Ingredient: Chicory
Chicory is the element that truly sets this coffee apart. It’s the roasted and ground root of the chicory plant, which has been used as a coffee additive or substitute for centuries, particularly in France and famously in New Orleans. When brewed, it has a flavour that’s often described as robust, nutty, and slightly earthy, with woody notes and a hint of dark chocolate. It contains no caffeine, so when blended with coffee, it can mellow the jittery effects while adding a tremendous amount of body and flavour complexity. This is what gives New Orleans-style coffee its iconic taste, and it’s the key to making your cold brew uniquely delicious.
Why Cold Brew Is the Perfect Base
While you could technically make this drink with hot-brewed coffee, using a cold brew base makes a significant difference. The cold brewing process, which involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, extracts flavour much more gently than hot water. This method leaves behind many of the bitter compounds and acids that can cause stomach irritation. The final concentrate is incredibly smooth, naturally sweeter, and less acidic. This clean, mellow profile creates the perfect canvas, allowing the nuanced flavours of the chicory and the creamy sweetness of the coconut milk to shine through without being overpowered by bitterness.
The Creamy Coconut Dream
Dairy milk can sometimes clash with the bold notes of coffee, but coconut milk is a perfect partner. Its natural creaminess and higher fat content give the drink a velvety, luxurious texture that’s hard to achieve with other non-dairy alternatives. The subtle, tropical sweetness of coconut milk beautifully balances the earthy bitterness of the chicory and the deep notes of the coffee. It doesn't just dilute the drink; it enhances it, adding its own layer of flavour that ties everything together. For the richest experience, use full-fat canned coconut milk and shake it well before using.
How to Make It at Home
Ready to brew your own? It’s surprisingly simple. **For the Cold Brew Concentrate:** 1. **Combine:** In a large jar, mix 1 part coarse-ground coffee and 1/4 part ground chicory with 4 parts cold water. For example, use 1 cup of coffee, 1/4 cup of chicory, and 4 cups of water. 2. **Steep:** Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet. Cover and let it steep at room temperature or in the fridge for 18-24 hours. 3. **Strain:** Strain the mixture slowly through a fine-mesh sieve, then again through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove any fine sediment. This is your concentrate. **To Assemble Your Drink:** 1. Fill a glass with ice. 2. Pour in equal parts cold brew concentrate and cold water. Adjust this ratio depending on how strong you like your coffee. 3. Top with 60-90 ml of well-shaken, full-fat coconut milk. 4. Stir gently and enjoy. You can add a touch of jaggery, maple syrup, or a pinch of cinnamon if you prefer a sweeter drink.
