What Is Chicory, Anyway?
Before you can fall in love with this drink, let’s get acquainted with its star ingredient. Chicory is the roasted and ground root of the Cichorium intybus plant, a flowering plant in the dandelion family. While it contains no caffeine, it has a rich,
roasty, and slightly bitter flavour that beautifully mimics coffee. This isn't a new-age health fad; it's a tradition with deep roots. In South India, chicory has long been blended with coffee grounds to create the iconic, strong, and aromatic filter kaapi. It stretches the coffee, reduces its bitterness, and adds a unique depth. Similarly, it’s the secret behind the famous New Orleans-style coffee, a tradition born from necessity during historical coffee shortages that has since become a beloved flavour profile. When brewed, chicory offers a full-bodied, almost chocolatey character that stands up well to milk and sweeteners.
Why Make the Switch?
Leaving your familiar coffee order behind can feel like a big step, but there are compelling reasons to give this homemade brew a try. First, the flavour. The earthy nuttiness of chicory combined with the sweet creaminess of coconut milk creates a complex and deeply satisfying taste that you just won't find in a standard latte. It’s a refreshing change of pace for your palate. Second, it’s a gentler option. If you're sensitive to caffeine or looking to reduce your intake, pure chicory brew is a fantastic caffeine-free alternative. If you blend it with coffee (as is traditional in many places), you can control the caffeine level yourself, getting that coffee flavour with less of the jittery buzz. Third, it’s economical. Crafting your own specialty drinks at home offers significant savings compared to a daily coffee shop habit. Finally, chicory root is a source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre that can support gut health. While it's not a magic wellness potion, it's a pleasant bonus to an already delicious drink.
The Perfect Iced Chicory Coconut Brew
Ready to craft your new favourite drink? This recipe is simple, forgiving, and easy to adapt. You can find roasted chicory granules or powder online or in specialty food stores.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 tablespoons roasted chicory granules (or 1 tbsp chicory and 1 tbsp coffee grounds for a low-caf version)
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) full-fat coconut milk, chilled
- 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener (jaggery, maple syrup, or sugar), or to taste
- A handful of ice cubes
**Instructions:**
1. **Brew the Chicory:** Place the chicory granules (and coffee, if using) in a French press or a South Indian filter. Pour the hot water over the grounds. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes for a strong, robust concentrate. If you don't have a press or filter, you can simmer the grounds in water on the stove for 5 minutes and then strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
2. **Cool it Down:** Let the chicory concentrate cool to room temperature. For a quicker version, you can brew it extra strong with half the water and pour it directly over ice, which will dilute it to the right strength.
3. **Assemble the Drink:** Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled chicory concentrate over the ice. Add your preferred sweetener and stir until it dissolves.
4. **Add the Creaminess:** Slowly pour the chilled coconut milk over the top. Watch as it swirls into the dark chicory brew. Give it a gentle stir to combine, or leave it layered for a beautiful visual effect.
Your Brew, Your Rules
The best part about making drinks at home is the freedom to experiment. This recipe is a perfect canvas for your creativity. Not a fan of coconut? Try oat milk for a similar creaminess or almond milk for a lighter, nuttier flavour. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cardamom to the grounds before brewing for a classic Indian-inspired twist, or a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting aroma. For a richer, more decadent treat, a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top takes this drink from a daily sipper to a weekend indulgence. You can also make a large batch of the chicory concentrate and store it in the fridge for up to a week, making your morning routine even faster. Simply pour, add milk, and go.
