Do you know there is a particular New Orleans Style coffee that has been a staple of the city’s culture and has been enjoyed for generations?
I have never been to the Big Easy. Therefore, I wasn’t aware of this particular style of coffee.
After hearing about it, I put on my research glasses. This article will discuss the nuances of this coffee style, how to pair it with the city’s delicious dishes, and how to enjoy it at home.
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What is New Orleans Style Coffee?
New Orleans Style coffee is a blend of coffee and roasted chicory root. Hence, it is sometimes known as chicory coffee.
Chicory is a plant often used as a coffee substitute or additive. When roasted, it has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that compliments the bitterness of coffee. The result is a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet coffee.
Moreover, New Orleans Style coffee is often brewed with a dark roast, further enhancing its bold flavor.
This coffee style has a long history in the city of New Orleans. It was first introduced in the 1800s when coffee was expensive and hard to come by. Chicory was added to coffee as a way to stretch the supply and make it more affordable. Over time, combining coffee and chicory became a beloved local tradition.
Today, New Orleans Style Coffee is still widely enjoyed in the city and is often served with beignets, another New Orleans staple.
In addition to its cultural significance, New Orleans Style Coffee has health benefits. Chicory root has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need a few key ingredients to make a delicious New Orleans Style coffee. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Dark-roasted coffee: This is the base of your New Orleans-style coffee. Look for a dark roast with a rich, bold flavor.
- Roasted chicory: Chicory adds a unique flavor and aroma to your coffee. Look for roasted chicory in the coffee aisle of your grocery store.
- Milk: You’ll need milk to make a classic café au lait. Whole milk works best, but skim or soy milk can also be used.
- Water: You’ll need hot water to brew your coffee. Ensure it’s hot enough to extract the coffee and chicory flavors properly.
- Sweetener: You can use sugar, simple syrup, or sweetened condensed milk to sweeten your coffee taste.
To prepare the coffee, follow these simple steps:
- Grind the coffee and chicory together. Use a grinder to grind your coffee and chicory until finely ground.
- Brew the coffee. Place the coffee and chicory mixture in a filter and brew it using hot water. Brew time should be around 4 to 5 minutes.
- Heat the milk. Heat the milk in a saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Mix the coffee and milk. Pour the brewed coffee into a jar and add the hot milk. Stir well.
- Sweeten to taste. Add your sweetener of choice to your coffee and stir well.
That’s it! If you prefer your coffee iced, simply let it cool and pour over ice. For a stronger coffee flavor, try using more coffee and chicory in your brew.
We have provided this recipe so you can prepare your coffee “from scratch.” However, you can acquire grounded, ready to brew coffee-chicory blends. We will provide recommendations below.
Popular Brands and Locations
When it comes to New Orleans Style coffee, there are several popular brands and locations that you should definitely check out. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these spots will satisfy your coffee cravings.
Café du Monde
Perhaps the most famous New Orleans Style coffee spot is Café du Monde. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this iconic café has served coffee and beignets since 1862. In addition to their classic chicory coffee, they offer iced coffee and frozen café au lait.
Undergrowth Coffee
If you want a more modern take on New Orleans Style coffee, check out Undergrowth Coffee. With locations in both Mid City and the French Quarter, this trendy café offers a variety of coffee drinks made with locally roasted beans. Their iced chicory coffee is a must-try, and they also offer seasonal drinks like the Mardi Gras latte.
Old Road Coffee
Another nice option for New Orleans Style coffee is Old Road Coffee. Located in the Undergrowth roasting facility, this cozy café serves coffee made with freshly roasted beans. Their signature drink is the Old Road Mocha, which combines their rich coffee with chocolate and steamed milk. They also offer iced coffee and cold brew.
Pairing Suggestions
New Orleans Style Coffee is a rich and flavorful beverage that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some suggestions to enhance your coffee experience:
Food
Pair your coffee with a hearty breakfast or brunch. The bold flavors of the coffee complement savory dishes like omelets, bacon, and sausage. Try pairing your coffee with fresh fruit or yogurt for a lighter option.
Beignets
No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying a beignet. These fluffy, fried pastries perfectly match a cup of New Orleans Style Coffee. The sweetness of the beignet pairs well with the bold flavors of the coffee, creating a delicious and indulgent treat.
Gumbo
Gumbo is a classic New Orleans dish that pairs well with coffee. The rich and spicy flavors of the gumbo are balanced by the bold flavors of the coffee, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Salads
For a lighter option, pair your coffee with a fresh salad. The crisp greens and vegetables are a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the coffee. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
Alternative Ways to Enjoy
If you’re looking for alternative ways to enjoy New Orleans Style Coffee, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Cold-brewed Concentrate
One great way to enjoy this type of coffee is by making a cold-brewed concentrate. Simply mix the grounded coffee and chicory blend with water and let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Once ready, strain out the coffee grounds and store the concentrate in the fridge. When ready for a cup, mix the concentrate with milk or water and enjoy.
Coffee Cocktails
New Orleans Style coffee is a fantastic base for creating innovative coffee cocktails.
For example, you can mix the coffee with bourbon and a splash of simple syrup for a delightful variation of a classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
Another popular option is the “Brandy Milk Punch,” which includes brandy, milk, sugar, and New Orleans Style coffee.
Coffee Milkshake
What about transforming your New Orleans Style coffee into a milkshake? Blend strong, chilled chicory coffee with vanilla ice cream, a milk splash, and a sweetener if desired. Serve in a tall glass and top with whipped cream.
Coffee Granita
Brew a strong pot of coffee, sweeten it to taste, and pour it into a shallow dish. Place the dish in the freezer and use a fork to scrape the mixture every 30 minutes until it forms icy crystals. Serve the coffee granita in tall glasses, and enjoy it with a spoon.
Cooking
New Orleans Style Coffee can also be used in cooking to add bold, flavorful notes to your favorite dishes. Try using it as a marinade for steak or chicken, or add it to a chocolate cake recipe for a unique twist on a classic dessert.
Buying and Storing Tips
When it comes to purchasing New Orleans Style Coffee, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best experience possible.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that this coffee is typically a dark roast, so if you’re not a fan of strong coffee, this may not be the best choice for you. However, if you enjoy a bold and flavorful cup of coffee, you’re in for a treat!
One of the best ways to purchase this style of coffee is through online retailers. Not only can you often find a more comprehensive selection of brands and flavors, but you can also take advantage of special deals and discounts. Additionally, many coffee roasters offer a newsletter that you can sign up for to stay updated on their latest offerings and promotions.
Here are our top recommendations:
French Market Coffee, Coffee and Chicory
Community Coffee New Orleans Blend
Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee | New Orleans Style Cold Brew Concentrate
When storing the coffee, keeping it in an airtight container away from light and heat is essential. This will help preserve the coffee’s flavor and freshness for as long as possible.
If you purchase the coffee in bulk, consider dividing it into smaller portions and freezing them until ready to use them. This will help extend the coffee’s shelf life and ensure that you always have a fresh cup on hand.
Influence Outside New Orleans
New Orleans-style coffee has gained popularity outside of the city.
This coffee style is often served as a dessert after meals in Europe. Its sweet and rich taste makes it a perfect complement to pastries and cakes. It is also popular in cafes and restaurants, especially in France and Italy.
Chicory coffee has become a trendy drink in Asia, particularly in Japan and Korea. Its popularity can be attributed to its unique flavor and the fact that it is a less bitter alternative to traditional coffee. It is often served with milk and sugar, creating a creamy, sweet beverage perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
New Orleans Style coffee has also made its mark in the world of espresso. Many coffee shops now offer a New Orleans-style espresso made by adding chicory to the espresso shot. This creates a bold and flavorful espresso for those who enjoy a more spicy coffee taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of New Orleans Style coffee?
This style of coffee is typically a dark roast coffee blended with roasted chicory root. The chicory adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the coffee while also reducing the bitterness of the coffee.
What is the history of chicory in New Orleans coffee?
Chicory was first used as a coffee substitute in France during the Napoleonic Wars when coffee was scarce. The French brought this tradition to New Orleans, which became popular during the Civil War when coffee supplies were limited. Today, chicory is still used in New Orleans Style coffee to add flavor and reduce bitterness.
What are some popular brands that offer New Orleans Style coffee?
Some popular New Orleans Style coffee brands include Community Coffee, French Market Coffee, and Cafe du Monde. These brands can be found in most grocery stores or ordered online.
How is New Orleans Style coffee typically prepared?
This style of coffee is typically prepared using a drip coffee maker or a French press. The coffee is brewed with a 2:1 ratio of water to coffee grounds and then mixed with a small amount of chicory. It is often served with steamed milk and sugar.
What are the health benefits of drinking New Orleans Style coffee?
New Orleans Style coffee contains antioxidants and caffeine, boosting energy and improving mental alertness.
What are some unique characteristics of New Orleans Style coffee compared to other coffee styles?
The coffee in New Orleans is known for its smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile, which is achieved by blending coffee with roasted chicory root. This style of coffee is also traditionally served with steamed milk and sugar, which adds to its unique taste.
I hope you have enjoyed the article and learned something new. See you next time!
Have you tried this coffee style?