Coffee extract is derived by combining coffee beans and alcohol to produce a concentrated coffee flavoring. This extract can be used in baked goods, ice cream, and cocktails. To make the extract, coarse coffee beans are crushed and mixed with alcohol for a few weeks. You can create all kinds of extracts from a variety of ingredients like hazelnuts, lemon peels, blackberries, or vanilla pods. Simply add your chosen solute to a jar with vodka and allow it to infuse for a couple of weeks before enjoying its aromatic essence.
Instead of brewing in hot liquid, cold-brewing extracts flavors using cold or room-temperature liquid. Although this method takes longer, it results in a distinctive flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Homemade Coffee Extract
Making extracts seems pretty straightforward, but there are a few key things to do so that it ends up tasting the way it should. Firstly, pick the right beans. You can use your favorite whole beans, but I like to use organic and robust roast for maximum flavor. Lighter roasts won’t infuse as well, and non-organic coffee may leech pesticides and other nasties into your extract. They should be whole beans; ground coffee won’t strain well and will leave residue in your extract.
Make sure the clear alcohol you use is 80% proof. This usually means it is about 40% alcohol volume. The stronger the proof of the alcohol, the better it will get the flavor out of your beans. Some recipes use Everclear, which is probably a little too strong, especially if you use it to flavor cocktails!
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Coffee Extract at Home
- 1/2 cup of vodka.
- ¼ – ½ cup of whole coffee beans (depending on the strength you like)
- To enhance the flavor of coffee beans, gently crack or crush them. This can be done by using a mortar and pestle, pulsing them in a food processor, or placing them in a zip-close bag and rolling a rolling pin over them. Grinding is not necessary; breaking them open will suffice for the release of flavor during brewing. I personally used a meat hammer for this task!
- Mix the coffee beans and vodka in a jar, ensuring the lid is tightly closed. Give the jar a good shake or swirl to blend the beans and alcohol thoroughly.
- Allow the mixture to steep for a minimum of 2 weeks, or even longer, ensuring that it is shaken every 1-3 days to extract the flavor fully. Place the jar in a cool and dry spot, like a cabinet.
- After the brewing process is complete, strain the mixture using a mesh strainer. Transfer to a clean and dry jar or bottle, and store in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
How Long Should The Extract Brew?
According to some experts, allowing two weeks for the brew is necessary to prevent bitterness. However, others suggest a month for the full flavor to develop, while some recommend waiting 3-4 months. To find the perfect taste for you, it may be best to try it in a recipe after two weeks and assess if it aligns with your flavor preferences. If not, continue the brewing process.
How To Store Your Coffee Extract
You can use the jar you previously used for brewing by rinsing it out and filling it. Alternatively, a small glass jar is also suitable for storage. Whichever option you choose, tightly seal the lid and use glass containers. By storing your coffee extract in a cool, dry place with an airtight lid, it will remain preserved for at least a year due to the alcohol’s preserving effect.
How To Use Your Coffee Extract
Enhance the flavor profile of your drinks, baked goods, and recipes with coffee extract. This versatile ingredient can be used in cakes, cookies, ice cream, dessert sauces, and beverages, including cocktails, milkshakes, and iced coffee drinks. Just remember, a little goes a long way! The extract boasts a robust coffee flavor and a touch of alcohol kick. Experiment and enjoy the delightful taste it brings to your creations.
Do I Have to Use Alcohol to Make Extracts?
Wondering how to make coffee extract without using alcohol? No worries! There is an alternative method that doesn’t involve any alcoholic content. Simply replace the required amount of alcohol with a mixture of one part water and three parts food-grade liquid glycerin. While “liquid glycerin” might sound intimidating, it is a safe and edible substance commonly used in food preparation.
How to Adjust Your Coffee Extract’s Strength
Here are a couple of methods you can employ. The simplest approach involves incorporating a larger quantity of beans! Alternatively, you can pulverize the beans into a finer consistency. The finer the beans are ground, the more caffeine is extracted. Invest a few extra minutes to ensure the beans are finely chopped for a coffee with maximum caffeine content and an exceptional energy boost.
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FAQs
Coffee extract is great for enhancing the flavor of cocktails or bringing out the taste of chocolate in brownies and chocolate cakes. It can also be used to enhance the flavor of savory dishes like stews and sauces. The possibilities are endless – it’s an excellent ingredient for adding depth and complexity to any recipe.
Enhance the flavor of your recipes by incorporating a few drops of coffee extract. Explore the versatility of coffee extract by adding it to various breakfast dishes like pancakes. For an extra kick, stir it into your next batch of chocolate chip muffins. Elevate the taste of chocolate-based recipes, whether cake, truffles, ice cream, or cookies, with a touch of coffee extract.
Coffee extract refers to the essence derived from coffee beans and does include caffeine. The way around this is to use decaffeinated coffee beans when making yours.
Brewing Liquid Gold: Crafting Your Own Coffee Extract
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1/2 cup of vodka.
- ¼ – ½ cup of whole coffee beans.
- To enhance the flavor of coffee beans, gently crack or crush them. This can be done by using a mortar and pestle, pulsing them in a food processor, or placing them in a zip-close bag and rolling a rolling pin over them. Grinding is not necessary; breaking them open will suffice for the release of flavor during brewing. I personally used a meat hammer for this task!
- Mix the coffee beans and vodka in a jar, ensuring the lid is tightly closed. Give the jar a good shake or swirl to blend the beans and alcohol thoroughly.
- Allow the mixture to steep for a minimum of 2 weeks, or even longer, ensuring that it is shaken every 1-3 days to extract the flavor fully. Place the jar in a cool and dry spot, like a cabinet.
- After the brewing process is complete, strain the mixture using a mesh strainer. Transfer to a clean and dry jar or bottle, and store in a cool dry place for up to a year.
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