A new fun fall alternative to Pumpkin Spice.
By Emily Malloy
There always seems to be an easing into Autumn. Ever so subtly, the wind carries with it the respite of cooler air that cut through the lingering summer heat. These winds of change also usher in countless traditions-- football, pumpkins, dried cornstalks, and a warmer, comforting fare.
September is such an anticipatory month, as the warm sun often overpowers those cooler winds, summer-like days are peppered throughout the cooler days (and if you live in Mississippi like I do, we have a great many weeks to wait until consistently cooler days).
It is at this time, that many make haste to decorate for the fall and anxiously queue for the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte (affectionately nicknamed PSL). As much as I love pumpkin vittles, PSLs are an occasional indulgence. But there are other spices that accompany the fall, so I was determined to find something different for my warm spice hankering.
With all of this in mind, I sought out to make another indulgently seasonal coffee that is a contrast to Pumpkin Spiced Lattes and coffees: Orange Cardamom Iced Coffee.
The syrup can be used for both hot and cold coffees. I love how the slight citrus undertone, floral cardamom, balanced with the warmth of the cloves is highlighted in an iced coffee. Orange Cardamom hot coffee is also a wondrous treat (excuse me while I sip on some now).
I can't wait for you to add this fun, Autumn-inspired coffee into your seasonal traditions!
I have included a recipe to make your own cold brew at home, but you can also purchase already made cold brew, in which case you would only be making the orange cardamom syrup!
Orange Cardamom Iced Coffee
Yield: Approximately 4 or 5 servings
Time: 8 hours
Ingredients:
To make the cold brew:
1 cup coarsely ground coffee
5 cups of water (filtered, preferably)
To make the iced coffee:
1 cup cold brew coffee
½ cup of water or milk to dilute, depending upon preference
1-2 tablespoons Orange Cardamom Syrup *recipe below
Ice cubes
Directions to make the cold brew:
1. In a large jar (I use a large mason jar), combine the ground coffee and water. Shake until well mixed, place into the refrigerator for 8 hours (or overnight).
2. Line a small strainer with cheesecloth or flour sack cloth and pour the coffee mixture through to strain into a liquid measuring cup.
3. Pour into a new, clean container to store your cold brew in the fridge!
Directions to make Orange Cardamom Iced Coffee:
1. Fill a large cup with ice.
2. Pour in coffee, syrup, and milk (or water) and enjoy!
*Orange Cardamom Coffee Syrup
Yield: 8-10 Servings
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
¾ cup water
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ cup orange juice
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/16 teaspoon (or a pinch) cloves
2 3” orange peel strips, optional
Directions:
1. In a medium sauce pot over medium-high heat, combine all the ingredients and bring to a low boil.
2. Stir constantly for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and strain.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons (according to your taste) to 1 cup of coffee and enjoy!
Printable recipe HERE.