Spiced Winter Pour-Over
A perfect winter drink combines the warmth and comfort of seasonal flavors with the rich, nuanced taste of carefully brewed coffee. This recipe features aromatic spices and ingredients that evoke the cozy essence of winter, married with the delicate process of making pour-over coffee. This method ensures that the flavors are well-balanced, complementing the coffee’s natural profiles without overwhelming them.
Spiced Winter Pour-Over
Ingredients:
- 22 grams of freshly roasted, medium-coarse ground coffee (choose a medium roast with chocolate or berry notes to complement the winter spices)
- 12 oz. of filtered water, plus extra for rinsing
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 small piece of orange peel (about 2 inches)
- 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Optional: Whipped cream for topping
Equipment:
- Pour-over coffee maker (like a Chemex or V60)
- Kettle (preferably a gooseneck for precise pouring)
- Coffee grinder (if starting with whole beans)
- Scale for coffee and water measurement
- Thermometer (optional, to ensure water temperature)
Instructions:
- Spice Infusion Preparation:
- In a small saucepan, combine 12 oz. of water with the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange peel.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes to infuse the water with the spices.
- Coffee Ground Preparation:
- While the spice infusion is steeping, grind your coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, akin to sea salt. This is crucial for optimal extraction during the pour-over process.
- Rinse Your Filter:
- Place your pour-over device over a mug or carafe and insert the coffee filter. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any papery taste and preheat your brewer. Discard the rinsing water.
- Brew Your Coffee:
- Add the ground coffee to the filter. Strain the spice-infused water to remove the spices (reheat it to around 96°C if it has cooled down.)
- Begin your pour-over process by wetting the grounds slightly with the hot spiced water, allowing it to bloom for 30 seconds. This step is crucial for releasing gases and ensuring a smooth flavor.
- Continue pouring the water in a slow, circular motion, ensuring even saturation of the grounds. The entire pouring process should take about 2.5 to 3 minutes.
- Final Touch:
- Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the pour-over device, and stir in the teaspoon of maple syrup or brown sugar. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
- Pour the spiced pour-over coffee into a mug, adding a pinch of nutmeg on top for an extra layer of warmth. For an indulgent twist, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a little more nutmeg.
- Enjoy:
- Savor your Winter Spice Pour-Over Coffee, ideally beside a window with a view of a winter scenery, or beside a cozy fireplace.
This recipe balances the richness of pour-over coffee with the aromatic warmth of winter spices, offering a comforting and invigorating drink perfect for cold days. The key to this recipe is the infusion of spices in the brewing water, which subtly complements the coffee without overpowering its natural flavors. Enjoy this winter-inspired pour-over coffee as a delightful start to your day or a soothing mid-afternoon treat.
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