How to Brew Ground Cacao

You can make your brewed cacao using a variety of brewing methods. Everyone has their own idea of a perfect brew so have fun experimenting to find yours!

Hopefully, our recommendations will help you get started.

Cafetière/French Press

  1. Boil your kettle.
  2. Add 2 heaped tbsp of ground cacao to your cafetière.
  3. Once boiled, pour 200ml of water over the cacao, and leave to brew for 3 minutes.
  4. Stir halfway through the brewing time to remove the “crust” of cacao grounds on top and to release the delicious dark chocolate flavours.
  5. Now the tough bit! Leave for a further 3-4 minutes. Yes, we know the chocolatey aromas filling your kitchen are making you want to pour that brew right away! But wait, it will be worth it!
  6. Optional: scoop out any grounds of cacao floating on the surface and add them to an airtight container to use later.
  7. Plunge down slowly. If you get some resistance, gently lift the plunger slightly then continue to push down.
  8. Serve black, or add milk and sweetener of choice.

 We're currently in love with the Bodum cafetière in strawberry.

 

Cacao Tea (Chocolate Tea!)

Our NEW Cacao Brew Bags bring you the cacao you love, perfectly packed into a PLA corn fibre non-woven biodegradable tea bag. Offering a more convenient way to get your daily cacao fix.

  1. Place brew bag in your favourite cup.
  2. Add approx. 200ml of boiling water.
  3. Leave to brew for 5 minutes (or longer if you prefer a stronger brew!)
  4. Optional: Add milk and your sweetener of choice.
  5. Enjoy!

 

Pour Over

  1. Boil your kettle.
  2. Place a reusable filter* directly onto your mug.
  3. Once the water has boiled, pre-wet the filter. Don’t forget to discard this water before you brew!
  4. Add 2 tbsp of ground cacao to the filter.
  5. Add just enough water to cover the grounds. Let this sit for 30 seconds. 
  6. After 30 seconds, gradually pour water over the cacao in a circular motion starting in the centre. Keep topping up the water as required for 1-2 minutes. Note: the cacao will brew slower than your coffee does.
  7. Leave to drip slowly for a further 4-5 minutes.
  8. Serve black, or add milk and sweetener of choice.

 Note: Any cacao grounds leftover in your cafetière or filter can be added to an airtight container and placed in the fridge to use in a variety of recipes over the next few days.

*We do not advise using a paper filter when brewing cacao. We love using the Zero Waste Club reusable filter.

  

Cacao Brew Latte / Healthy Hot Chocolate

Per serving: 2 tbsp Cacao Brew, 220ml milk.

  1. Add 2 tbsp of ground cacao and 220ml of milk to a saucepan.
  2. Heat the cacao and milk over a medium heat, stirring gently with a whisk until hot but not boiling (you will see steam rising from the saucepan). This should take approximately 6-8 minutes.
  3. Optional: Reduce heat and add sweetener of choice. We recommend 1-2 tsp of coconut sugar per serving.
  4. Strain and serve.

Note: If you have a coffee machine with a steam wand you can steam your cacao straight into milk, letting it sit for a couple of minutes before straining and serving. If you have this option available we would recommend trying it this way. It's delicious!!

 

Iced Cacao Brew

  1. Brew following your favourite brewing method and refrigerate to chill, or brew and pour over ice.
  2. Serve black or with your favourite milk.

Note: if brewing to pour straight over ice, you might like to brew with an extra tbsp (or two!) of cacao for a stronger flavour.

 

Cacao Brew Mocha

For a delicious mocha follow any of the methods above using 50/50 Cacao Brew and your favourite ground coffee. 

 

We love seeing you enjoying a brew! Don't forget to tag us in your brewing pics @cacaobrew

These instructions are a guide only. Adjust to suit your taste.

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