Coffee With Chicory

Chicory is a flowering plant that looks a bit like a dandelion, and it’s used to make coffee alternatives that are caffeine-free. Manufacturers grind up the roots to create a granule that is similar in consistency to coffee grounds and combine it with other ingredients to create a variety of drink options. You can enjoy it by itself or add syrups and flavorings to create a flavored coffee or latte. It’s a great way to get the same caffeine-free buzz you love from coffee without the jitters.

Coffee with chicory has been around for quite some time but it didn’t become a popular beverage in the US until after the Civil War when Union blockades stopped coffee imports. The drink was popular in New Orleans and continues to be enjoyed there today at cafes such as Café Du Monde.

You can find chicory coffee at specialty grocery stores in the US and abroad or online. If you prefer to make your own, roast a handful of whole chicory roots in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they’re golden brown. Let them cool and then grind them to a coffee-like consistency. Mix the ground chicory with regular coffee beans to your desired ratio and brew as you would coffee.

You can also make it cold by steeping the root in ice water overnight and straining it before drinking. You can add milk and other ingredients to it for a delicious mocha-style drink or latte. You can even pour it over ice for a chilled java-style drink on a hot day. It’s a great alternative to traditional coffee and can be enjoyed at home or in your favorite cafe.