Understanding the art of coffee mixology
Move over traditional coffee brewing, and enter the exciting world of coffee mixology. Coffee, with its diverse flavour profile, has proven to be a dynamic canvas for mixologists to experiment and create exciting combinations. Over time, mixology has introduced a variety of flavors, textures, and aromas to the coffee scene. Divisha Chhabra, co-founder of Bevzilla explains the different traditions and techniques of coffee mixology.
Why coffee?
Per Chhabra the inherent flavour notes of coffee are well-suited to the craft of mixology. The earthiness of spices like nutmeg or cinnamon work well with the rich, powerful flavour of a dark roast to create a pleasing balance of depth and warmth. Spices like cardamom, clove, and vanilla can introduce layers of complexity and nuances, transforming a simple cup into a sensory experience.
Mixing fruits with coffee
According to Chhabra, the fusion of coffee with various fruits opens up a world of possibilities. Fruits like berries, citruses, or even tropical flavours can bring a vibrant and fruity dimension to any coffee creation. Meanwhile, the zesty burst from orange or lime zest blends perfectly with the crisp acidity of a light roast, giving your caffeine dose a pleasant twist.
Traditional mixes
Many coffee mixology techniques draw inspiration from diverse cultural traditions. For instance, in the Middle East, cardamom-spiced coffee, known as "gahwa," has been a longstanding tradition and signifies hospitality and warmth. Similarly in Scandinavia, the tradition of spicing coffee with cinnamon and cloves during the winter months, known as "kaffekask," warms both the body and soul.
Popular coffee mixes around the world
Vietnam boasts the iconic "egg coffee" which has the richness of coffee with the creaminess of egg yolk. Moving to the Mediterranean, the practice of incorporating orange zest into espresso, as seen in Italy, imparts a zesty kick to the rich coffee flavour. India too has its brewing experiment of masala coffee, made with coffee, milk, sugar, and a variety of spices.
Cocktails and coffee
The art of coffee mixology may be giving passage to creativity and innovation over the years. The "cocktails spiked with coffee" have been a staple for decades. The classic Irish coffee has been a morning 'go-to' drink for decades, kickstarting the day with a dose of caffeine. "With coffee-infused cocktails catching the wave, this only adds to the versatility of coffee," explains Chhabra.
