There is no denying how refreshing an ice cold drink on a hot summer’s day in Nairobi can be. Why not combine that need for a cold drink with all the benefits of a traditional cup of coffee and make yourself an iced Tomoca coffee. In light of the increasing popularity of the chilled drink, both in Kenya and globally, we’re here to show you why iced coffee is a beverage you should be drinking more of! 

 

Whilst skipping the burnt tongue part may be your favourite thing about drinking an iced coffee, there are also other benefits. For those looking for a version of coffee that is gentler on your stomach, a cold brew coffee may just be for you! Science says that it actually has 67% less acid than hot coffee. “This is calmer on your digestive system so you’re less likely to have an upset stomach after drinking your cup of joe cold,” Dr. Yogeswaran says.

 

Compared to a hot brew, cold brew is also said to be slightly sweeter. As coffee grounds are brewed with hot water, oils full of acidic compounds from the beans are released. This gives it that more bitter taste people associate with their hot cups of joe. So here’s how to brew the perfect iced coffee:

 

Cold Brew Method 

The general process of cold brewing is simple and… around 4 simple steps Coarsely grind some coffee, add cold (or room temperature) water, let it steep for a long period of time – usually from 12-24 hours, then separate the coffee grounds from the liquid, and there you have it – cold brew coffee. Alternatively you can also make it easily in a French press pot, steeping the grounds for at least 12 hours before pressing down the filter. 

Lovers of this method favour its minimal acidity and natural sweetness.

The Japanese Method

In the East, they have developed an alternative method in which you brew hot coffee directly onto ice. The iced method isn’t complicated either. Basically, you prepare brewed coffee as you normally would, only you use half hot water/ half ice which  you put in the bottom of the vessel. If you like your iced coffee a little stronger then this might be more up your lane as reducing the water by half ensures it’s not too watered down. The hot, fresh coffee drips directly onto ice so that it’s cool and ready to drink right away.

Pure coffee aficionados may prefer this method as it is said caffeine is more soluble in boiling water, and the idea is that more caffeine can be released at higher temperatures. They also swear by the tea-like aromas and flavors displayed in this brewing method

No matter your preference in method, there’s one thing both camps agree on: iced coffee should be brewed strong enough to hold up to the added ice, and it should be filtered well to keep coffee grounds out of the picture. 

Now that we have covered the basics of how to brew the coffee, how about some creative recipes you can try at home to ramp up your Tomoca iced coffee using either of our Rwandan or Ethiopian beans:

 

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Directions

1. Brew 1 cup of coffee using either methods set aside
2. Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into your glass
3. Add coffee and top with ice

 

Vanilla Iced Coffee

Directions

1. Make a simple syrup- combine ⅓ cup of sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; set aside.
2. Serve 1 cup of coffee over ice with milk (as little or as much as you like. You may also use your favourite substitute milk for a unique flavour)  and simple syrup, to taste.

 

Iced Mocha

Directions

1. Start with an empty cup full of ice, pour 2 espresso shots overtop
2. mix in half a cup of milk 
3. Combine simple syrup from above with 1 tablespoon of cocoa to make a chocolate syrup. Drizzle the chocolate syrup into your drink. Want to make your drink look extra fancy? Start with this step before adding ice, drizzling down the sides of your glass or mason jar. 

 

Try these delicious recipes at the comfort of your home with a bag of Tomoca coffee available in both roasted beans and ground, and either Ethiopian or Rwandan varieties. 

 

Make sure to join us at our new branch at Lifestyle Gigiri, now open everyday from 9am- 6 pm!!!

 

 

#TomocaKe #TomocaExperience #TomocaChristmas #LifestyleGigiri

 

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