• CULTURE

The Lazy Girl's Guide to Vegan Coffee

We’ll start off by saying, in our defence, we’re no connoisseurs. We’re just addicts.

There’s nothing better than a freshly brewed, barista-made coffee (coming from two former baristas!), but in light of the tentative ability to hang out at cafes in our current climate, we thought it’d be fun to share our favourite ways to brew coffee at home.

Don’t worry – most of these methods don’t include the need for expensive equipment or anything too fancy. We’re thrifty gals.

Califia Farms Almond Cold Brew Coffee

4. Cold brew latte

Let me put you on something. CALIFIA COLD BREW COFFEE WITH ALMOND. 

“Are you sure we should tell them?” Nic asked me, worried. “What if it gets too popular and sells out?“

“It’s our duty,” I replied solemnly. “The people deserve to know.“

I present to you – the best packaged iced coffee we have EVER had. Dairy free, not ridiculously sweet, reasonably priced. When it’s on special, we buy it in bulk.

Find it at Woolworths in a 750ml bottle. You’ll inhale it, promise.

3. Cold Brew

Cold brew is the easiest, cheapest and most refreshing way to consume caffeine. You can quote me on that.

Since discovering the wonderful world of cold brew, I haven’t looked back. Summer had me brewing pots on pots; I was never without a cold brew in my hand. It’s so easy, and so delicious – I successfully got the whole family hooked!

You can have it hot, cold, with mylk, with sweetener, or just as it is. It’s amazing in all forms.

You can purchase a cold brew pot or use any existing teapot you have at home (you might just have to strain the brew a second time over).

 

WHAT YOU NEED

  • 12 tsp of ground coffee
  • 800ml water
  • A teapot / cold brew pot (I use this)

 

WHAT TO DO

  • Steep the coffee in water and pop the pot in the fridge. Let sit for 12-24 hours (the longer it sits, the stronger your brew will be.)
  • Empty out the coffee grounds. If you’re particular, you can strain your brew again to get a smoother consistency using thin coffee filter papers. I’m lazy, so I don’t.
  • Enjoy over ice!

 

TIPS 

  • If it’s too strong, balance it out with more water!
  • Add a dash of mylk to enjoy as a cold brew latte.
  • The Aldi ‘Just Organic’ Fairtrade Ground Coffee or the Coles ‘Urban Coffee Culture’ Organic Ground Coffee are both great budget beans for this cold brew recipe! They’re only $5 – thank me later. 

2. Greek Coffee

Cold brew is the easiest, cheapest and most refreshing way to consume caffeine. You can quote me on that.

Since discovering the wonderful world of cold brew, I haven’t looked back. Summer had me brewing pots on pots; I was never without a cold brew in my hand. It’s so easy, and so delicious – I successfully got the whole family hooked!

You can have it hot, cold, with mylk, with sweetener, or just as it is. It’s amazing in all forms.

You can purchase a cold brew pot or use any existing teapot you have at home (you might just have to strain the brew a second time over).

 

WHAT YOU NEED

  • 1 heaped tsp ground Greek coffee
  • A briki pot
  • An espresso cup

 

WHAT TO DO

  • Fill up your espresso cup with water, and pour that amount into the briki pot.
  • Mix 1 heaped tsp of Greek coffee into the briki pot. You can add sugar during this stage; we like to enjoy our Greek coffee with 1/2 tsp of raw sugar (Greeks call this metrio – medium sweetness!).
  • Place the pot on the stove on high. Take it off once the foam rises near the brim of the pot. 
  • Pour straight into your espresso cup. Enjoy! 

 

TIPS

  • Keep a watchful eye while the pot boils – it can spill over the brim in the blink of an eye! 
  • Don’t drink the coffee sludge at the bottom of the cup. You can, however, divine your fortune with it. Here’s how.

1. Vietnamese Coffee

The best mornings are the ones with a strong, fragrant Vietnamese coffee in hand which you can enjoy at your leisure. Vietnamese coffees are to be savoured over hours, in hand with enjoyable conversation amongst old friends.

Luckily for us, that’s how Nic and I start most mornings! 

You’ll enjoy this experience best if you purchase freshly ground Vietnamese coffee from your nearest Vietnamese grocer – but if that’s not an option, I hear good things about this blend which you can purchase online. 

 

WHAT YOU NEED

 

WHAT TO DO

  • Remove the top screen from the filter and add the Vietnamese coffee. Tamp down with the screen until compact. Place filter on top of a heat proof glass.
  • Pour boiling water to the top of the filter and let drip. 
  • When all the water drips through, remove the filter. Stir in the coconut condensed milk until desired sweetness and enjoy! 

 

TIPS 

  • We love our Vietnamese coffee hot in winter, but there’s nothing more refreshing than a Vietnamese iced coffee. Just add ice, stir and serve!
  • Most mornings, to avoid starting the day too heavy, Nic and I will enjoy a cup of this black with 1 tsp of raw sugar or maple syrup. It’s still super delicious!

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