| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 188 | 2g | 1g | 37g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 0g | 2g | 0.05g |
The Bay Leaf Scented Mocha Coffee always carries me back to those crisp Montana mornings, where the sweet aroma of a brewing coffee merged with the scent of awakening wilderness. This recipe is a unique blend of rustic charm and fruity freshness, entrancing, yet surprisingly simple to create. Being a proponent of using local ingredients, I’ve always appreciated the humble bay leaf that gives this coffee its distinctive flair. The fusion of mocha coffee and fresh fruit garnish carries echoes of famous beverages such as Hawaiian Island Iced Coffee and could ideally be paired with a breakfast spread or an afternoon tea-time treat.
A Sip of History, Health Benefits, and Tasty Twists
Bay leaves have been an integral part of numerous ancient cuisines and have a rich history of use in traditional medicine. Boasting of health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting heart health, and reducing inflammation, they add a healthy kick to our coffee.
While my roots in Montana have instilled in me an appreciation for foods that evoke a sense of place, I thrive on the thrill of exploring new flavors and combinations. The Bay Leaf Scented Mocha Coffee certainly does justice to that culinary ethos. The universal appeal of coffee, when combined with the unusual garnish of fresh fruit, offers an exciting alternative to the traditional coffee experience, exciting the palate and tickling the taste buds.
A Perfect Blend of Strength and Delicacy
The silky full-bodied mocha coffee provides a robust foundation to this recipe. Mocha is revered by coffee aficionados for its balanced blend of cocoa and coffee flavors and is a hidden gem in this recipe. It is homey and comforting, like a warm blanket on a chilly Montana morning. Pair this with the delicate, almost minty undertones of the bay leaf, and you have a winning combination, a testament to how two seemingly disparate flavors can sing in harmony.
Finally, what sets this Bay Leaf Scented Mocha Coffee apart is the colorful splash of assorted fresh fruits. Whether you choose to garnish with the sweet tang of summer berries or the subtle charm of winter melon, this herbal mocha coffee is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. And maintaining a fruity garnish keeps the recipe versatile, matching the season’s best offerings. It’s delightful to see how such a simple addition can lift a classic cup of coffee to gourmet heights. That’s why this recipe is a part of my cherished culinary repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of water
- 6 tablespoons of Mocha coffee grounds
- 3 fresh Bay leaves
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3 cups of assorted fresh fruit (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Bring the 6 cups of water to boil in a kettle or medium size pot.
Step Two
Once the water is boiling, add the Mocha coffee grounds into the pot. Stir until the coffee grounds are completely soaked in the water and the water turns dark brown.
Step Three
Add the 3 fresh Bay leaves into the pot. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to infuse the bay leaf flavor into the coffee. Then, strain the coffee into a pitcher to remove the coffee grounds and bay leaves.
Step Four
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar into the strained coffee. Repeat stirring until all the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Five
Pour 1 cup of whole milk into the coffee and stir till the mixture is well combined.
Step Six
Cut the 3 cups of assorted fresh fruit into small chunks or slices. The fruit will give a fresh and sweet accent to the coffee.
Step Seven
Pour the finished Bay Leaf Scented Mocha Coffee into cups and top it with the fresh fruit chunks or slices. Enjoy while hot or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing iced version.
