When most people think about whole bean coffee, they think about freezer storage for freshness and fresh-ground coffee for their morning cup. However, what many don't think about is the other uses they have for those coffee beans. For example, one thing that you may have overlooked is a coffee extract. If you bake a lot or you have any use for a concentrated coffee flavor, you should consider making extracts from your whole bean coffee. Here's a look at what you need to know.
Ingredients You Need
The first step to making the coffee extract that you want is to gather the ingredients that you need. For example, you'll need to have quality liquor to create the base of the extract. If you want something that's free of alcohol, food-grade glycerin can work, too. However, if you're going to use alcohol, you should start by choosing the one that you prefer.
Sometimes, people choose a couple of different ones to see which final product they prefer. Vodka is typically neutral alcohol that won't interfere with the coffee. Whiskey can provide some depth of flavor, while rum can add spice or just a unique flavor hint in the background.
Then, you'll need to have your coffee beans. An ounce or two per cup of alcohol should give you enough for adequate flavor. You'll also need a bottle to combine them in for the extraction process.
Process To Complete
Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to make your extract. Start by putting about half of the beans you'll need into the container. Then, crack the other half of the beans by rolling over them with a rolling pin or crushing them with a bottle. Put those in the jar as well. This will help you get a more intense extract faster.
Add the necessary alcohol to the container to formulate the extract. Put a lid on the container and set it somewhere that's cool and dark. A couple of times a week, you should take the container out and shake it. Leave it to extract from those beans for several months. Then, test it by putting a small amount into whipped cream to taste it. Let it continue to extract until you get the flavor that you want.
Steps To Finish
After you get the flavor you want, pour the extract through a sieve with a filter in it. The filter will catch all of the fine particles of coffee beans, leaving you with pure extract. Put that extract into a bottle of your choice with a cap and a label. Since it's alcohol-based, it will keep for quite some time.
For more information on what you can do with a Colombian whole bean coffee, contact a professional near you.