French press. Cold-brew. Pourover. Bulletproof. I thought I was just ordering coffee black?
There was a time when my hardest decision before 8 a.m. was whether to stick to my Americano or splurge on a chai tea latte. If you haven’t visited a coffeehouse lately (who am I kidding, you were there two hours ago) the options for a simple cup of joe seem to have doubled. When coffee shops started stocking almond and soy milk—that I could understand. But when you start asking me how I want my coffee brewed, all I can think is, “Don’t you just pour it out of the Keurig like a normal person?”
Because exactly what is this pourover you speak of, and why are charging me three dollars for it? And Bulletproof? I think I’ll save my butter for my croissant, thank you very much. Oh, and you intend to mix that cold brew with water? Since when, dear friend, was watered-down coffee costing a premium?
What happened to the good ol’ days when the only question I got asked at the register was, “Do you want room for cream?”
Suddenly, I’m completely torn between my loyalty to a black cup of coffee and my blind curiosity as to what it would taste like with a stick of butter blended into it.
If you’re like me, and want an explanation on all the latest coffee trends, here’s your answer:
Bulletproof
Bulletproof coffee is essentially a blended beverage made by combining high-quality coffee with grass-fed butter. Yes, butter. The theory behind it that the nutrient-dense profile of grass-fed butter contains omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, beta-carotene, vitamins A, D, K, E, and antioxidants; to keep you going all morning.
Why people love it: Fans of bulletproof coffee believe that one simple cup will keep them full and energized throughout the day—without anything else for breakfast.
Pourover
Pourover coffee is one of the simplest (and most popular) ways to brew coffee at home. To make your own, you will need freshly ground coffee beans, a coffee filter, and some sort of vessel, such as a Chemex. By placing the freshly ground beans inside the coffee filter, and pouring almost-boiling water through and into the vessel below, you are left with an ultra fresh cup of coffee.
Why people love it: With a typical coffee maker, you are given very little control over the final brew. However, with pourover coffee, you are able to control the time in which the water comes in contact with the beans, which results in a different overall taste. Longer pours (3-4 minutes) will result in a lighter roast, while shorter pours (2-2.5 minutes) will result in a dark roast.
Cold Brew
Soaking coffee beans in room temperature or cold water for a 12-24 hour period is how cold brew coffee is made. Unlike iced coffee, which is made hot, then chilled; cold brew coffee is never heated—resulting in a different chemistry profile than regular coffee. You can easily make your own cold brew at home, add water, milk, or cream to your cold brew concentrate.
Why people love it: Cold brew coffee is less acidic than regular coffee, which can be easier on the stomach. The taste also tends to be sweeter and smoother, rather than bitter.
What’s your favorite way to create your morning cup of coffee? Have you tried any of these latest coffee trends? Let us know!
