Coffee with chilli — its character and how to make it

Coffee with chilli has real character: spicy, invigorating and warming, it is an appealing choice for a long, cold evening. Aromatic spices bring more than a new flavour to the cup. Chilli is also discussed in relation to heat production, appetite and metabolism. Why try this combination, and how should you prepare it?

This drink is for coffee lovers who enjoy intense flavours and do not mind a characteristic tingle on the tongue. Chilli contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for its heat.

Capsaicin is studied for its effects on thermogenesis, appetite and metabolic processes, as well as antimicrobial mechanisms in experimental settings. That does not make a chilli coffee a proven weight-loss or immunity treatment. Its most immediate attraction is its bold, warming sensory character.

A recipe for coffee with chilli

Important: begin with a very small amount. Chilli can irritate the mouth and stomach and may be unsuitable if it triggers symptoms or an allergic reaction. Only increase it if you know you tolerate it well.

Ingredients

• Espresso brewed from your favourite beans.
• A small pinch of ground chilli.
• Whole milk, optional, if you prefer milk coffee; it can soften the perceived heat.
• Optional additions: sugar, ginger, cinnamon or chocolate.

Method

Grind freshly roasted beans and prepare an espresso. Pour it into a cup and add a small pinch of chilli.

For a milk version, gently add hot, textured milk. Finish, if you like, with grated chocolate, cocoa or cinnamon.

Coffee with chilli and chocolate

For another variation, melt a few squares of milk or dark chocolate with around 50 ml of cream in a bowl over hot water. Add a small pinch of chilli and sugar to taste, especially if using dark chocolate.

Pour the hot chocolate mixture into a cup, then add the espresso. Decorate with whipped cream and a little grated chocolate, cinnamon or cocoa if desired.

Coffee with chilli and ginger

Ginger brings another warming, lively flavour. This variation is for those who enjoy a more intense drink.

Prepare the basic chilli coffee and add a little ground ginger to the espresso. For a bolder version, use a tiny amount of finely chopped fresh chilli and freshly grated ginger, taking particular care with the quantity.

You can use a similar approach to make coffee with chilli and cinnamon.

Photo by Andrew Brown via Flickr, under a Creative Commons licence.