Cafe Du Monde Chicory Coffee - Review
When I think about chicory coffee, I connect it with Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans. They are one of the most iconic purveyors of chicory coffee and have been open in the heart of the French Market since 1862 .
Chicory coffee has an extremely unique profile. It is similar to a dark roast coffee in the sense that it has a deep roasted flavor, but it blends with an earthy bitterness from the addition of chicory root.
The chicory root in the Cafe Du Monde blend is very strong when compared to other chicory coffee blends that I have tried and it carries the smokiness and heartiness of the traditional dark roast. There is a slight dark fruit quality that shines through at the back of each sip as well, similar to plums and raisins (even some fig notes). That subtle dark fruitiness blends well with the smoky, bitter side of the chicory and dark roast coffee to help balance the intense flavors and make it more palatable to the everyday drinker.
In my opinion, chicory coffee is an acquired taste. The first time I tried it I thought the coffee was far too bitter. But after a few more hearty sips, I have grown to love this coffee and enjoy the dark earthiness that it brings to my routine.
If you are curious about trying Chicory Coffee, definitely pick up a can from Cafe Du Monde and brew it in a French press. I use my typical brewing measurements of 50g coffee grounds, 200F water, steep 3-5 minutes.
Barista Note: As with most dark roasts, be cautious of over-steeping and over-extracting your grounds. If you go past that five minute mark you are likely to only taste the bitter qualities and none of the fruity notes that balance this coffee out.
This coffee pairs well with sweet treats like Beignets (as you’ll experience in the heart of New Orleans) which you can make from home! Check out our recipe!
One last note… Cafe Du Monde has an excellent product, there is no doubt about that. But in recent years the prices for their can have gone up, now costing between $13 and $14 at my local grocer. If you are looking to step over into the dark side of coffee, this is a great way to experience a deeply rooted history and true Chicory Coffee, but there are other great chicory coffees as well for a lesser price if you are still not sure this is a road you want to take.
Cheers,
Mrs. Brew