If you’ve ever wondered what is New Orleans style coffee, you’re in the right place. New Orleans style coffee is traditionally blended with chicory, giving it a distinctive, woody bitterness. It’s a drink steeped in history and flavor, unlike any other coffee you’ve tried.
This guide will explain everything. We’ll cover its unique taste, how it’s made, and why it became so iconic. You’ll learn how to enjoy it authentically, just like they do in the Crescent City.
What Is New Orleans Style Coffee
At its core, New Orleans style coffee is defined by the addition of chicory root to the coffee grounds. Chicory is a plant whose root is dried, roasted, and ground. When brewed with coffee, it creates a beverage that is less acidic, slightly woody, and often sweeter in aroma than standard coffee.
The flavor profile is bold and smooth, with a malty, chocolate-like bitterness that stands up well to milk and sugar. It’s not just a drink; it’s a cultural experience central to New Orleans’ food scene, from morning cups to after-dinner servings.
The Historical Roots Of Chicory And Coffee
The story of this coffee begins with necessity. In the 19th century, coffee was expensive and sometimes hard to get. During the Civil War and the Union blockade of New Orleans, residents turned to chicory as a coffee extender and substitute.
Chicory was readily available locally and much cheaper. People found they enjoyed the unique flavor it imparted. This practice, born from scarcity, evolved into a cherished tradition that persisted long after the war ended.
French and Acadian (Cajun) influences also played a role, as chicory was used in coffee in France during its own periods of shortage. This cultural connection helped cement the blend’s place in New Orleans’ Creole culture.
Key Characteristics And Flavor Profile
Understanding the specific traits of this coffee helps you appreciate it fully. It’s more than just coffee with an extra ingredient.
The blend has several defining features:
- Lower Acidity: Chicory is naturally non-acidic. When blended with coffee, it tames the bright, fruity acids, resulting in a remarkably smooth cup that’s gentler on the stomach.
- Enhanced Body: The brew tends to have a heavier, more syrupy mouthfeel compared to regular coffee. It feels substantial and rich on the tongue.
- Distinctive Bitterness: The bitterness is different from coffee’s. It’s a deep, earthy, and woody bitterness, often compared to dark cocoa or roasted nuts, rather than a harsh or burnt taste.
- Aromatic Sweetness: Despite its bitter notes, the aroma is frequently sweet and inviting, with hints of vanilla, molasses, or toasted grain.
Traditional Brewing Methods
To make authentic New Orleans style coffee, you need the right technique. The classic method uses a special pot called a *café au lait* pot, but a French press works wonderfully too.
The goal is to steep the grounds thoroughly to extract the full flavor from both the coffee and the chicory.
Using A French Press
- Boil water and let it cool for about 30 seconds to just off the boil.
- Add a coarse grind of New Orleans coffee blend to your press. Use about 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water.
- Pour the hot water over the grounds, ensuring they are all saturated. Give it a gentle stir.
- Place the lid on top with the plunger up and let it steep for 4-5 minutes.
- Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour your coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction.
The Cafe Au Lait Pot Method
This is the iconic New Orleans way. You use a two-pot system: one pot for strong coffee and another for hot milk. They are poured simultaneously from a height into your cup, creating a smooth, creamy mix without need for a frother.
How To Drink It Like A Local
In New Orleans, how you drink your coffee is just as important as how it’s brewed. The two most common preparations are Café Au Lait and Café Noir.
Café Au Lait: This is the standard breakfast coffee. It’s equal parts strong, chicory-blended coffee and hot, scalded milk. It’s typically served in a large bowl or mug. Locals often add sugar, but the milk naturally softens the coffee’s bitter edge.
Café Noir: Simply put, this is black coffee. It’s the straight, strong brew served after a meal, similar to an espresso in its role. It allows you to fully appreciate the complex, bitter notes of the chicory blend.
Beignets and café au lait at the famous Café du Monde is the quintessential experience. The powdered sugar-dusted fried dough pairs perfectly with the robust, creamy coffee.
Where To Buy Authentic Blends
You can find pre-blended New Orleans style coffee from several reputable brands. These companies have been perfecting the ratio for generations.
- Café du Monde: The most famous brand, known for its iconic orange can. It’s a medium-roast coffee with a significant portion of chicory.
- French Market Coffee: Another historic brand offering various chicory blends, including dark roast options.
- Community Coffee: A Louisiana favorite, their “Coffee & Chicory” blend is widely available and very popular in homes across the state.
- Luzianne: Primarily known for tea, Luzianne also produces a reliable coffee and chicory blend for both drip and cold brew.
You can also buy roasted chicory root separately from health food stores or online and experiment with adding it to your favorite dark roast coffee. Start with a 70:30 coffee-to-chicory ratio and adjust to your taste.
Making New Orleans Iced Coffee And Cold Brew
This coffee style makes exceptional iced drinks. The chicory adds a depth of flavor that doesn’t get watered down.
Traditional Iced Coffee: Brew the coffee extra strong to account for melting ice. Pour it over a glass full of ice and sweeten with simple syrup, which incorporates better than granulated sugar in cold drinks. Add milk or cream as desired.
Chicory Cold Brew: This is where the method truly shines. The slow, cold extraction process yields an incredibly smooth, low-acid, and flavorful concentrate.
- Combine 1 cup of coarse-ground coffee & chicory blend with 4 cups of cold water in a large jar.
- Stir well, cover, and let it steep at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher.
- To serve, dilute the concentrate with equal parts water or milk over ice. The resulting drink is remarkably smooth and refreshing.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When trying New Orleans coffee for the first time, a few missteps can lead to a poor experience. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Using the Wrong Grind: For French press or steeping methods, a coarse grind is essential. A fine grind will lead to over-extraction and a muddy, bitter cup.
- Brewing at Too High a Temperature: Boiling water can scorch both the coffee and chicory, creating a harsh flavor. Aim for water between 195°F and 205°F.
- Confusing It for Plain Dark Roast: The flavor is unique. Don’t expect it to taste like a standard French or Italian roast; the chicory changes the game completely.
- Skipping the Milk or Sugar Initially: If your not used to the bold flavor, try it as a café au lait first. The milk complements and balances the bitterness beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Orleans Coffee Stronger Than Regular Coffee?
It depends on your definition of “strong.” It often has a more intense, bolder flavor profile due to the chicory, and it’s traditionally brewed to be quite concentrated. However, it may or may not have more caffeine. Chicory itself contains no caffeine, so a blend will have less caffeine per scoop than pure coffee. But if you use more of the blend to compensate, the caffeine content can be similar.
What Does Chicory Taste Like In Coffee?
Chicory adds a deep, earthy, and woody flavor. It introduces a bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate or roasted nuts, not the acrid bitterness of over-roasted coffee. It also contributes a malty, slightly sweet aroma and a smoother, heavier body to the drink.
Can You Make New Orleans Style Coffee Without Chicory?
By definition, no. The chicory is what makes it New Orleans style. You can make a strong, dark roast coffee, but it will lack the characteristic smoothness, unique bitterness, and historical authenticity that the chicory root provides. The chicory is the defining ingredient.
Why Is New Orleans Coffee Served With Hot Milk?
The tradition of serving café au lait with hot milk stems from both practicality and taste. The simultaneous pouring of hot coffee and hot milk from height mixes them thoroughly without need for a whisk, creating a velvety texture. The milk’s fat and sweetness perfectly counterbalance the intense, bitter notes of the chicory blend, making it a harmonious and comforting breakfast drink.
How Do You Store Coffee And Chicory Blend?
Store it like you would any whole bean or ground coffee: in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid refrigeration or freezing, as moisture and temperature fluctuations can degrade flavor. For the best taste, buy in smaller quantities and use it within two weeks of opening if it’s pre-ground. Whole bean blends will stay fresh a bit longer.