I am what some might call a “highly-caffeinated” kind of person. I love my coffee, every day, be it piping hot, iced, in dessert- it does not matter. I learned early. My parents always had a pot brewed and ready, and I never felt more like a big kid than when they would prepare a cup for me, too. It wasn’t until much later that I realized they were pouring me a cup of milk with just enough decaf to add flavor and color.
This is not that drink.
Today I will be sipping on a cold-brewed coffee milkshake made with the cold-brew coffee, vanilla ice cream I made earlier this week, and a couple of unexpected players- a pinch of ground cardamom, and a couple of big, fat dates.
Why cold brew? Besides mounting evidence that all the cool kids are doing it? Cold brewing gives you a concentrated punch of pure coffee flavor without the acid. It is pretty strong stuff, definitely something that needs to be diluted before drinking, which makes it perfect for making a well-flavored shake.
If you have never tried cold-brewing at home, it is really simple. You do not need any special machines, fancy lab equipment, a bushy mustache, or artisan-made suspenders. Pour 2 ounces of ground coffee into a jar, and pour 2 cups of cold water on top. Stir it little, cover it, and allow it to sit for a few hours on your counter top. 12-16 hours yields a good, strong brew. Pour the mixture through a coffee filter set over a fine mesh sieve. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
So, on to the milkshake:
Cold-Brew Coffee Cardamom and Date Milkshake
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup cold-brew coffee (to keep the milkshake nice and thick, I froze the coffee into small ice cubes)
3 large dates, pitted (if the skins are tough, soak them in boiling hot water for five minutes before using)
A pinch of ground cardamom
1/2 cup milk
Throw everything into a blender set on the highest speed and blend until smooth. Sip!