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Brewing Cocoa FAQs
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When I bring brewing cocoa to markets or post about it online, I am often asked a variety of questions about it since it is a niche product on the market. Let’s talk about some of the most common questions I receive about brewing cocoa, ranging from what it is and how to enjoy it.
What is brewing cocoa?
Brewing cocoa is a beverage made with coarsely ground cocoa beans – incorporating both the nibs and the husks – and boiling water. Since it is only made with the whole cocoa bean and water, much of the nutritional properties that exist in the cocoa bean are retained in the brewing cocoa beverage.
Is it like hot chocolate?
Brewing cocoa is not hot chocolate. It is a beverage much like a “cocoa tea” with a fragrant, pure chocolatey aroma that draws you in for each sip.
Brewing cocoa has a deep, rich cocoa base, and the flavor of delicately roasted cocoa comes through with every sip. Because cocoa beans take on different flavor profiles based on terroir and processing, other brewing cocoa flavors may vary based upon bean origin – such as fruitiness, floral notes, astringency, etc. You may see brewing cocoa with a mix of different beans or single origin brewing cocoa.
How do you prepare brewing cocoa at home?
Brewing cocoa is prepared through a steeping-type of process. Tea infusers or bags may be used, or you can brew it in a French Press. It is recommended to not use pour over or a coffee filter, as those methods require finer grinds, and brewing cocoa is best brewed at a coarse grind. Please note that Conch: Chocolate Experience brewing cocoa is already pre-ground, so there is no need to grind down the beans further.
To brew, boil water to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop 2-4 tablespoons per cup of water and put this into your preferred brewing method. Once the water is boiling, pour the water over the brewing cocoa and let steep for 4-5 minutes. Then, it is ready to be enjoyed.
Can I prepare brewing cocoa cold?
Yes! Brewing cocoa is able to be cold brewed or iced.
If pouring over ice, it is recommended to brew a higher strength, as the additional water content from the ice will dilute the flavor. Brew the brewing cocoa using the instructions above, then enjoy in a cup with ice.
If cold brewing, brew similarly to sun tea or cold brew coffee. Using the same ratios as hot brewing (2-4 tablespoons per cup of water), steep in an airtight container or cold brew pitcher and let steep for 24-48 hours. Strain the mixture and serve chilled.
Can milk or sugar be added to brewing cocoa?
Yes! Much like tea, you can add milk, cream, sugar, or honey to brewing cocoa to tailor it to your liking.
Is there caffeine in brewing cocoa?
While brewing cocoa/cocoa beans have almost no caffeine, the primary molecule in the cocoa bean is theobromine, which is in the same class of molecules as caffeine. The stimulation effects of theobromine are considered less intense than caffeine, and brewing cocoa is sometimes used as a coffee alternative to coffee drinkers who wish to reduce their caffeine intake.
