PEAKLIFE

By Abdul Sahid Khan

While spring announces its arrival with fragrant blooms and a gentle breeze, the piercing heat, and humidity of the summer has also started to set in. For a necessary boost of energy to combat the drowsiness of warm afternoons, a midday pick-me-up in the form of a refreshing coffee beverage is just what the doctor ordered. Abdul Sahid Khan, Head Trainer at Lavazza India shares three recipes for the perfect brews to complement the season.

Rose Cardamom Coldbrew

For a sultry iced coffee break, mix together rosewater and a cardamom-infused creamer. Add a delicate yet potent dose of flavour to your iced coffee with this classic combination.

Ingredients

1 cup Coldbrew

1 teaspoon Simple Syrup

1 cup half and half (half whole milk, half heavy cream)

1 tablespoon rosewater

1 teaspoon cardamom

Directions

Mix together half and half and cardamom. The texture of half and half is thicker and more luscious than milk, but less decadent and rich than cream. Then, simply add the rosewater and a dash of the creamer to a glass filled with ice and coldbrew.

Lavender White Mocha

A warm and aromatic chocolate-coffee drink for the days when an unexpected shower of rain signals the shift in seasons and calls for gently sipping some hot coffee in quiet contemplation by the window sill.

Ingredients

White Chocolate Sauce 30ml

Lavender Syrup 15ml

4 Oz. Milk

1 Shots Espresso

Whipped Cream (Optional)

Lavender Sugar (Optional)

Directions

Add the white chocolate syrup and a splash of lavender syrup to a mug, extract a shot of espresso and pour the milk, like you would for a latte. Top it off with whipped cream and white chocolate shavings.

Caramel Surprise Cold Brew

If you prefer a creamier concoction with a pleasant kick of sweetness, a few tablespoons of real coconut milk (from the can, whisked) and some generous drips of caramel syrup will do the trick.

Ingredients

1–2 cups Coldbrew

Handful of ice

1–2 tablespoons coconut milk

1–2 teaspoons caramel syrup

Pinch of sweetener of choice (if desired)

Directions

You can prepare a coldbrew at home using a French press, or in a mason jar using muslin cloth. It is essential to perfect the coffee blend for your coldbrew. Pour the prepared cold brew coffee into a pitcher or carafe, and leave it to rest in the refrigerator. Pour 1 cup (8-ounces) of coffee into a mug, cup or glass jar filled with ice. Finally, stir in the coconut milk and caramel syrup, and add sweetener, if desired. Serve immediately.

Note: The ideal coffee for these recipes is made with a Moka pot or home espresso machine.