I recently got a sampler of Crio Bru--which is cacao beans ground for brewing like coffee.
I'm *so* happy with it and it'll be a regular beverage for me. Probably not every day, but a couple of times a week.
It's interesting. They say you can brew it in a drip coffee maker, but I wouldn't. I'd stick with the recommended approach of a french press. It needs to brew longer (10 minutes) and the cocoa butter leaves a significant residue.
I've tried three flavors so far and have two more. 1/
2/
It's interesting: if you taste the water right after pouring it over the beans, it's bitter. But as it brews, the natural sweetness of the cacao comes out.
I like it hot with a very small amount of sugar, or cold with some soy milk. I was disappointed by the one which has artificial flavors added, but enjoyed the Ultimate Dark and *loved* the Ghana light roast.
Almost no caffeine, but the theobromine has a definite relaxing/anti-anxiety effect and (I think) improves my focus.
The french press they offer is on the smaller side: 34 oz.
Their instructions are 1/2 cup of cacao in the French Press--and this seems to be a good ratio. So if you use your own, keep in mind that yours may be bigger.
This is the starter kit I ordered
https://criobru.com/collections/crio-bru-bundles/products/sampler-starter-kit
Wonder if it would work with an Aeropress? Then I could just order the flavors I like
@tyghebright @XSGeek
Nevermind, they have it on the site that it will work...
Mmmmm peppermint cacao here I come