What on Earth is Charcoal Coffee?

Our ancestors and their primitive brews were onto something after all.

BY STAFF @the Brimly Test Kitchen

March 25, 2024

Image Source/Editors @ Brimly

4 minute Read

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Ah, coffee, the elixir of life!

Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, coffee was just coffee. You had it black or with a splash of milk or sugar if you were feeling adventurous. Then came the era of coffee evolution with options such as mocha, latte, frappuccino, and their endless cousins. Just when we thought we'd seen it all, along comes charcoal coffee, strutting into the cafe scene with the audacity of an uninvited party guest who ends up being the life of the soirée. What on earth is charcoal coffee, you ask? Let's dive into this dark and mysterious brew that's causing both raised eyebrows and intrigued sips.

The tale of charcoal coffee is as smoky as the concoction itself. Originating from the hipster highlands of trend-setting cafes, this brew combines traditional coffee with activated charcoal, creating a drink that's as dark as a moonless midnight. Activated charcoal, known for its detoxifying properties, is made from carbon-rich materials heated to high temperatures. Historically, charcoal has been used for medicinal purposes, so marrying it with coffee might not be as bizarre as it first seems. Perhaps our ancestors, sipping on their primitive brews, were onto something after all.

But let's not get too carried away with the ancestral wisdom; today's charcoal coffee is as much about style as it is about substance. It's suave and mysterious, thanks to its potential to mess with nutrient absorption if consumed in excess. This brings us to the experiential part of our charcoal coffee journey, where we don't just drink it; we experience it, dissect it, and debate it. Because, in this modern age, what's the point of consuming something if you can't Instagram it and then argue about its merits on the internet?

Now, onto the taste. It's more like your regular cup of joe but with a smoky twist and a hint of earthiness. Critics and fans alike debate its flavor profile, but one thing's for sure: it's not just a cup of coffee; it's a statement. It boldly asks, "Why settle for normal when you can have something that's both intriguing and Instagrammable?"

Our round-up is:

As we navigate through the jungles of Java, pushing past the traditional tastes and preferences, we find ourselves face to face with this dark, enigmatic beverage. It challenges our palates, mocks our conventional coffee rituals, and yet wins us over with its peculiar charm. Charcoal coffee is the rebellious, smoky-sweet hero that coffee culture didn't know it needed. So, here's to sipping on one smoky cup at a time. After all, in a world where you can be anything, why not be a little defiant and delightful with your drink? Cheers to charcoal coffee and to those adventurous enough to try it!