You can absolutely put cacao in a coffee maker! It's a great way to enjoy a rich and flavorful cup of cacao-infused drink. However, it's important to note that not all coffee makers are suitable for brewing cacao, so let's go through the different types of coffee makers and the methods you can use to brew cacao.
French Press: A French press is one of the easiest and most popular methods for brewing cacao. Simply add your desired amount of ground cacao to the French press, pour hot water over it, and let it steep for a few minutes. Then, press the plunger down slowly to separate the liquid from the grounds. This method allows for a full-bodied and robust cup of cacao.
Pour Over: Another great option is using a pour-over method, such as a Chemex or V60. Place a filter in the pour-over cone, add the cacao grounds, and slowly pour hot water over them in a circular motion. This allows for a more controlled and precise extraction, resulting in a clean and flavorful cup of cacao.
Percolator: If you have a percolator, you can also use it to brew cacao. Simply add the ground cacao to the basket, fill the percolator with water, and let it boil until the desired strength is achieved. The percolator method can produce a strong and bold cup of cacao.
Stovetop Espresso: If you have a stovetop espresso maker, such as a Moka pot, you can use it to brew a concentrated shot of cacao. Fill the bottom chamber with water, add the cacao grounds to the filter basket, assemble the pot, and place it on the stove. As the water heats up, it will create pressure, forcing the water through the cacao grounds and extracting the flavors. This method produces a rich and intense cup of cacao, similar to an espresso shot.
AeroPress: The AeroPress is a versatile and popular brewing method that can also be used to brew cacao. Simply add the cacao grounds to the AeroPress chamber, pour hot water over it, stir gently, and press the plunger down slowly to extract the cacao. This method allows for a quick and convenient brewing process, resulting in a smooth and flavorful cup of cacao.
While some people have successfully used espresso machines and Keurigs to brew cacao, it's not something we generally recommend. These machines are designed specifically for coffee extraction and may not provide the best results for cacao. However, if you're willing to experiment, you can certainly give it a try and see if you enjoy the outcome.
There are several methods and coffee makers you can use to brew cacao, including French press, pour over, percolator, stovetop espresso, and AeroPress. Each method offers a unique flavor profile and brewing experience. So, go ahead and explore these options to find your favorite way of enjoying a delicious cup of cacao.