Buzz
While the world enjoys coffee paired with various ingredients like honey or cheese, have you ever indulged in or heard of orange coffee? It might sound surprising, but this is truly an internationally renowned combination!
Orange coffee has been a familiar beverage in France and Sweden for many years, continually evolving and innovating with distinctive touches. Join TopListCafe in exploring the unique aspects of this recipe.
Historical Origins of Orange Coffee
The precise origins of combining oranges and coffee remain a mystery, with no clear documentation on who first envisioned this delightful pairing. Nevertheless, over the past century, Italians have favored the harmonious duo as a delectable dessert – often a cup of Espresso accompanied by slices of orange (or lemon).
(Image: RoastyCoffee)
During that era, they would either place these citrus slices directly into the cup, gently squeeze a few drops onto the coffee's surface, or savor a hint of the tangy essence before indulging in the coffee.
In the United States, the trend of combining the flavors of orange and coffee gained popularity in the 1950s. Initially, people would habitually consume coffee and orange separately, each in its own cup, enjoying a bit of both. However, today, blending coffee and orange juice in the same cup has become much more commonplace.
Modern Trends in Orange Coffee
The fusion of coffee and oranges (or citrus fruits like grapefruits and lemons) is a flourishing trend. If you still have doubts, rest assured that the flavor results are truly unique, fascinating, and quite exquisite when expertly blended.
Phoenix, Arizona, is a prime example of a location where orange-infused coffee has left a lasting mark on daily life, embraced by numerous cafes in the area. Each establishment may have subtle differences in name and specific recipes, but they all share a common trait: attracting a considerable fan base eager to explore and savor the distinct concoctions.
Moreover, they all follow a similar presentation: a large coffee cup with a layer of freshly squeezed orange juice at the bottom, topped with a velvety Espresso layer. The coffee is carefully poured to create two distinct and vibrant layers, avoiding overall blending of the flavors.
The distinctive visual appeal of the separated layers in orange coffee in Phoenix, Arizona. (Image: Fluent In Coffee)
It's known that some cafes have been serving orange-infused coffee since 2011, continuously innovating to align with trends and customer preferences. Initially, cafe owners were hesitant and couldn't fathom incorporating orange and coffee in the same recipe. It wasn't until they tasted it firsthand that they were truly amazed by the actual flavor of orange coffee.
With the help of social media, the fame of the Espresso and freshly squeezed orange juice combo in Phoenix has blossomed more than ever. Phoenix residents attribute the newfound popularity of orange coffee to the 'perfect time and place' factor: the hot climate creates high demand for refreshing drinks, coupled with the abundance of citrus farms in the area.
In the beginning, customers at cafes in Phoenix were often skeptical when suggested to try this special beverage, as no one could imagine the harmonious blend of the two distinct flavor profiles of orange and coffee. It wasn't until cafe owners personally assured them with a 'satisfaction guarantee' – promising a refund or a complimentary alternative drink if not enjoyable – that customers gradually embraced the experience.
Certainly, there are still some discerning customers who don't find much allure behind this recipe. In such cases, some cafes have devised an alternative solution: using orange as a background flavor and a gentle citrus aroma enhancer, rather than making it a primary ingredient alongside coffee.
Traditional Orange Coffee Brewing Method
Among all the methods of making orange coffee worldwide, the traditional recipe remains popular and widely favored for its simplicity and quick preparation. In Vietnam, this formula can be slightly tailored based on each individual's brewing preferences.
Ingredients & Tools
Orange coffee brewing process
- Brew the coffee into Espresso and let it cool – or use pre-made if you prefer.
- Add ice to the cup for about 1 minute to evenly chill the glass, then pour in the orange juice.
- Pour the coffee portion on top slowly. Drop the citrus peel/slice on the top surface.
- Add a splash of tonic water if desired, to invigorate the overall flavor and make it more refreshing.
- Adjust with filtered water if you prefer a milder taste.
- Gently stir, garnish with a bit of orange zest on the rim, and enjoy!
(Image: Coffee Affection)
Other Variations of Orange Coffee
Orange Chocolate Milk Foam Coffee – Orange Mocha Frappuccino
For a sweet and diverse experience suitable for various ages (and a more 'stomach-challenging' one), the Orange Mocha Frappuccino is a worthy consideration.
In addition to the basic ingredients and tools from the original recipe, you'll need to prepare: Liquid chocolate, rich whipped cream, a blender.
The process of making Orange Mocha Frappuccino is quite simple: Combine all the ingredients at once and blend thoroughly, finally topping the cup with a layer of fluffy whipped cream.
(Image: RoastyCoffee)
Note that this drink is best enjoyed promptly to avoid sedimentation at the bottom of the cup (an occurrence when certain components in milk and orange come into contact), which can affect both aesthetics and the tasting experience.
Orange coffee cocktail
Adding a splash of alcohol to your favorite coffee cup remains a familiar preference worldwide – and the orange coffee cocktail is no exception.
Combining intricate ingredients can be handled by experienced bartenders, or feel free to engage in a conversation and seek their advice to tailor it to your taste preferences.
7 Benefits of Combining Coffee and Orange
While the effects of coffee are undeniable, the addition of orange introduces some notably enhanced aspects.
Mitigate the bitterness of coffee
A few drops of orange or lemon essence can make the bitterness of coffee – especially Robusta beans – more mellow.
If you don't want the tartness of orange to overpower, or if you dislike the intense orange infusion as in Phoenix (USA), you can drop a few slices of orange/lemon into the container, brew hot coffee over it, wait a few minutes for the citrus essence to dissolve, and then savor.
Faster caffeine metabolism
Natural citrus juice has an average pH of 3.3-4.2, making it a catalyst for functions and sensitive organs in the body, stimulating them to work faster, thereby accelerating the absorption, metabolism, and processing of caffeine.
This implies that the impact of caffeine will become faster, stronger, and more pronounced than usual but will also fade sooner.
Enhanced alertness
Coffee inherently stimulates the nervous system, providing quick alertness, and when combined with orange, it further enhances efficiency. Studies have shown the ability to boost concentration and prolong mental agility with oranges, aiding increased blood flow to the brain and optimizing the speed of information transmission between brain cells.
Orange coffee, with its gentle flavor, doesn't compromise on the focus-boosting effects. (Image: Austin Distel)
Beneficial for heart health
Nutrients found in oranges (and citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemons) – notably vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids – contribute to supporting heart health and minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
This is also a positive aspect of oranges in regulating the stimulating effects of caffeine on the body's heart rate.
Enhanced immune function and anti-inflammatory properties
Both orange and coffee possess anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, even more effective than specialized medications, aiding the body's resilience against the likelihood of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, etc.
Supplementing wholesome energy
While coffee enhances alertness primarily through nerve inhibition and provides minimal traditional energy and calories, oranges are different. They contain numerous wholesome calories, accompanied by beneficial nutrients that are easily metabolized.
Especially, oranges provide an ideal amount of Potassium – a crucial element in daily nutrition, regulating mood and supporting muscle or cardiovascular health.
Maintaining body hydration
Coffee can lead to increased unnoticed dehydration (through stimulating excessive urination). On the flip side, components in oranges contain electrolytes, aiding the body in swift, safe, and natural rehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Coffee
There are quite a few inquiries about the potential undesirable effects of combining coffee and orange, questioning whether it stays within safe limits. Here are the most common questions, compiled and answered by TopListCafe:
Does orange coffee harm teeth more than regular coffee?
Since both oranges and coffee contain high acidity, it's understandable that the combination raises concerns about dental issues.
In essence, exposure to acid will inevitably affect teeth to some extent (depending on long-term habits or individual sensitivity). Thus, with the presence of these ingredients, your teeth are never '100% safe' in a literal sense.
However, understand that a cup of orange coffee has a similar impact to a regular cup of coffee or a glass of pure orange juice.
In other words, if you think you should opt for 100% fresh orange juice instead of orange coffee (measured in the same cup volume) to avoid harming tooth enamel, that's a somewhat misguided thought. So, loosen up and savor the full flavor of this new blend, as long as it's within moderation.
Does drinking coffee and orange juice together cause more stomach discomfort?
The acidic nature not only affects tooth enamel but also the digestive system, and this is entirely true.
However, the theory here is similar to the concern about tooth enamel mentioned above: Whether you drink coffee and orange juice together, pure coffee alone, or plain orange juice alone – all have a similar acidic impact.
If you often experience unwanted issues of stomach irritation with coffee, consider reducing the dosage or having a light meal before drinking. Certainly, don't blame combining coffee and orange juice for it.
Does brewing coffee with orange juice cause clumping and sedimentation?
The acidic nature, when combined with protein in dairy products, can lead to clumping and sedimentation. However, this won't happen if you brew coffee and pure orange juice, as there's no hint of any milk involved.
Even if you accidentally add a bit of fresh milk or cream to the cup and notice signs of sedimentation, consuming them is not always a bad experience.
In reality, the phenomenon of milk clumping and sedimentation is not harmful to health. In fact, people intentionally leverage this occurrence to create cheese or yogurt. If you experience stomach discomfort from drinking clumpy milk or coffee, it's likely due to poor-quality raw materials or spoilage before preparation.
Currently, many places have incorporated orange coffee recipes into their menus or combined coffee with similar fruits (for example, the super delicious and smooth coffee with kumquat at Drop In Cafe). All benefits and considerations have been addressed above, so don't hesitate to explore these intriguing coffee recipes!
Posted by: Nguyen Thi Kieu Trinh
Keywords: Orange Coffee: A gentle 'must-try' recipe for all coffee enthusiasts
