Sea Salt Coffee

This sea salt coffee drink features cold brew coffee topped with a luscious sea salt cream.

I had the opportunity to visit Taiwan back in 2007.  

After I completed my study abroad courses in Tokyo, one of my really good friends invited to show me around Taiwan.

I loved Taiwan and I would definitely go back.  It reminded me of the Philippines: the same smells, same heat and humidity, same friendliness and hospitality of its people.  

My friend and I traveled up and down the country where we did a lot of shopping and sightseeing, but primarily a whole lot of eating. 

Creamy Sea Salt Iced Coffee

I really enjoyed the night markets.  I even liked the fried stinky tofu!  And like everyone says, it’s easy to find the vendors selling it, all you have to do it close your eyes and follow your nose.

For part of the trip, my friend’s relatives graciously let us stay at their house.  They lived within walking distance of an 85 Degrees location.  

That was my first introduction to 85 Degrees. I was in love with all their baked goods and delicate cakes. And, I was immediately hooked on their sea salt coffee!

Since then, 85 Degrees has opened many of locations outside of Taiwan. Luckily, there are three outposts in Southern California within minutes from my house.

To be honest, I was little apprehensive the first time I ordered sea salt coffee. I’ve never had salt added to my coffee before.

Once I shook the coffee and salted cream together, BAM! My eyes lit up and my taste buds did a little dance. 

Why add salt to coffee?

Sure, it may sound strange and weird to add salt to your coffee, but its actually is a terrific match.  

The added salt diminishes the bitter flavors and highlight the rest of the coffee notes.

Try adding a pinch of salt next time you drink black coffee.  You’ll notice a difference.

I’m a big fan of salt in general.  Salt makes every taste better.  It makes beef taste beefier, butter taste butterier, its one of the building blocks of flavor.

Use Frozen Coffee Cubes instead of Ice

I’m picky when it comes to iced coffee.  I can’t stand it when the ice cubes melt and dilute my drink.  To prevent such happenings, I have learned make frozen coffee cubes ahead of time.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

When making iced coffee, I prefer to cold brew.  I use a 3.5 liter Cambro food container.  Pour in 3 quarts of cold filtered water.

I warm up the coffee beans in the microwave for a couple of seconds before I roughly grind them.  

Warming the beans helps to release the oils and flavors of the coffee bean.  Pour the grounds into the water and stir until the grounds are soaked and distributed.

Cover with a lid and let sit at room temperature for at least 8 hours.  I like to let mine sit for a full 24 hours.

Once the coffee is ready, strain out the coffee grounds.  I start with a mesh strainer to get rid of the big chunks, then I proceed using coffee filters to clean the rest of the coffee.  Store coffee in the fridge until ready to use.

Simple Sugar Syrup

Simple syrups wins over regular granulated sugar! With simple syrup you don’t have to wait for the sugar to dissolve into the drink.  

Simple syrup can be easily made by boiling a one to one ratio of water and sugar.  Cool it down and store it in the fridge for a long time.  

If you want to get really fancy, you can make a simple syrup using turbinado sugar (Intelligentsia does that).

Whipped Cream Foam:

FIRST: Make sure the mixing bowl is cold and the heavy cream is super cold.

Whipping the cream can be done by hand using a whisk.  Pour the cream and salt in a medium size bowl and start whisking.  

Whisk just before soft peaks once the cream has slightly thickened and increased in volume.

How to Assemble Sea Salt Coffee

Once you have all your components ready, start assembling!

Place frozen coffee cubes in the glass, followed by the cold coffee and simple syrup.  Stir it around and make sure the sweetness is to your liking.  

For the last step (and best part), scoop enough whipped sea salt cream to cover the coffee.  Dust with a little cocoa powder to make it look pretty and stir it up.  And of course, enjoy your homemade sea salt coffee!