The Spicy Ingredient That Will Change Your Morning Coffee Forever

All over the globe, different cultures have their particular way of making coffee, some using the powerful punch of spices to intensify the flavors. Adding a pinch or two of a spice can enhance the flavor of the coffee itself and add depth to your next cup of joe. The usual suspects, however, tend to be warmer spices such as cinnamon or cardamom, but have you ever considered using something spicier? What about cayenne? 

You might be thinking, "Cayenne pepper...in coffee?" Some may be familiar with using this pepper to amp up the spiciness of their food and we've already discussed how to use cayenne pepper in your chocolate chip cookies for something a little different, but coffee? This is a combination most would have never dreamed up but is a popular drink among some coffee lovers. Cayenne pepper may sound a little confusing to some, so why add it to coffee?

Both coffee and cayenne pepper are known for their health benefits. According to nutrition experts at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the antioxidants and other active substances found in coffee may reduce inflammation and help decrease your odds of developing certain cancers and diseases. Cayenne pepper, on the other hand, is a good source of vitamins, most notably vitamin A, which is important for vision, reproduction, immune system health, and certain organ functions, according to Cleveland Clinic. Capsaicin, which is found in cayenne pepper, is also believed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, among other benefits (via Medical News Today). Please note, that if you struggle with heartburn, stomach ulcers, or acid reflux, check with your healthcare provider about how much of this drink you can consume. 

Beyond the potential health benefits, the main reason for combining cayenne and coffee is for the taste. If you're interested in giving this flavor combination a try, it is recommended to start with a small amount of ground cayenne pepper, as a little bit goes a long way. Be sure to start with only a dash or two. There are two ways to add cayenne pepper to your coffee — combining it with the coffee grounds before brewing or mixing it into the brewed coffee. Although a dash of cayenne can be enjoyed in black coffee or espresso, the addition of milk can help reduce some of the spicinesses.

Ready to try some spicy coffee? Be sure to check out this delicious Spicy Gourmandise Coffee recipe!