Sun(shine) Coffee (via French Press)

I don’t know where August went, but you can find me soaking up every last bit of sunshine (and caffeine) before this “raincouver” weather settles in.⁣ Needless to say, I’m not ready for Summer to end. So much, that I’ve thought of all the different ways I could make the most of my time spent outside, and all the ways I could make the most of my afternoon coffee. If you know me, you know I have at least 10 different ways to make coffee. One of my favourite ways is via French Press, but over the last few months, I decided to experiment in hopes to add another way to the list of all the ways.

From the traditional, comforting hot drink, to a refreshing, diligent cold brew, I knew there had to be something I could add to my press. This new method is my favourite to date, and the best part about it is that it’s “secret” ingredient is all natural and costs nothing (except for time). The “secret” ingredient — sunlight. That’s right, “solar powered” coffee or “SUN(SHINE)” coffee, as I like to call it.

This beautiful process starts as a cold brew, and is then heated by the sun to desired temperature (approx 4 - 6 hours). It’s also more flavourful than pouring hot water into the grounds, because of the time it has to sit and steep. The longer it sits, the more flavourful the coffee turns out. However, you don’t want to let it sit for too long, or you’ll be left with just a pile of soaked coffee grounds and very little liquid energy.

Anyway, if you have the time and patience, I highly recommend giving this a try before Summer ends!

Things you will need:

. French Press

. Cold Filtered Water

. Coffee Grounds of choice

. Direct Sunlight

. 4 - 6 hours of patience

. Vitamin D3 drops (optional)

Directions:

Rinse French Press with filtered water. You can obviously just pour the water in the sink, but I like to water the grass with mine (as you can see).

Fill French Press to desired mark with cold filtered water. I usually fill mine at least half way (equivalent to 2 cups).

Measure out coffee grounds of choice. I used Starbucks True North Blonde blend for it’s “mellow and soft” taste. For every cup, 2 tbsp of grounds are usually recommended, so I measured 1/4 cup of grounds to 2 cups water.

Pour grounds on top of water. I know traditionally with a French press, the grounds are added first, but I find I get a better result by doing the opposite when using cold water. I have tested this several times, but I still have yet to find out why this works better.

Place “lid” on the surface of the grounds and very slightly press down until it just touches the grounds. The slight pressure is to allow for the grounds to slowly, but fully submerge.

Place outside on a hot day in direct sunlight.

Wait for approximately 4 - 6 hours. Be sure to check every hour (if you are able to) and move towards sun as needed.

Once ready, push down grounds and pour into mug of choice.

Add vitamin D3 drops for a little extra “boost” (optional). However, make sure to limit coffee consumption to one cup if adding drops (for optimal absorption).

Sip and appreciate all the benefits of the sun (even if you find yourself sitting in the shade).

For a more visual process, check out my IG reels @haveyour.c.a.k.e

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your Summer!