Try this delicious roasted rice drink traditionally served as a coffee bean substitute. Learn how to make rice coffee that's caffeine-free, gluten-free, and low-calorie hit.
Looking for more delicious heartwarming drinks for the season? Try some of my favorites, Ginger Tea (Salabat Tea) or Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate), or the classic Eggnog made vegan. This coffee goes well with my new recipe: Coconut Ube Milk Bread.
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What is Rice Coffee?
Rice coffee has its roots in Filipino cuisine, where it has been enjoyed for generations. It's made by roasting rice grains until it reaches a deep brown color, almost black, and then brewing it just like you would with regular coffee beans.
Health Benefits of Rice Coffee
- Perfect for those sensitive to caffeine or looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
- Suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- A great option for those watching their calorie intake.
- The roasted rice can be soothing for the stomach and aid digestion.
- Contains antioxidants from the roasted rice, which can help combat oxidative stress.
Substitutions
If you prefer a different sweetener, you can swap out the brown sugar for honey, maple syrup, or even stevia. Adjust to taste.
Variations
- Rice coffee can be enjoyed hot or cold. For a refreshing twist, pour the brewed rice coffee over ice and add a splash of plant-based milk.
- It also complements traditional Filipino snacks like suman (sticky rice cake) or bibingka.
Storage
Store any leftover rice coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Top Tips
- Be careful not to burn the rice, it will end up tasting like charcoal- the rice needs to be a deep dark brown color.
- For a medium roast rice coffee, cook the rice until it's golden brown. For a dark roast, cook the rice according to the recipe.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- uncooked rice
- water
- brown sugar
- plant-based milk (optional)
Instructions
Preheat pan over medium-low heat, add rice, and continuously stir until rice is a deep brown color, almost black. Immediately turn off the stove and remove the pan off the stove so the rice doesn’t burn.
If you’re using a teakettle with an infuser, add rice in the infuser, hot boiling water and allow the rice to seep, about 5-10 minutes.
Add brown sugar, your favorite plant based milk, stir, and serve hot.
Boiling Water Method:
Bring water to a rolling boil, then pour hot water into a large cup filled with the cooked rice. Allow the rice to seep, then strain the rice and pour rice coffee into a large mug, add sugar, stir and serve hot
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more healthy drinks?
How to Make Rice Coffee
Ingredients
For the Rice Coffee:
- ¼ cup organic rice uncooked
- 2¼ cups water
For Serving:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup plant-based milk optional
Instructions
Toast the Rice:
- Preheat a pan over medium-low heat. Add the rice and continuously stir until the rice turns a deep brown color, almost black.
- Immediately turn off the stove and move the pan off the heat to prevent the rice from burning.
Prepare the Coffee (Teakettle Method):
- If using a teakettle with an infuser, place the toasted rice in the infuser.
- Add boiling water to the kettle and allow the rice to steep for about 5-10 minutes.
Serve (Teakettle Method):
- Pour the steeped rice coffee into a cup. Add brown sugar and your favorite plant-based milk, if desired.
- Stir well and serve hot.
Alternative Method (Boiling Water):
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Pour the boiling water into a large cup filled with the toasted rice. Allow the rice to steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the rice out, then pour the rice coffee into a large mug.
- Add brown sugar, stir, and serve hot.
First of all, Happy New Year! This is my first post of 2021 and wanted to kick it off with this delicious Rice Coffee Drink.
It's a healthy drink that of course doesn’t taste like any specialty coffee or coffee in general, but it is a great alternative if you're trying to wean off caffeine or just want something hot during the cold winter mornings.
Malo says
Nice
Lainey says
Thank you very much, Malo. I appreciate your visit to my blog!
Kathi says
I recently purchased the Coffee Sipper and I am so excited about it! It's perfect for keeping coffee or tea at the perfect temperature, no matter where I go. The design is sleek and fits in my bag easily, plus it's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. I love that it has an airtight seal to lock in flavour and keep my drink from spilling. All in all, this is an awesome product - definitely worth investing in!
Lainey says
Hi, Kathi. Thank you for sharing. This recipe is perfect for your coffee sipper. It's good to know that you've bought something that matches to your preference and serves its purpose. Enjoy!
Claire M says
Perfect for rainy weather!
Marte A says
This is sooo good for those cold days! I tried using a oatmilk and coconut milk and it was amazing! Thank you Lainey!🤩