International Coffee Drinks
South Indian Filter Coffee
Quick answer
The metal filter collects a concentrated brew called decoction. This recipe uses only part of what the ingredients may produce and says to reserve the excess; the amount collected depends on the filter and the coffee. Do not leave grounds in the filter for a second extraction unless the recipe or equipment instructions call for it.
Key takeaways
- The metal filter collects a concentrated brew called decoction.
- The blend may contain chicory or coffee alone, so check the package when buying beans.
- The upper chamber holds coffee while hot water moves through a perforated plate and collects below as decoction.
Ingredients
- 15 g South Indian filter coffee blend, with or without chicory
- 90 ml hot water
- 120 ml whole milk
- 1 tsp sugar, optional.
Method
- Make the decoction in a South Indian metal filter according to its instructions, allowing roughly 8–10 minutes to drip.
- Combine 40 ml decoction with hot milk and sugar.
- Serve; reserve any excess decoction.
Chicory and milk change the cup
The blend may contain chicory or coffee alone, so check the package when buying beans. Chicory changes the aroma and body. Whole milk softens the decoction, while sugar is optional; taste the coffee-and-milk mixture before sweetening.
Pour the hot milk and decoction between heat-safe vessels only if you are comfortable handling them. The listed method simply combines them in a cup. For more on coffee blends, see single-origin coffee versus blends.
Let the metal filter finish dripping
The upper chamber holds coffee while hot water moves through a perforated plate and collects below as decoction. The recipe gives an approximate drip window; actual time depends on the grind and filter. Keep the lid on during brewing and do not press the grounds to force the liquid through.
Mix the cup to your taste
The method combines part of the decoction with hot milk and leaves any excess aside. Begin with the listed amount, stir, and taste before adding sugar. A chicory blend will have a different aroma and body from coffee alone, so check the package and keep the same blend when comparing servings.
Some households pour the drink between vessels to mix and aerate it. That step is optional; use heat-safe containers and pour carefully. For a related preparation, see French café au lait, which combines brewed coffee with warm milk without a separate decoction.
A tip for serving
The recipe uses a measured portion of the strong coffee decoction. Avoid adding it all to the milk automatically; taste how concentrated your brew is first.