Chilean Charcoal Coffee — Traditional Café de Carbón Digestive Drink

Versión en Español

Chilean charcoal coffee, or café de carbón, also called té digestivo or chirriao, is a traditional countryside drink made by dropping a glowing ember of wood charcoal into sugar to caramelize it, then pouring boiling water over it and removing the ember. It takes 5 minutes of preparation and 5 minutes of cooking, and makes 1 cup.

Despite its name, it contains no coffee. Its smoky, bittersweet flavor made it a classic rural remedy for upset stomachs, or simply a hot drink when tea or coffee ran short.

How to Make Chilean Charcoal Coffee?

Sugar is placed in a cup and a burning piece of wood charcoal is added with tongs, caramelizing the sugar. Boiling water is poured over it to make an infusion, the charcoal is lifted out, and the drink is served hot, optionally with chamomile or mint.

Nutritional Information

Each cup of charcoal coffee contains approximately 100 kcal, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 25 g of carbohydrates, 25 g of sugars, and 0 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Traditional Chilean Charcoal Coffee Recipe

Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 300 ml (1¼ cups) of boiling water
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 piece of wood charcoal from a hardwood fire
• Chamomile, optional
• Fresh mint, optional

Instructions

1. Put the sugar in a heatproof mug. With kitchen tongs, add the still glowing piece of charcoal and stir until the sugar caramelizes.

2. Pour the boiling water over it to fill the cup, stir for a few minutes until all the sugar dissolves, and carefully remove the charcoal.

3. Serve the charcoal coffee right away, optionally adding chamomile or mint to taste, and drink it hot.

Additional Tips

Use only natural wood charcoal

Use charcoal from untreated native hardwoods such as espino, quillay, or oak, never painted or treated wood. The ember must be red hot to caramelize the sugar.

Never use barbecue briquettes

Store bought barbecue charcoal and briquettes may contain binders and additives that are not safe to put in a drink.

Sip it slowly

Let the infusion rest 2 to 3 minutes after removing the charcoal and drink it in small sips while hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does charcoal coffee contain coffee?

No. The name comes from its dark color and toasted flavor, produced by caramelizing sugar with a burning ember. It is a sweet, smoky infusion.

2. Is it safe to drink regularly?

It is a traditional drink for occasional use, prepared with natural wood charcoal. It is not recommended daily, since charcoal can interfere with the absorption of medications and nutrients.

3. Why is it used for stomach aches?

In Chilean folk tradition, charcoal is believed to absorb gases and soothe mild stomach discomfort. It is a home remedy, not a medical treatment, so persistent symptoms need a doctor.

4. Can I store it?

No. It should be drunk right after preparing it, as it loses its character and develops unpleasant flavors as it cools.

Do Not Use Barbecue Charcoal

This drink is made with charcoal from a wood fire. Never use commercial barbecue charcoal or briquettes, which may include additives and chemical binders.

A Countryside Tradition

Café de carbón is part of the folk remedies of rural Chile, where it was made by the wood stove or fire with whatever was at hand, and it is still remembered as a grandmother’s remedy.

Did You Know?

Using wood charcoal in drinks and home remedies is not unique to Chile, and similar practices appear in many cultures around the world.

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