Cascara Beverages Are Brewing Up a Storm

Coffee lovers are always chasing the next flavor frontier, and right now, cascara is stealing the spotlight. This dried husk of the coffee cherry—once discarded as waste—is now being brewed into teas, sodas, and even cocktails. Searches for "cascara tea" and "cascara coffee" have surged in the past week, signaling a growing curiosity about this coffee byproduct.

What Is Cascara?

Cascara, which means "husk" or "peel" in Spanish, is the dried outer layer of the coffee cherry. After coffee beans are extracted and processed, the remaining fruit is typically discarded or used as compost. But in recent years, producers and roasters have recognized its potential as a standalone beverage ingredient.

When brewed, cascara produces a tea-like drink with notes of dried fruit, hibiscus, and honey. It's naturally caffeinated, though less so than coffee, and offers a unique way to experience the full coffee cherry—not just the bean.

Why Cascara Is Trending

Consumers are increasingly drawn to sustainable, whole-ingredient products, and cascara fits perfectly into that mindset. Reddit threads and Google Trends data reveal a surge in curiosity about this once-overlooked part of the coffee plant.

"Cascara is the perfect example of how the coffee industry is evolving. What was once waste is now a premium ingredient, and consumers are eager to explore it."

Beyond sustainability, cascara offers a flavor profile that's distinct from traditional coffee. It's fruity, slightly sweet, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. For coffee shops and home brewers alike, it's an easy way to diversify a menu or experiment with new recipes.

How to Brew Cascara at Home

Brewing cascara is simple, but a few key techniques will help you get the best flavor. Start with high-quality, food-grade cascara from a trusted source. Avoid anything that smells musty or overly fermented.

Basic Cascara Tea Recipe

• Ratio: Use 5 grams of cascara per 8 ounces of water.
• Water Temperature: Heat water to 200°F (just below boiling).
• Steep Time: Let it steep for 4-6 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
• Serve: Strain and enjoy hot, or chill and serve over ice.

For a twist, try adding a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a drizzle of honey. Cascara also works beautifully as a base for cold brew—just steep it in cold water for 12-24 hours in the fridge.

Pairing Cascara with Your Favorite Coffee

Cascara tastes like the fruit the coffee bean grew inside—dried cherry, hibiscus, and honey—so it shines next to coffees that carry that same fruit-forward personality. Pour a small glass of cascara beside your cup and you'll start noticing the same bright, cherry-like notes in both. These are the coffees from our lineup we reach for first.

New

Our Top Pick

Perla Negra

Our newest arrival and the perfect centerpiece for a cascara tasting flight. Brew it as a pour over and sip it side by side with hot cascara to taste how the fruit shows up in the cherry versus the bean.

Try it: Pour over + hot cascara, side by side

Shop Perla Negra

Costa Rica · Black Honey

Cumbres del Poás

Black honey processing leaves much of the sticky fruit on the bean while it dries, giving it a deep, syrupy sweetness that mirrors cascara's honey notes. It's practically a cousin to what's in your cascara cup.

Try it: Drip coffee with a honey-cascara chaser

Shop Cumbres

Ethiopia · Natural

Ethiopia Harrar

From the same part of the world where cascara has been brewed as qishr for centuries. Wild, berry-forward fruit and a winey depth make it a natural match for cascara's dried-cherry character.

Try it: French press + spiced cascara with cinnamon

Shop Harrar

Kenya · AA Grade

Kenya AA

Bright, juicy acidity and dark berry fruit. Blended with iced cascara, it makes a layered, tart-and-sweet drink that's made for South Florida afternoons.

Try it: Cold brew blended 1:1 with iced cascara

Shop Kenya AA

Espresso · Bright & Bold

Eye Cracker Espresso

For espresso drinkers, Eye Cracker delivers bright, fruity intensity that holds its own against cascara's sweetness without getting lost.

Try it: A shot poured over iced cascara

Shop Eye Cracker

Technical Details

Cascara Facts Worth Knowing

Quick Tips & Related Reading

Quick Tip: If you're new to cascara, start with a simple hot brew to get a sense of its natural flavor. Once you're comfortable, experiment with cold brew, syrups, or blending it with your favorite coffee.

Want to dive deeper into coffee trends and brewing techniques? Check out our Koffee Kult blog for more guides, recipes, and industry insights.

Explore Coffee's Full Potential with Koffee Kult

Cascara is just one example of how the coffee world continues to evolve. At Koffee Kult, we're passionate about sourcing and roasting beans that showcase the full range of coffee's natural flavors—no artificial additives, just pure, expressive coffee.

Ready to explore? Browse our Roaster's Choice Monthly Club to discover new single-origin coffees delivered to your door. Or visit us at our Hollywood, FL roastery to taste the difference fresh roasting makes. Subscribe to our newsletter for brewing tips, exclusive offers, and the latest coffee trends.