After some tinkering, I believe I have successfully recreated that excellent drink based on the Courage coffee drink from ‘Rice to Riches‘. ‘Courage’ is a chocolate orange espresso drink with a spicy kick. My version is a bit healthier since it has no sugar and no saturated fat when using a plant-based milk.

To recreate the Courage drink, you will need:

• a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
• a shot or two of espresso
• 2 to 3 (2-inch) orange rind strips
• 2 dried red chilies (More or less according to taste. I like mine extra spicy, so I use 3. You may roughly tear them up to maximize the kick at the back of your throat.)
• about 12 oz. milk (I like almond milk, but you can use skim, whole, soy, or whatever you have on hand)

1) Put the chilies, orange rind strips, and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Remove from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes.^*

2) Mix the cocoa powder into the espresso.

3) Strain out the chilies and orange rind into a cup. Add the espresso cocoa mix and stir.

4) Enjoy.^**

^*When I’m in a hurry to catch the morning train, I just dump the contents of the saucepan into a travel mug, add the espresso and cocoa, and let it steep like tea that way. A spill proof mug is great when I’m running for the bus. :p

^**If you’re one of those namby pambies who couldn’t take coffee without sugar, go ahead and add the sugar, you effeminate punk.

[originally published on LiveJournal]