Not just a pretty drink

by Hannah Hurley | Jun 10, 2019 | Uncategorized

MRE Remix - mocha deluxe - 2MyHero military greeting cards

Motivation comes in many forms. Experiences and influences without and within drive us to do what we do. Sure we want to look good, but we want more than that. We want purpose, intentionality, something meaningful behind what we do, buy, and experience. Even though this coffee drink looks amazing, there’s more to it than just good looks and good taste.

2MyHero military greeting cards and MRE Remix on Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube — Buy Veteran Roasters coffee online

The base of this MRE Remix is cold brew coffee made with coffee from a company that started because its owner had a deep desire to help veteran’s struggling with re-entry into civilian life.

Brandon Marty flew helicopters for the US Navy for 11 years. When he left service in the Navy 5 years ago he wanted to do something that would help the veterans he saw and knew who were struggling to re-enter life in the civilian realm.

With the help of a couple key financial and technical backers, he launched Veteran Roasters, a Chicago based coffee company with a mission “to change the lives of military veterans”. He is passionate about helping his brothers in arms. Without prior knowledge or experience roasting coffee, he began a new adventure that brings him freedom and happiness.

I talked with Brandon on the phone for quite a while recently, hearing his story and brainstorming of ways to get greater exposure for veteran and military focused small businesses. He graciously sent me sample bags of the medium and dark roast coffees he sells online.

Wanting to find a way to incorporate his coffee with something from an MRE I began surfing Pinterest. Coffee drinks are pretty popular both on Pinterest and as evidenced in the abundance of coffee shops pretty much anywhere you go.

MRE’s come with a variety of coffee options as well. The Mocha Cappuccino found in MRE 24 seemed like a perfect match. And it didn’t disappoint!

Summertime is a great time to make cold brew coffee, and Veteran Roasters coffees make great hot or cold brew. In the Mocha Deluxe MRE Remix I show you not only how to make cold brew, but also the differences I found between the medium and dark roasts. Like many things, ultimately your choice will come down to personal preference. Personally, I prefer the medium roast both in cold brew and when I make a pour-over.

While I always try to make MRE Remixes look good, I also try equally to make them taste good. To be honest, most of the MRE items I’ve come across have been easy to work with. Others not so much. For example, the Pork Sausage Patty, Maple Flavored in MRE Menu 17 ended up looking great, but to be honest, all the cheese in Wisconsin cannot hide the chemical taste underlying that MRE.

Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t try it. I think it’s important to be uncomfortable when it helps you understand what another person (in this case a military member) has to endure. Maybe there is a military member out there who loves the Pork Sausage Patty. If you’re that person, give me a shout out in the comments below! I want to hear from you!

Even if you are a military member with bad memories of the same MRE, comment below and let me know the depths of your despair! Go ahead and rant a bit.

But above all, whether you’re a military member yourself, or the spouse or parent or friend of a military member do them and you a favor by making this delicious drink and sharing it together.

All you need is a blender or Magic Bullet, and of course an MRE Mocha Cappucino packet. That’s not hard to come by – available in military surplus stores or online. For more military focused inspiration follow us on social media”

Mocha Deluxe

1 MRE Menu 24 Mocha Cappuccino packet
3/4 cup Cold Brew Coffee
1/4 cup Coffee Rum
1 1/2 cup Vanilla Ice Cream
2 tbsp Chopped pecans for garnish
Chocolate and Caramel syrup
Whipped Cream (I like the convenience of Whipped Cream in a can, but freshly whipped cream is a great option.)

To make cold brew:
In a glass jar mix together 1/4 cup medium or dark roast coffee grounds with 1 cup water. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Strain coffee grounds either through a pour over and filter or using a French Press. You should end up with roughly 3/4 cup of cold brew coffee.
Pour MRE Mocha Cappuccino powder into a Magic Bullet or blender.
Add Cold Brew, Coffee Rum and Ice Cream. Blend well.
Prepare glasses by drizzling chocolate and caramel syrup along insides of glasses.
Pour coffee mixture into prepared glasses. Garnish with whip cream, chopped pecans and additional syrup.
Serve immediately!