It’s rare when I’m not within a mile-radius of a mocha latte. This dawned on me as I hiked up the final switchback of trail that had taken me far, far away from the nearest Starbucks. As I reached the top, ready to savor the sweeping vistas and crisp air, a guilty thought flickered through me: Boy, it’s too bad I can’t get a mocha latte up here.

Unfortunately, it’s tough to get a quality cuppa joe when after you leave civilization behind.

Enter Java Juice, a new highly potent and portable liquid coffee concentrate that is billed as “having an espresso maker in your jeans.” It’s specifically designed so that caffeine aficionados can tote premium coffee to the most unlikely or inconvenient places, whether it’s a mountain top, river raft, hot air balloon or even just the office.

Just tear open the single-serving pouch, add hot or cold water to the coffee extract and – presto - you have a cup of something that tastes a lot like a specialty-brewed coffee. The extract also jazzes up bland coffee and cooks are likely to appreciate the quick and easy mocha buzz it adds to everything from brownies to BBQ sauce. Java Juice has posted a couple recipes on its website.

The concentrate itself is made from Arabica beans, each one shade grown, certified organic and kosher. The extract is then obtained through a patented (and, I assume, highly top secret) process without the need for additives, preservatives or stabilizers. Instead, its fresh flavor and aroma are sealed in via a special barrier film that gives each packet a shelf life of about six months. It comes in a durable pouch that seems to virtually crush-proof and is quite capable of taking some hard knocks in a backpack or suitcase.

The makers of Java Juice believe in sustainable agricultural and environmental models. Their growers are paid fair trade prices, the company uses efficient, recycle-friendly manufacturing processes and the packaging is designed for minimum waste. Backcountry enthusiasts will like its ease, in terms of following the Leave No Trace philosophy. Backpackers can simply carry out empty packets, without worrying about coffee grounds or filters. Is it just me, or does all that conscientiousness make coffee taste even yummier?

In any case, Java Juice is soon to be a staple in my backpack, so that all my future hikes now include mountain views AND instant, caffeinated gratification … without the aid of a barista.

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JAVA JUICE COFFEE EXTRACT JAVAJUICE

Cost: $1.19 per pack

Where to Buy: Amazon