Which of the following is NOT a common brewing method?

Steeping is indeed the method that does not align with traditional coffee brewing techniques typically recognized in café settings. In the context of coffee preparation, common brewing methods like drip, espresso, and cold brew all have distinct processes that involve specific equipment and techniques to extract flavors from coffee grounds.

The drip method employs an automated coffee maker or a pour-over system where hot water drips through coffee grounds, extracting flavors as it flows into a carafe. Espresso is made using high pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee, resulting in a concentrated shot with rich flavors and crema. Cold brew involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 hours or more, to extract a smooth, less acidic flavor.

In contrast, steeping is generally associated with brewing teas, where tea leaves are submerged in hot water for a period to release their flavors. While some may use this term informally in coffee brewing, it does not accurately describe a commonly recognized method within the coffee brewing framework, thus making it the correct answer to the question.