Coffee lovers across the globe spend a lot of their time drinking their favorite beverage, but also a lot of time trying to master making the best cup. Here are a few of the best tips for creating the ultimate, cafe-quality cup of coffee.
Understand Your Coffee
The first thing you need to do is to understand the coffee you are using. This means understanding how different roasts taste, which roast works best with each type of drink, as well as how much of each coffee do you need to create the perfect drink.
This will also help you understand which brewing method is best for different types of coffee; you may find one type of coffee is best enjoyed using a coffee pod machine, while another type may be best used for cold brew.
Quality Over Quantity
One rule you need to always stick to is choosing quality over quantity when it comes to picking your coffee. This doesn’t mean spending as much money as possible, but it does mean being more discerning when looking at the shelves when picking a new brew.
If you are still a newbie, do some research on where the best quality coffee comes from, as this will give you a great starting point.
Use Filtered Water
The water you use can also change how your coffee tastes, and that is why many seasoned baristas recommend using filtered water. Depending on where you are, your water can sometimes have a few too many minerals or something similar, which can affect the taste of your coffee.
Water filters are also incredibly affordable, and keeping a jug of cold filtered water in the fridge ready for when you make a coffee will make a much bigger difference than you may expect.
Invest in a Scale
While this may seem a bit over the top, using a scale to measure your coffee can be a complete game-changer. Many experts believe that a scale should be standard in the coffee-making process, and that it can help you make the perfect cup.
It will help you make exact measurements, and exact measurements ensure you always use and brew the right amount of beans for the specific type of coffee you are making.
Brewing Methods Matter
The way you brew or make your coffee also changes how it tastes, and one method can be better for one type of coffee, while it may not be the best for another.
Pour-Over
The pour-over method is great for those who want a simple and light coffee. It is an entry-level brewing method that creates a better coffee, but only takes a few minutes and requires very little equipment.
Coffee Maker
A coffee maker or pod coffee machine is for those who want a quick coffee and value efficiency. The coffee is filtered and is an automated version of a pour-over coffee. This is one of the more common coffee-making methods, as it gives you the best of both speed and quality.
French Press
If you are looking for a coffee that is rich, heavy, and dense, then you should opt for the French Press. One of the biggest benefits of using a French Press is that you can create coffee that is perfect black, with milk, or with cream.
Cold Brew
If you are more of an ice coffee person, then cold brew is for you. In simple terms, cold brew is immersing coffee grounds in room temperature water for 8-12 hours. This creates a rich and flavor-filled coffee that can be enjoyed with ice, or mixed with milk for a refreshing iced coffee.
Clean Your Equipment
If you want the best possible coffee, you need to treat your machine and coffee-making equipment with respect. Whether you use a pod machine or a French Press, you need to ensure you keep your equipment clean at all times.
Coffee build-up and general dirt can change the taste of your coffee and, in most cases, make it worse. Clean your machines and equipment after each use, paying special attention to any part of the machine that makes direct contact with the coffee.
Experiment with Syrups & Spices
If you have stepped foot in any cafe over the past ten years you would have seen that there are countless coffee-based drinks that aren’t purely coffee flavored. Many syrups and spices are used to create brand-new flavors and coffee experiences.
Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, ginger, and even lemon rind can all be used in coffee to add a new flavor dimension. The best way to find what you enjoy is to simply experiment with different ingredients and combinations; who knows, you may stumble on the next best thing.
Practice
Finally, the best way to get better at making coffee is to practice. Like most things, it takes time and knowledge to master the art of making the perfect coffee, and that means making cup after cup until you get it right.
Even if you are just someone who wants a delicious cup of coffee to start your morning, being able to make it the best cup of coffee for the day makes a world of difference.
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