There is something truly magical about great coffee; something utterly heavenly when the rich aroma and robust flavor team up to assault your senses with exquisite goodness. And you don’t have to fork-out some crazy amount of money to have a barista brew the perfect cup.
With the following pointers, you’ll be able to get a delectable fix of some good old Joe, right from the comfort of your home.
Mr. Beans
Great coffee starts with great beans. This isn’t the time to cheap-out! Arabica is known for its uncompromising rich flavor, so it’s always a safe bet.
If you really want to tantalize those taste buds, go for specialty coffee that’s just been freshly roasted.
Then again, if you’re hip enough to roast your own, tap yourself on the back, because that’s the best way to go.
Remember to store it at room temperature and only buy enough to last you for about a week. Any longer and it starts losing that coveted flavor.
Watch the Grind
The grind goes a long way to dictating the eventual taste. Make it too fine and you’ll be creasing your face due to the bitterness; too coarse and all you’ll get is some brown, hot water taunting you.
A burr mill does the best job at grinding, but the blade variety can also produce decent results with a bit of practice. If possible, do the grinding right before you start brewing.
Take Care of Your Equipment
Your coffee maker has to be spic and span if it’s to churn out the delish stuff. If your Cup of Joe has started tasting bitter of late, it may be due to a coffee-oil build-up that’s making it rancid.
So make sure to rinse with some hot water and dry it properly. And this is something you ought to be doing after every use to guarantee a quality brew. A little work goes a long way.
All Water Isn't Created Equal
This is one of those secrets to brewing certain to turn 'meh' coffee into 'might this be heaven?’ coffee. Tap water often contains chlorine that can ruin even the most choice of beans.
So if heaven in a cup is what you’re after, then settle for filtered or bottled water. Distilled and softened water should also be given a hard pass, because the lack of minerals makes for bland results.
The Perfect Ratio
How much coffee you decide to go with largely depends on personal taste. Some like it nice and light, while others revel at a strong brew.
But generally, 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water is a good ratio to rely on. Tweak it a bit to land on a delectable formula.
Temperature and Timing
The devil is in the details. To get the most out of your beans, ensure your water is at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Any deviation to this can lead to under-extracting or over-extracting.
What's the Perfect Brewing Time?
Well, this depends on your taste preferences and method. For a Drip Machine, 5 minutes is good; for a French Press, 4 minutes will have you singing your favorite show tune.
Drink-Up Like a Pro
Yes! Even how you drink your coffee determines the taste. It’s best enjoyed right after brewing. This is when the flavor profile is at its ultimate. You can place it in a thermos for up to an hour if you’d like to have it a bit later. But please, for Arabica’s sake, don’t reheat it!
Now you’ll be able to have a cartwheel-worthy Cup of Joe whenever you feel like it. Go ahead. Put your newly-learned tips to the test.
Do you have any tips or advice on how to brew a great cup of coffee at home? If so, we would really love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below.
