What is the best way to make coffee?
There's no better way to kickstart your morning or combat the midday slump than with a steaming cup of coffee. However, the reality of making a perfect cup at home might seem like an elusive art form to some. At our coffee company, we frequently get asked the same question - "What is the best way to make coffee?"
Our answer is simple: there isn’t a singular “best” way to brew coffee. Rather, there are several methods, each with its unique profile and characteristics. The optimal method depends on your personal preferences and what you're seeking in your cup of joe. This blog post will guide you through some popular coffee brewing methods and a few insider tips to elevate your coffee experience.
- Pour-Over/Drip Coffee
Pour-over coffee, also known as drip coffee, is a simple and yet highly effective method for brewing a clean cup with well-extracted flavors. This method is popular with coffee lovers who appreciate the ritual of making coffee and seek control over every aspect of the brewing process.
Tools: You'll need a coffee dripper like a Hario V60 or Chemex, a paper filter, freshly ground coffee, and a gooseneck kettle for precision pouring.
Method: Start by placing the paper filter in the dripper and rinsing it with hot water to get rid of any paper taste. Add your ground coffee (a general guide is about 15-18 grams of coffee to 300ml of water, but adjust to taste), then slowly pour hot water (around 195-205°F) in a circular motion to evenly saturate the grounds. Allow the coffee to 'bloom' for about 30 seconds, then continue pouring until you've reached your desired volume.
- French Press (old school but still cool)
The French Press offers a full-bodied and robust cup of coffee. It's an immersion method, meaning the coffee grounds steep in hot water for an extended period, which allows for a deep extraction of flavor.
Tools: You'll need a French Press and coarse ground coffee.
Method: Add your ground coffee to the French Press (a general guideline is 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, but adjust according to taste), then pour hot water (around 195-205°F) over the grounds. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes, then slowly press the plunger down.
- Espresso
Espresso is the basis of many popular coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It's characterized by its strong flavor and creamy texture.
Tools: You'll need an espresso machine and fine ground coffee.
Method: Add your ground coffee to the espresso machine's portafilter (usually 18 grams for a double shot). Tamp down the grounds evenly to ensure a balanced extraction, attach the portafilter to the machine, and start the shot. The perfect extraction time is about 29-32 seconds for 36 mils of espresso in your cup.
- Aeropress
Aeropress is a versatile brewing device that's portable, quick, and capable of making a variety of coffee styles, from rich espresso-like coffee to a cleaner, pour-over style brew.
Tools: An Aeropress, a paper or metal filter, and ground coffee (fine to medium).
Method: Place your filter in the Aeropress cap and rinse with hot water. Add coffee (15-20g depending on desired strength), then pour in hot water (195-205°F). Stir the coffee to ensure all grounds are saturated, then insert the plunger and press down slowly after 1-2 minutes of brewing time.
General Tips
Regardless of your preferred brewing method here are a few universal tips for a better cup of coffee:
- Use Freshly Roasted Beans: Coffee is best used within a month of being roasted. After that, it starts to lose its flavor.
- Grind Just Before Brewing: Coffee grounds start to oxidize and lose flavor as soon as they're exposed to air. For the freshest taste, grind your beans just before you're ready to brew. We recommend a burr grinder like our handground grinder.
- Use the Right Amount of Coffee: A general starting point is to use a 1:15 to 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio, but don't be afraid to experiment to find what suits your taste best.
- Use Clean Equipment: Old coffee residues can impart a bitter taste to your brew. Ensure your equipment is clean before brewing.
Coffee brewing is both a science and an art, and the best part is experimenting until you find your perfect cup. So, take these tips and start exploring the wonderful world of coffee brewing. Happy brewing!
At our coffee company, we're dedicated to providing you with the best quality beans from around the world. We believe that with the right tools, fresh beans, and a little practice, everyone can become a master home barista.