Brewing Tips To Make Your Coffee Better

On a quest to constantly work, it seems like coffee gave a lot of people who work, either in the office or at home because of the pandemic, energy and a booster to seize the day. 

There’s the magic that comes with a glass of coffee to let people focus on a task. A good cup of coffee in the morning can set the mood for your whole day. But when the coffee shops are closed, relying on a barista to serve your daily cup may not be an option for you, plus an everyday run to order coffee is quite expensive. And really, unnecessary. 

You will be able to save a lot of cash if you brew a coffee for yourself (or for others as well). With that case, you might ask, how will you spruce up your way to make the perfect cup? 

It’s easier than you think–simple things like storing your beans correctly and using the best filters will prevent unwanted bitterness or off-flavors from your cup. Whether your morning coffee is made up of estate-grown beans and an elaborate brew process or you like a supermarket blend with a drip coffee maker, follow these basic rules for a delicious, satisfying cup of coffee–every single time.” – from Sophie Johnson, eatingwell

With this article, you will be guided to curate the perfect energy booster cup. 

First, let’s deep dive into what caffeine really is?

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant of the methylxanthine class. Caffeine is found in some 60 plant species of which cocoa beans, kola nuts, tea leaves, and coffee beans are the most well-known. It is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world.

Ingredients you will need:

• Whole coffee beans
• Filtered water
• Milk
• Flavoring/toppings (most preferred are cinnamon, chocolate pieces, salted caramel, nutmeg, and vanilla syrup)

Equipment:

• Scale 
• Grinder
• Filter
• French Press (your choice)

Before you get started, it’s best to invest on a good scale. A digital kitchen scale will do, why? So that you would be able to know that weighing your ground coffee yields better results than using measuring cups, measuring spoons or coffee scoops to measure your coffee. 

Also Read: The Official Wine Tasting and Party Guide (At Home)

With this being clarified, let’s dissect the type and the uses of the equipment mentioned:

French Press

Considering its name, the place where this method was invented is in Italy, Milan. A classic that honed over 80 years of practice. In this method, a rich and flavorful liquid is extracted. 

How does this work? 

The French Press works by steeping coffee grounds and hot water in a beaker. Once the coffee is done steeping, a metal mesh filter is pressed to the bottom of the beaker which separates the coffee grounds from the liquid coffee destined for your mug. 

The equal distribution of coffee and water together allows a uniform extraction. In other terms, this is immersion brewing. 

Steps:

1. Preheat you press
2. Weigh your coffee grounds
3. Bring water to boil
4. Measure water and check the temperature
5. When the water is between 195°F and 205°F (about a minute after removal from the heat)
6. Add coffee grounds and hot water
7. The brew time is about 4 minutes, then slowly plunge the press, separating the grounds from the coffee.
8. Decant coffee

Drip coffee

Nothing beats a classic drip coffee on a morning that you know well is jam-packed with deadlines and meetings.

How does this work?

It’s simple really, the machine will heat the water to boiling or near-boiling, and the steam will rise through a tube system until it reaches a drip area where it is dispersed. The heated water evenly flows through the grounds and filter then into the waiting coffee pot.

Depending on your machine, you could make up to 12 cups at a time!

Steps:

1. Weigh coffee grounds. A full batch of coffee, weigh 75 grams of whole beans
2. Grind the beans to a uniform consistency similar to regular table salt
3. Transfer the grounds into a filter-lined filter basket, then place it in the drip machine. Swivel the water spout over the center of the grounds.
4. Pour clean water into the back of the machine (not over the grounds) and press the on button.
5. Turn off the machine as soon as the coffee is done brewing (it will stop bubbling) to avoid a burnt taste. 

Pour Over Coffee

If you are a true black coffee lover, this method resonates with you, probably. As they believe that this creates a much more aromatic and complex cup of brew.

Since it’s a longer brewing process, there’s a more intricate flavor extraction. The slower the water filters through the grounds, the more flavor is extracted.

What is the difference between pour-over coffee and drip coffee?

Pour overs give you full control over your pouring style, whereas drip coffee machines do it for you. Pouring water evenly comes to a lot easier with the kettle in your own hand, rather than a drip brewer taking the power from you.” – from Kristen Underwood of Death Wish Coffee

Steps:

1. First, bring cold water to a boil in a kettle.
2. Grind the beans (if using whole coffee beans)
3. Meanwhile, put a filter in the brewer and rinse with hot water. Discard the water used for rinsing.
4. Add the grounds to the filter, making sure the surface is level. When the water is between 195°F and 205°F (about a minute after removal from the heat), slowly and steadily pour just enough water over the grounds to saturate them completely, starting from the middle and working your way outward. Stop pouring before the coffee begins to drip through.
5. Slowly pour in the remaining water, keeping the water in the dripper between half and three-quarters full. This should take 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully remove the filter, then serve and enjoy.

Key Takeaway

Remember, a good amount of coffee is beneficial! So enjoy every bit of your drink and seize the day. And try to limit added sugar as much as you can! If you MUST add sweetener, try pure maple syrup in a small quantity- start with 1 teaspoon.