Coffee is one of the most popular drinks on the planet, and for good reason. It can help us focus, stay up late, and be productive when we need to be.
But if you’re like most people, your cup of coffee isn’t perfect every time. There are a few things that you can do to make sure that your coffee tastes better every time.
In this article, provided by our friends over at Bushy Beard Coffee, we will outline eleven simple steps that you can take to make your coffee taste better every single time. From choosing the right beans to brewing them the right way, we have it all covered in this guide.
1. Buy Good Quality Beans
If you want to make a great cup of coffee, you need to start with good-quality beans. There are many different types of coffee beans available on the market, so it can be tricky to know which ones to choose. Do some research and find a reputable source for your beans. Once you’ve found a good source, buy in small batches so that the beans are always fresh.
2. Store The Beans Properly
Once you have your beans, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh. The best way to store coffee beans is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing them in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause the beans to dry out.
If you want to make sure your coffee beans stay fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Coffee beans should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing coffee beans is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coffee beans can also be frozen, but it’s important to make sure they are thawed out slowly and not exposed to too much moisture. The best way to thaw out frozen coffee beans is to put them in the fridge overnight.
If you follow these storage tips, your coffee beans will stay fresh and flavorful for months.
3. Grind The Beans Just Before Brewing
If you want to make the best cup of coffee possible, it’s important to grind your beans right before brewing. Coffee beans start to lose their flavor as soon as they’re ground, so grinding them right before you brew will give you the best-tasting cup of coffee.
The type of grinder you use is also important. Blade grinders chop the beans up into smaller pieces, which can result in uneven grinding and lead to a less-than-ideal cup of coffee. Burr grinders, on the other hand, crush the beans between two surfaces, resulting in more uniform grounds that will produce a better-tasting cup of coffee.
When grinding your beans, aim for a coarse grind if you’re using a French press or a drip coffee maker, or a fine grind if you’re making espresso. And finally, don’t overdo it – only grind enough beans for the amount of coffee you plan on making. Otherwise, you’ll end up with stale coffee that no one wants to drink.
4. Use Fresh, Cold Water
Coffee is 98% water, so it’s important to use filtered water that tastes good on its own. This will help ensure that your coffee tastes great. Avoid using tap water, as it can impart unwanted flavors to your coffee.
If you want to make the best cup of coffee possible, you need to start with fresh, cold water. This may seem like a no-brainer, but so many people forget this crucial step! The water you use should be filtered if possible, and it should be at a temperature of around 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water is too hot, it will scald the coffee beans and produce a bitter flavor. If it’s too cold, the coffee won’t extract properly and you’ll end up with a weak cup of coffee.
5. Use The Right Amount Of Coffee
Making a great cup of coffee starts with using the right amount of coffee. Depending on how you like your coffee, you’ll want to use more or less coffee. A good rule of thumb is to start with 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. From there, you can adjust the amount of coffee up or down to suit your taste.
If you use too little coffee, your coffee will be weak and won’t have much flavor. If you use too much coffee, your coffee will be bitter and might have an unpleasant aftertaste. The key is to experiment until you find the perfect ratio of coffee to water for your taste.
Once you’ve figured out how much coffee you need, it’s time to grind your beans. Coffee beans should be ground right before brewing for the best flavor. You’ll want to use a coarse grind if you’re brewing with a French press or a medium grind if you’re using a drip coffee maker.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to brew your perfect cup of coffee!
6. Bring Water To A Boil, Then Let It Cool Briefly Before Pouring Over Grounds
The perfect cup of coffee starts with the perfect ratio of water to coffee grounds. Depending on how strong you like your coffee, the general rule is two tablespoons of ground coffee per six ounces of water. Once you have your desired amount of grounds, it’s time to start boiling your water.
Bring the pot of water to a boil, then let it cool briefly before pouring over the grounds. This allows the water to reach the ideal temperature for brewing, around 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too hot, it will scald the coffee and make it taste bitter. If the water is not hot enough, the coffee will be under-extracted and taste weak.
Pour the water slowly in a circular motion over the grounds, making sure all of them are evenly saturated. Then, put a lid on the French press and let it steep for four minutes before pressing down on the plunger and serving. Enjoy!
7. Stir Well And Wait For the Coffee To Finish Brewing Before Removing it From Heat
When it comes to making a great cup of coffee, there are a few key steps that you need to follow in order to ensure success. One of those steps is stirring well and waiting for the coffee to finish brewing before removing it from the heat.
Many people make the mistake of removing the coffee from the heat as soon as it starts brewing. This results in a weak and watered-down cup of coffee. In order to avoid this, you need to make sure that you stir well and wait for the coffee to finish brewing before removing it from the heat. By doing this, you will end up with a much stronger and more flavorful cup of coffee.
So, the next time you’re making coffee, make sure to follow these simple instructions in order to make the perfect cup of joe.
8. Pour Into Cups And Enjoy!
The final step in making a great cup of coffee is to pour it into cups and enjoy! Make sure to evenly distribute the coffee among the cups so that everyone gets an equal amount. You can also add some milk or cream to your coffee if you like. Enjoy your delicious cup of coffee!
9. Don’t Reheat Leftover Coffee
We’ve all been there before- it’s the end of the day and we still have half a pot of coffee left. Or we wake up late and don’t have time to brew a new pot. So we just reheat the old coffee, right? Wrong! Reheating coffee causes it to lose all of its flavor and aroma, leaving you with a bitter, burnt-tasting drink.
If you really can’t bear to waste your leftover coffee, there are a few things you can do to make it more palatable. First, try adding some milk or cream to tone down the bitterness. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey to sweeten it up. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using your leftover coffee to make iced coffee or cold brew.
But ultimately, the best way to enjoy coffee is to be freshly brewed. So next time you’re tempted to reheat that old pot, resist the urge and brew yourself a new one instead!
10. Clean Your Coffee Maker Regularly
It’s important to clean your coffee maker regularly in order to keep it functioning properly and prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria. There are a few easy steps you can take to clean your coffee maker:
First, remove the carafe and filter from the coffee maker. Then, using a mild detergent, wash the carafe and filter in warm water. Rinse them thoroughly and set them aside to air dry.
Next, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the coffee maker, including the heating element and spray arm. Be sure to reach all the nooks and crannies so that no coffee grounds or residue is left behind. Once you’ve cleaned the inside of the coffee maker, rinse it out with clean water.
Finally, descale your coffee maker every few months by running a solution of half water and half vinegar through it. This will help to remove any built-up calcium deposits that can affect the taste of your coffee and lead to premature wear and tear on your machine.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your coffee maker clean and working properly for years to come.
11. Try Different Brewing Methods To Find What You Like Best!
There are a few different ways to brew coffee, and the method you choose can make all the difference in the world when it comes to taste. If you’re looking for a better cup of coffee, why not experiment with some different brewing methods? You might be surprised at what you like best!
One popular brewing method is drip coffee. Drip coffee makers work by slowly drip hot water over a bed of ground coffee beans. The resulting coffee is usually clear and well-balanced.
Another popular brewing method is the French press. French press coffee is made by steeping coarsely-ground beans in hot water for a few minutes, then pressing the plunger on the pot to filter out the grounds. This method typically results in a richer, more full-bodied cup of coffee.
Finally, there’s cold brew. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground beans in cold water for 12 hours or more. The resulting coffee is less acidic and has a smoother flavor than coffee brewed with hot water.
So which brewing method is right for you? That’s for you to decide! Why not try out all three and see which one you like best?
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are eleven steps to making a better cup of coffee. These steps are: buying good quality beans, storing the beans properly, grinding the beans just before brewing, using fresh cold water, using the right amount of coffee, bringing water to a boil then letting it cool briefly before pouring over grounds, stirring well and waiting for coffee to finish brewing before removing from heat, pouring into cups and enjoying, not reheating leftover coffee, and cleaning your coffee maker regularly. By following these simple steps, you can make a great cup of coffee that you’ll enjoy every time!