Let’s cut the fluff and get straight to the point. Brewing a great cup of coffee doesn’t have to involve a complicated ritual. You don’t need advanced barista skills to make a good cup of coffee. Here are some practical tips to elevate your brew:
Quality beans
Opt for beans with a recent roast date – dates are often included on the packaging. Freshness does matter, but you don’t need to splurge on exotic varieties. Local roasters often offer quality beans that are freshly roasted. Always support local, when you can!
Grind just before you brew
Instead of buying ground coffee, invest in a basic grinder and switch to beans. Grind your beans just before brewing to preserve the flavour of your coffee. Match the grind size to your chosen method: coarse for French press, medium for drip, and fine for espresso.
Use filtered water
Filtered water enhances the taste of your coffee, and it’s clean. You don’t have to splurge thousands on a fancy water purification system —basic water filtration pitchers work well. When it comes to brewing, always measure your coffee and water accurately:
Drip Coffee: 1 to 2 tablespoons coffee per 177 ml water.
French Press: 30g coffee per 500 ml water.
Espresso: 14-18g coffee per 60 ml water.
Watch the temp
Maintain a water temperature between 90-96°C. Don’t fret about precision; just ensure the water is hot but not boiling. A simple kettle with no need for a thermometer does the job. Once the water has boiled, leave it for about 10-15 seconds before pouring.
Preheat your equipment
Before you start brewing, preheat your coffee maker, French press, and your cups with warm to boiling water. This ensures a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process and keeps your coffee warm for longer. There’s nothing worse than having to reheat your coffee…
Keep it clean
Rinse your equipment immediately after use. Coffee oils can build up and affect the taste over time. A quick rinse is a practical way to maintain freshness without needing extensive cleaning rituals.
Mind your timing
Follow the suggested brewing times for your chosen method. If you’re using a pour-over, aim for around 3-4 minutes; for a French press, give it about 4 minutes.
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