Do your morning brews taste more like dishwater than the delightful elixirs you sip at your favourite café? Don’t give up on the DIUY approach and end up spending a fortune on takeaway coffee – simply check out these quick tips that will enable you to improve your home brews in an instant!
1. Whole Beans – Ground Control to Major Flavour
Instant coffee can do in a pinch, but for the real deal, it’s all about the beans, baby. Freshly ground beans release all those aromatic oils and flavours that give your coffee its signature taste. So, invest in a good grinder and grind just before brewing. It’s a game-changer! If whole beans aren’t your thing and you’d prefer something faster, then a good instant from reputable coffee distributors is a good choice too, just be sure to try as many out as possible to find your perfect blend.
2. Water – Not Just Any Old Tap Swill
Ever heard the phrase, ‘your coffee is only as good as your water’? Well, you have now. If you aren’t exactly a big fan of tap water neither will your coffee be. Filtered water can make a world of difference to how clean, fresh and pure your coffee tastes so it is definitely worth investing in a filter if you do not already have one.
3. Right Temperature – Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Pouring boiling water over your coffee grounds? Naughty, naughty! The ideal temperature for your daily cup of Joe is actually around 90-95°C. Too hot and you’ll scald the beans; too cold, and you won’t extract enough flavour. If you’re serious about prepping the best cup of coffee (or just love gadgets), consider a kettle with adjustable temperature settings that will remove the guesswork and enable you to get it right every single time.
4. Brewing Time – Patience is a Virtue, Chaps
Whether you’re a French press fanatic or an Aeropress aficionado, getting the brew time right is crucial to a quality cup of Joe. Too long, and it’s bitterness galore; too short, and you’re left with a sad, underwhelming brew. You might need to experiment to find that sweet spot for your taste, but once you’ve got it down, you will be able to effortlessly replicate it forevermore.
5. Milk Matters – Froth, Don’t Fumble
If you’re into lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll know the froth is where the fun’s at. No need for a fancy machine – a simple milk frother will do the trick. And hey, if you’re feeling wild, why not try almond, oat, or soy milk for a change? You might find a different milk makes a huge difference to the taste of your coffee even if you’ve never thought of yourself as an almond milk person before.
6. Clean Kit – The Unsung Hero
A dirty coffee machine or French press can be the culprit behind a dodgy brew. Regular cleaning is not just for hygiene – it gets rid of old coffee oils and residue. Plus, your coffee will taste fresher, and you’ll feel a wee bit smug.
Here’s to a great cup of coffee!
[…] about cleaning machines or waiting for things to brew. However, as mentioned in my previous guide to improving your coffee at home, you want to stick with whole beans or ground coffee for the best flavour. This will ensure your […]