The Art of Making Coffee at Home
Even though it’s easier to just run down the street to your nearest coffee shop and get a fresh cup of your favorite coffee, there is a certain level of fulfillment that comes with making that perfect cup in your very own kitchen. It may sound like a challenge, especially if your choice of favorite coffees doesn’t include a regular black one for which you just need a pot and coffee filters. Coffee-making is truly a small art form in its own right, but once you master it, not only will you be able to have the perfect cup at any time, but you’ll also save a whole lot of money in the long run, as we all know that purchasing a cup every morning does indeed break the bank. So, in order to keep things on the affordable side, and give you a chance to master an additional skill, let’s dive into what it takes to create that rich, perfectly flavored cup of joe.
Fresh is always bestLike with any other product or produce – new is always better (except wine and whiskey). Kidding aside, fresh beans are definitely the best, as they ultimately provide the best taste and that irresistible aroma that fills the entire kitchen. Therefore, you are left with two options – to buy the freshest coffee from your nearest or bestseller, or to dab into the art of roasting your own beans. It can be a tad complex in the beginning, but once you get the hang of things, it becomes a morning routine, as simple and almost as mechanical as any other. Now, in order for that coffee to retain its freshness, it’s vital that you store it properly. Non-transparent jars or even ceramic ones are your best options, and if you can get your hands on an airtight container, even better. Keep the jar in a dry place; your kitchen cabinets are the best as they provide both the right temperature and damp-free environment.
How do you like it?Now, the beans you choose are definitely a matter of personal preference. Some people like their coffee ‘hot and strong’ which subsequently means that your task is to find the strongest coffee bean blends that will keep you focused and super-caffeinated throughout the day. Other people prefer weaker or different flavored beans, so whichever is more up your alley, go in search for it. The taste and strength ultimately depend on the type of bean you choose, so choose wisely. Now, just as you would follow a recipe for a perfect dish, there is also a recipe for that perfect morning cup. Yes, some people like more water, some less, but the basic guidelines are the following: 0.36 oz of coffee should go in a 6-oz cup – the average-sized cup. You can use a precise coffee scoop which will ‘grab’ exactly 0.36 oz of coffee, or simply put two tablespoons. If you realize that this is perhaps too strong for you, you can always use a larger mug and either pour more water or use less coffee.
Find the right toolsNow, this can be an investment, but perfection does come at a price. If you’re an espresso person, then you should definitely consider investing in coffee machines. Of course, there are more affordable options, such as manual coffee makers and even manual espresso makers. It all again depends on your preference and the amount you’re willing to invest in a machine or pot. If you like things simple – just a good ol’ pour-over coffee - there are always the common drippers and simple kettles.
The importance of cleanlinessNow, whichever appliance you opt for, it’s vital you always keep it clean as the cleanliness greatly affects the quality and taste of your coffee. Clean the storage containers every few weeks in order to avoid any oily buildup. Use coffee filters only once – they’re not disposable for no reason, and if you are willing and can afford it, always opt for “dioxin-free” or “oxygen-bleached” filters as they are far safer than regular ones. In case you’ve invested in an automated coffee machine, cleaning the pod and cup is fairly easy and straightforward. Every kind of coffee maker comes with a manual, complete with a maintenance guide, so until you’ve memorized the cleaning process, don’t throw or misplace it. |
Pure water is a plus
Tap water can contain plenty of impurities, not to mention that the chlorine level is often high. We are generally recommended to drink bottled water and even use it for cooking purposes, so if you wouldn’t drink tap water, don’t use it to make your coffee. However, there is the option of purifying tap water and it involves installing a water filter, which in the long run is a good investment, not just for coffee-making purposes, but general use as well.
Bonus tip
A milk frother is always a better option than just pouring milk into your cup, so it’s also something you want to consider purchasing if you are a real coffee drinker who likes to mix it up in terms of the type of coffee you want. The frother allows you to create a cappuccino, or simply add that rich thick foam on top. There are tons of both manual and electric frothers on the market, and they come at a really reasonable price, so if you’ve gone this far, why not invest in this final step as well?
Article written by Peter Minkoff
Peter is a mens lifestyle writer at The Beard Mag and High Street Gent magazine from UK. Beside writing he worked as a mens grooming consultant for many fashion events. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
All photos are from unsplash.com
Peter is a mens lifestyle writer at The Beard Mag and High Street Gent magazine from UK. Beside writing he worked as a mens grooming consultant for many fashion events. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
All photos are from unsplash.com
