How To Drink Your Coffee
Coffee has become a ubiquitous morning beverage, but that doesn’t mean that everyone enjoys it in the same way. Different people have different preferences when it comes to how they take their coffee, and discovering the right way for you to drink your coffee can be an enjoyable process. Here we will provide some tips and tricks on how to drink your coffee in the most enjoyable way.
The first step in drinking your coffee is choosing the right type. There are many different types of coffee, from light and mild to dark and robust. The taste of a particular type of coffee can vary greatly, depending on the country of origin, the bean variety, and the method of preparation. As you experiment, find a roast and roast date that you enjoy, as this will make drinking your morning cup of coffee much more enjoyable.
The second step is selecting the right brewing method for your taste. Different brewing technologies will extract the flavour of the beans differently, resulting in different tasting cups of coffee. Common brewing methods include French Press, Aeropress, and Pour Over. Each method produces one of a kind taste, body and texture, so find the one that you like the most. If you’re unsure, start with a French press and work your way up to more complex approaches.
Once you have found the right type of coffee and the right brewing method, the last step is to find the right ratio of coffee and water to create the best cup of coffee. The ideal brewing ratio is found when the right amount of coffee is added to the right amount of water. Generally, a ratio of one-two tablespoons of grounded coffee to six ounces of water is recommended, but it is important to remember that you can experiment with different ratios to find the one that best suits your taste.
Now that you have your ideal ratio of coffee and water, you can also experiment with different brewing times to get the perfect cup. Depending on the brewing method, the amount of time the coffee grounds and water need to steep can vary. Generally, longer steeping times will result in a stronger-tasting coffee, while a shorter steeping time will create a lighter-tasting cup. If you’re not sure, start with the recommended time for your brewing method and adjust the duration to get the strength that you like.
When preparing to drink your coffee, take some time to smell the coffee before taking a sip. The smell of coffee can reveal a lot about its flavour. Coffee is unique in that its flavour can vary greatly depending on the coffee beans and method of brewing. Take a few moments to enjoy the aroma and recognize what goes into producing such an exquisite beverage.
Once the coffee is brewed, it is important to enjoy it at the temperature that will best bring out the flavour. Coffee is at its peak flavour when it is served at a moderate temperature that is not too hot nor too cold. To cool the coffee, adding a splash of cold milk or water can bring it to a comfortable temperature for enjoyment. If the coffee is too cool, pouring it into a hot cup can quickly heat it up for optimal drinking temperature.
After selecting a coffee, brewing method, ratio of coffee to water, and a temperature, you can finally start enjoying your cup of coffee. One of the best parts of learning how to enjoy coffee is the fact that you can customize each cup to your liking. With experimentation and practice, you can create the perfect cup of coffee every time.
Try Different Milks & Sweeteners
If you’re looking for more variety in how you enjoy your cup of coffee, adding different milks and sweeteners can be a great way to shake things up a bit. Adding a splash of almond, coconut, or oat milk can bring a subtle sweetness that enhances the coffee flavor. You can also add honey or sugar for additional sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even try adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a bit of warmth.
Using alternative sweeteners, such as maple syrup or molasses, can also be a great way to add some excitement to your coffee. However, keep in mind that these sweeteners are often much sweeter than standard sugar and will overpower the coffee if added in excess. Start with a smaller amount, and add more as desired if the flavor is too weak.
For an entirely different experience, try adding flavored syrups such as hazelnut or vanilla. These syrups have intense flavor and sweetness, and can quickly turn your morning cup of coffee into an indulgent treat. Keep in mind that adding too much of these syrups will overwhelm the coffee flavor, so use them sparingly and add more as desired.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Take some time to experiment with different milks, sweeteners and syrups until you find the combination that best suits your tastes.
Try Coffee Drinks of Different Cultures
In addition to experimenting with different additives, another great way to enjoy your coffee is to try coffee drinks from different cultures. These speciality coffees come with a variety of flavor combinations and ingredients that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The most well-known of these specialty coffees is the Italian Espresso. This drink is made by forcing a small amount of hot water and steam through finely ground coffee beans. As a result, the Espresso has a strong, intense flavour and is served in small and strong shots.
The Café Au Lait is an alternative for those who find an Espresso too strong. This coffee consists of a strong hot espresso with hot milk and foam. It is much milder than an Espresso and is popularly enjoyed throughout Europe.
Another popular coffee is the Spanish Cortado, which is brewed with a double shot of Espresso combined with a small amount of warm frothed milk. This produces a creamy and slightly sweet beverage that is often enjoyed in Spain and South America.
Finally, the Turkish Kahwa is a traditional coffee that has been popular for centuries. Its preparation involves mixing freshly ground roasted coffee beans with cardamom, cinnamon, and sometimes saffron. Unlike the other coffee drinks, the Kahwa is served without milk and is popularly enjoyed during special occasions in the Middle East.
Seeking out coffee drinks from different countries and cultures is a great way to experience the coffee from different regions. Each cup of coffee has its own story and flavor, so it pays to explore and find the coffee drinks that you enjoy the most.
Explore Cold Brewed Coffee
In the summer months, hot coffee may be the last thing on your mind. If iced coffee is more your thing, then exploring cold brewed coffee is a great alternative. Cold brewed coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. This process produces a less acidic and more flavorful beverage, since cold water extracts lower acidity and sweeter flavor elements from the beans.
An advantage of cold brewed coffee is that it can be stored in the fridge after it is made, so it’s ready to drink whenever you need it. This makes it ideal for leisurely weekend mornings or busy weekday mornings when you don’t have time to wait around for your cup of coffee.
To make a cold brewed coffee, first select your ideal type of roast and grind the beans to a coarse grind. Place the grinds in a French press, teapot, or mason jar and add your desired amount of cold filtered water. Stir the mixture and let it steep for 12-24 hours. After the desired amount of time, strain the concentrate through a cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter. Enjoy this cold concentrate as-is, or dilute it with some hot water or milk to make the consistency more liquid.
For a sweeter cold brewed coffee, try adding some honey, agave, or simple syrup before straining the concentrate. These sweeteners will dissolve more easily in cold water and won’t impart any bitter flavors to the coffee.
Cold brewed coffee is a great way to enjoy a flavorful and refreshing iced beverage. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can enjoy a delicious cold brew any time of the day.
Attain the Perfect Coffee Brewing Temperature
Brewing your coffee with the right temperature is just as important as the type of coffee beans, the grind, and the water to coffee ratio. When making a hot cup of coffee, the brewing temperature can make or break a cup of coffee.
In general, it is recommended to brew coffee with water between 195 – 205°F (90-96°C). This is because water boiled at above these temperatures can burn the coffee and leave a bitter taste. This is why many quality coffee makers have temperature control settings, so that you can easily adjust the brewing temperature according to your preference. Some coffee makers will even allow you to store the optimal brewing temperature in memory, so hitting the “brew” button results in the perfect cup of coffee every time.
For those without the convenience of temperature control settings, the simplest method of brewing at the correct temperature is to use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the brewed coffee. It can be tricky to determine when the coffee is at an ideal temperature as the hotter coffee rises to the top and the cooler coffee stays at the bottom. Inserting a thermometer at various points to stir the brewed coffee will help ensure the temperature of the entire cup of coffee is at the optimal range.
Brewing coffee at the correct temperature is an essential step for making the perfect cup of coffee. For the best tasting cup of coffee, invest in a quality coffee maker with temperature control settings, purchase a thermometer, or look for a combination of the two.
The Takeaway
There is no one right way to drink coffee, as everyone has different preferences. Experimenting with different types of roasts, brewing methods, and additives will be key in finding the best cup of coffee that suits your taste. Taking the time to explore coffee drinks around the world and brewing coffee with the right temperature will also be a great way to experience your morning cup of coffee like never before.
