Many people, especially younger generations, find themselves needing to learn how to drink coffee. After all, it’s a great way to get a burst of energy, stay focused, and make sure your productivity doesn’t lag. So, if you’re looking to learn how to drink coffee, you’ve come to the right place. To start, you need to understand the basics.
Know Your Coffee
Coffee comes in many forms, and choosing the right one for you might seem like a daunting task. But, it doesn’t have to be. All you need to focus on is the type of flavor, intensity, and caffeine content you’d like to experience in your cup. Whether it’s black, light roast, or cold brew — the options are endless, and you should experiment with them until you find the one that suits your individual taste.
It’s important to remember that when you first start drinking coffee, it may taste quite bitter. This is natural and you should persevere. You may find you enjoy adding milk and sugar to the taste, or you may eventually learn to love the simple taste of black coffee. Experimentation is key.
Find Your Coffeemaker
Once you’ve settled on a type of coffee you like, it’s time to find a way to make it. There are many options for making your perfect cup of coffee — from the classic electric coffee maker to portable french presses — so it is important to do your research. Different kinds of coffee makers will yield different results, from stronger percolated coffee to smoother cold brew.
If you’re keen to get creative with the art of making coffee, there are also some great classes available that teach you how to make latte art and properly brew espresso. This will give you more options for those mornings when you want something special.
Espresso vs Drip
Now that you know the basics, let’s get into some more sophisticated brewing techniques. Understanding the differences between espresso and drip coffee can take some time, but it will make a world of difference in your cup of coffee.
Espresso is created by forcing steam through compacted and very finely ground coffee. This creates a stronger, more concentrated brew than regular drip coffee. In contrast, drip coffee is created by pouring hot water through a filter filled with ground coffee. This creates a weaker, more watery drink perfect for drinking black.
The Art of Brewing
Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is a great way to start off your day. When it comes to getting the best out of the beans you have chosen, there is a certain skill involved. For example, make sure the beans are fresh and properly stored. Old beans don’t kick out the same flavor as fresh ones. You also need to make sure your equipment is properly maintained. If your espresso machine is clogged, your coffee will taste sour and bitter.
The Coffee Subscription
If you don’t have a lot of time to shop for coffee and sample different types, you can join a coffee subscription service. Many companies offer various subscriptions, from monthly to gift subscriptions. This is an ideal way to taste different coffees from around the world.
Caffeine Sensitivity
Finally, if you’re just starting out with drinking coffee, be aware of your sensitivity to caffeine and other allergens. Too much coffee can cause issues such as headaches, jitters and anxiousness. Keep an eye on your coffee-drinking habits, and take regular breaks if you experience any of these symptoms.
Check Your Local Coffee Shop
While learning to drink coffee can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be. If you find home brewing too intimidating, check out some of the local cafes in your area. You can try different flavours and types of coffee without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. This is a great way to learn more about coffee and hone your individual tastes.
Finding Your Favourite Beans
Experimenting with various coffee beans from different countries is one of the best ways to find your favourite cup of coffee. Beans vary in taste depending on the climate, soil, and altitude of the region. It’s even a great way to explore cultures in other parts of the world. Simply visiting your local coffee bean supplier, or ordering online, can lead you down an enjoyable path of exploration.
Try Natural Alternatives
Coffee is not the only way to get a healthy dose of caffeine in the morning. You can also try natural alternatives such as matcha, yerba mate, or ginger tea. All of these have a much milder taste and are generally less acidic than coffee. Plus, there are many benefits associated with these natural alternatives, such as protection against age-related diseases, increased metabolic rate, and better mental focus.
Learning to Spot Quality
Learning to spot quality coffee is a crucial skill. A good cup of coffee should have a strong aroma, deep flavour, and be rich in body. If the coffee beans are too light, it means they haven’t been properly roasted, and if they’re too dark it means they’ve been overroasted. Experimenting with different levels of roasting can help you figure out the best roast for your taste.
Finding the Right Equipment
Investing in the right equipment is important for making a great cup of coffee. Investing in a good grinder is key as well as a decent coffee machine. This will ensure you’re getting the most out of your coffee beans. After that, all you need to do is invest in good quality beans and practice.
Innovative Brewing
If you really want to take your coffee-drinking experience to another level, there are some innovative brewing techniques you can try. For example, the pour-over method is a popular alternative to the traditional brewing technique and produces a delicious cup of coffee. You may also want to experiment with a French press, which is a great way to bring out the natural oils in the coffee beans and create a unique taste.
Health Benefits of Coffee
An often overlooked benefit to drinking coffee is its health benefits. Studies have shown that drinking up to four cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, neurological diseases, and even some types of cancer. Of course, it is recommended that you always drink in moderation, as too much caffeine can have an adverse effect on your body.
Coffee Culture
Coffee drinking is often seen as an art, and there is a thriving coffee culture worldwide. From Japan to Italy, people come together over their mutual love for coffee. Joining a local coffee club is a great way to meet people and share tips and tricks on the art of coffee drinking. There are also many coffee festivals where you can experience the world of coffee and try different types from all over the globe.
Learning from Experts
Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to coffee professionals if you need more advice about how to drink coffee. Baristas and independent roasters will be more than happy to point you in the right direction, and share their experiences. Additionally, you can check out some of the online resources to get more information on the world of coffee.
