Making a delicious coffee drink at home can be a tricky endeavor. Some find the task difficult and challenging while others are perplexed by the process. The truth of the matter is, making an excellent coffee drink doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive or even overly complicated. Here’s how to make a really great, delicious drink in just a few simple steps.
The right coffee beans, and grinding them at home, are key ingredients to making a great coffee. If the beans are fresh, they are the foundation for a great cup. Choose flavorful, premium beans and grind them just prior to use for the freshest flavor. If a grinder is not available, look for freshly pre-ground coffee in the specialty section of your grocery store.
For those wanting to enjoy a latte or cappuccino, an espresso machine is required. While it can be a hefty, one-time investment, a good espresso machine will pay for itself in enjoyment and convenience. For those wanting less investment, stove top espresso makers are an excellent option. Others may want to consider a ‘single-serve’ espresso machine, which will work with pre-packaged espresso capsules to make a great cup of espresso with no fuss.
Once the proper coffee and method of preparation have been determined, it’s time to prepare the steamed milk. For this step you’ll need a concentrate or flavored syrup and some type of a frother. If you won’t have access to a commercial espresso machine’s steamer, you can create frothed milk with a hand frother, whisk or a blender. The important factor for frothed milk is to get lots of air into the milk.
Assembling the drink correctly follows these two steps. Begin by pouring the espresso in the cup of your choice. Once that’s done, add the frothed or steamed milk and stir together. For an extra touch of flavor and sweetness, add a flavored syrup or concentrate. This will provide flavor complexity and depth to your drink. Finally, top the glass with some ground espresso and whipped cream and enjoy.
Quality of Water
Making a great coffee drink at home requires attention to every detail, including the quality of the water used. If the water isn’t of the highest quality, it can affect the flavor of the end product. Proper tasting water should be odorless and flavorless – like filtered tap water. Never use distilled water for making coffee, as it will provide an overly flat flavor.
Before making your coffee drink, use purified filtered water for a great tasting cup of coffee.
Choosing Milk
The actual kind of milk you use to creamer or make your drink with is up to you. Different kinds of milk, such as non-dairy, coconut, or other alternatives, will offer different flavor profiles and richness. Whole milk is recommended for its richness and flavor, but any kind can work as long as it’s nicely steamed.
Choosing Syrup
Syrups and concentrates provide an easy and convenient way to flavor coffee and offer excellent sources of flavor. To make a latte or cappuccino, use either an espresso concentrate, flavored syrup or flavored coffee syrup. Flavor concentrates should be added to taste, as too much can create a cloying aftertaste.
Serving
Serving your coffee drink is the final step. Decorating the cup with a blueberry, cinnamon, or other topping will add flare and a delicious touch. If a sweeter drink is desired, a drizzle of honey or agave nectar can add a pleasant sweetness. A traditional cappuccino can be topped with a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic presentation.
Using A Coffee Brewer
Using a coffee maker realy isn’t that difficult. All you need to do is fill the coffee filter with your freshly ground beans and pour warm water into the tank. Depending on the type, you may need to preheat the water first. Once done, turn the machine on and it will do the rest. It may take a few brews to find the right balance between strength and flavor. Aim for a sharper, more potent taste as the coffee cools quickly.
Flavor Additives
For those wanting to branch out from the traditional espresso drink, there are numerous options to explore. A great way to mix up flavors is by adding various flavor extracts and other flavorings. Many people use a combination of preferred extract and spices for a unique flavor additive. Adding a tablespoon of heavy cream can result in a creamy, rich and exquisite mixture. Other popular flavorings used for espresso drinks include vanilla, almond, hazelnut, cardamom and anise.
Making A Cappuccino
Making a cappuccino is a little bit different than making a plain espresso. Begin with significantly less espresso than usual, using only a splash or two. Fill the cup the rest of the way with some of the frothed or steamed milk. A spoon should be used to top this off with a single shot of espresso. If desired, sprinkle the top with some cocoa or cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
Adding an Artistic Touch
These days, it is becoming fashionable to add an artistic touch top a given drink. To make a latte or cappuccino with an artistic touch, use a spoon to spread the foam numerous times against the side of the cup. This will provide a circular spiral down the cup. It is then possible to add a topping to the drink, such as cocoa, cinnamon, or powdered sugar. Some prefer to go a step further and make the foam into a design, such as leaves or animals.
