Making coffee at home: the 5 best ways to brew a perfect cup
How many cups of coffee do you drink per day? Lots of us enjoy more than one. As part of our commute, a cup (maybe two) at the office, and of course at home. A drip coffee maker or expresso machine is standard equipment for almost every coffee lover. And, most of us know that there’s more than one way to prepare a delicious coffee at home.
We’re happy to let you in on the secret of the best ways to brew the perfect cup—from instant to pour-over and automatic drip to coffee pods.
Getting perfect coffee from a capsule or pod:
In recent years, the popularity of machines that use coffee pods and espresso capsules has taken off. It’s no wonder! They offer ease of use, a broad selection of flavours, a range of machines from the simple to high-tech and luxury. For those concerned about sustainability, now there are even ways to recycle your used coffee pods.
Preparing coffee with a coffee pod machine:
1
Be sure that you choose pods that are compatible with your machine.
2
For the best results, always put fresh water in the reservoir.
3
Turn the machine on. Wait for it to warm up.
4
It’s a good idea to rinse the machine by running one cup through without a pod or capsule. For best maintenance, this can also be done after every use.
5
Choose a capsule. Insert it into the machine. Close the slider.
6
Making something that has milk? You’ll achieve the tastiest cappuccino or latte with a high intensity espresso or ristretto. Don’t forget to descale your machine on a regular basis to keep getting the best results.
The best way to prepare instant coffee:
Instant coffee is nothing new. Did you know that it’s been around for more than 100 years? In the old days it didn’t have much to offer, but nowadays instant coffees offer a rich aroma and surprising flavour. So, how do you make the perfect cup? Start with quality and be sure to select one that reflects your personal taste. Granular, freeze-dried coffee often provides the most authentic coffee taste.
Preparing instant coffee:
1
Depending on the strength desired, put 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in your cup.
2
Bring some fresh water to the boil.
3
Turn off the heat and wait about 30 seconds for the water to stop boiling before filling your cup to the desired level.
4
Mix thoroughly until you see that all the granules are dissolved.
As with any kind of coffee, you can also add sugar, cream or frothy milk to your instant coffee. Quick, simple and delicious.
DIY pour over: preparing your own drip coffee
Many coffee aficionados say that measuring and pouring drip coffee truly makes a difference. This so-called ‘slow-brewing’ method is both popular and surprisingly economical. With a bit of dedication and practise, you’ll get delicious results that are worth the effort. Start your coffee connoisseur’s journey with a pour-over brewer, a drip pot or a Chemex-style glass carafe. They all use a similar method.
Getting the best coffee out of a french press:
The French press is also a cost-effective method for brewing coffee, especially if you’re just making a cup or two. With a built-in filter it’s also an environmentally-friendly option. Medium-grind coffee is your best bet for a French press, fine-grind or expresso coffee will flow through the filter and you’ll end up with cloudy coffee and grit in the bottom of the cup.
How to use a french press:
1
Put the French press on a flat surface, such as a counter or a table.
2
Holding the handle firmly, remove the plunger/filter and set it aside.
3
Measure out 1 rounded tablespoon of ground coffee per cup (about 150-200 millilitres) and add it to the empty container.
4
You’ll need to boil about 150-200 millilitres of fresh water per cup). As soon as it’s come to the boil, remove from heat and let rest for 30 seconds.
5
Pour it over the ground coffee and mix gently with a long-handled spoon.
6
Now, insert the plunger/filter, make sure that it’s just above the water line. Don’t push it down just yet. Allow the coffee to brew for approximately 4 minutes.
7
Slowly and steadily press down the plunger/filter. Leave it down so that no coffee grounds get into your cup.
8
Serve your coffee and enjoy.
Making the most of an automatic-drip coffee maker
Our lives have gotten easier since the invention of the automatic-drip coffee machine. Even though it seems as if the machine does everything, there are still a few brewing tips to help you make a good cup of coffee even better.
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