How to Make a Really Good Cup of Coffee

Become a Master At-Home-Barista

Do you find you like coffee that you buy from your local cafe, but you just can't get as good a tasting brew at home? Would you rather put the expense of a daily cup of coffee toward your savings instead of taking a hit in your finances every month?

Whatever your reasons, learning to make a really good cup of coffee at home is an art. Many people who swear they dislike coffee actually find they like it when it's made well. And you can save yourself some money by making your own coffee and taking it to work.

So here are some tips on making a really good cup of coffee at home.

Clean Machine

The number one killer of good coffee is a dirty coffee maker. Make sure your coffee maker is clean before you start! Clean your coffee maker with 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water; run it through the coffee maker and then follow with 2 pots of fresh, clear water. Disassemble it, and allow it to dry overnight before putting it all back together.

Some machines will have an indcator notifying you when the machine needs to be cleaned. If you use it multiple times each day, then a monthly cleaning schedule is worth considering.

Which Machine Is Best?

Have you ever wondered why some coffee makers are less than $25 and others are over $250? It's because the really expensive ones really do make better-tasting coffee, so buy the best one you can afford. The higher-priced models are made with stainless steel and materials other than plastic, which preserves the taste of the coffee over time. The more expensive machines also get the water hotter, which, as we will see below, makes a difference in taste.

By the way, yard sales and garage sales are a great place to look for second-hand but high-quality coffee makers for little money.

You can also forego a machine altogether and use a French press. Some maintain that the French press is the ideal way to make the perfect cup of coffee.

Water

If you are using tap water, it's likely that your coffee won't taste as good. It's also going to speed up the calcification of the inside of your machine, especially if you have hard tap water. Use filtered water for the best results, and make sure it is fresh and cold. 

The Beans

Now that your machine is clean and your water is fresh, cold, and filtered, it's on to the actual coffee beans. 

Coffee beans grow stale quickly. If you get ground coffee, buy small quantities so you use it up quickly. Its freshness only lasts about a week. If you really want a good cup of coffee, though, get whole coffee beans and invest in a grinder. Go for high-quality beans, not the typical mass-produced stuff. If you have a local coffee shop, get your beans there instead of at the grocery store. Local cafes typically offer the best beans from local roasters, and while you are there, you could probably sample a few brewed at the cafe.

How Much?

The general rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons of freshly-ground coffee per 6-ounce cup of water. Some people like to add one extra tablespoon at the end just for extra strength. Most product labeling will indicate the best measure for the brand you have purchased. Ultimately, this is a taste preference, and often more is actually better than less, but test your own pallet preference.

Drink It Soon

Drink your coffee as soon as possible after it's brewed. It starts to lose flavor after a while, so brew in small batches. Reheating coffee in the microwave will alter the taste.

Remember these 6 Tips to Making a Really Good Cup of Coffee:

1. Keep your machine clean
2. Quality machine with stainless steele parts over plastic
3. Water quality; use cold filtered water for best results
4. Better beans will provide a better taste, find which type of bean you prefer
5. Follow the product instructions for how much ground coffee to use, adjust to personal preference
6. Make it fresh, drink it soon

With a little trial and error, you should be well on your way to making a really good cup of coffee and become a master at-home-barista!

Your Cup is Full 💗 Enjoy Every Sip