How To Make Really Good Coffee

Making a really good cup of coffee at home is easier than you think! By starting with whole, fresh coffee beans and using the right brewing techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying cup every time. Say goodbye to bland coffee and elevate your morning routine with these simple tips. Whether you’re a fan of light, medium, or dark roasts, this guide will help you brew the perfect cup.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Recipe

• Fresh Flavor: By grinding your coffee beans right before brewing, you’ll enjoy the freshest, most aromatic coffee possible. No more stale, bland coffee!
• Customizable: This recipe lets you choose your preferred roast—light, medium, or dark—so you can brew coffee that matches your taste perfectly.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need coffee beans and water, making this a quick and easy way to enjoy high-quality coffee without any complicated steps.
• Better Than Store-Bought: With the right techniques, you can make coffee that rivals your favorite coffee shop, right in your own kitchen.
• Versatile Brewing: Whether you drink your coffee immediately or store it in a thermal carafe for later, this recipe ensures a great-tasting cup every time.

Ingredients For How To Make Really Good Coffee

• Whole Coffee Beans – Using whole beans ensures the freshest flavor. Choose light, medium, or dark roast depending on your preference.
• Bottled or Filtered Water – The water you use directly affects the taste of your coffee. Clean, fresh water is key for a great brew.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Really Good Coffee

• Coffee Grinder: Essential for grinding whole coffee beans fresh before brewing.
• Coffee Maker: Whether you use a drip coffee maker, French press, or pour-over, having the right brewing tool is key.
• Measuring Spoon: This helps you measure the perfect amount of coffee beans for the water ratio.
• Airtight Container: To keep your coffee beans fresh, store them in an airtight container after opening.
• Thermal Carafe (Optional): If you’re not drinking your coffee right away, a thermal carafe will keep it hot without altering the flavor.

Ever wondered why the coffee you make is a far cry from Starbucks®? ;)  Here’s how to make really good coffee at your own home:

1. Start With Whole Coffee Beans

Using packaged pre-ground coffee (or even worse, instant coffee) will not give you good results – you’ll get stale-tasting brown water :)  Grinding the beans is extremely easy!  Just buy a cheap coffee grinder, and then all you need to do is put the beans there and press the button.  30 seconds and you are done!

2. Coffee Beans Must Be Fresh

Look at the expiration date at the store when you buy your coffee – make sure the expiration date is far away.  Once the package is opened, use it as soon as possible – their flavor noticebly deteriorates even as fast as after a week.  Store in the air-tight container.  If you still have some left a month after you opened it, throw it out.

I store my coffee in the original packages (assuming they are resealable) – I force out as much air as I can, then seal the package.  I store opened packages in the refrigerator door – I found that they stay fresh longer in the refrigerator then in the pantry.

3. Grind Coffee Beans Right Before Using

Studies found that the ground coffee loses most of its aroma 20 minutes after grinding.  So grind the beans right before brewing your cofee.

4. Use Bottled Or Filtered Water

If your tap water doesn’t taste good right out of the faucet, if won’t taste good in your coffee!  Remember, your coffee will taste as good as the ingredients that go in it :)

5. Use Enough Coffee

Most people don’t put enough COFFEE into their coffee :)  If there is not enough coffee beans, your coffee will taste blah.  I use 3 tbsp of coffee beans per every 8 oz of water.

6. Choose The Right Roast Of Coffee Beans

Should you choose light, medium or dark roast? Unless you already know your preference, I recommend starting with the light roast.  I personally like the Starbucks® Light Roast Breakfast Blend coffee beans.   Then try the medium.   Dark roast is quite bitter, it’s definately not for everybody :)

7. If Not Drinking Coffee Right Away, Use Thermal Coffeemaker

If you drink your coffee right after brewing, it doesn’t really matter what coffeemaker you use (thermal or glass carafe).  But if you let the coffee sit in the carafe before you drink it, you must use thermal.

Glass carafe coffeemakers keep the coffee hot by letting it sit on a heated element.  When the coffee is constantly heated, it gets this yucky burned taste.

Thermal coffeemakers keep the coffee hot by insulated thermal carafe.  Once the coffee is brewed, it’s not longer heated, so the taste doesn’t get altered.

8. Don’t Forget To Clean Your Coffeemaker

When you are done with your coffee, don’t forget to clean your coffeemaker!  If you don’t usually eat from dirty plates, don’t make your coffee in a dirty coffemaker :) Discard the coffee filter and wash the carafe after each use.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your freshly brewed coffee with a splash of milk or cream for added richness.
• Pair your coffee with a light breakfast such as toast, pastries, or fruit for a perfect start to your day.
• For a refreshing twist, try adding a touch of flavored syrup like vanilla or hazelnut.
• Enjoy your coffee alongside a sweet treat like a cookie or biscotti for a mid-morning pick-me-up.

Tips For Success

• Store Coffee Properly: Always keep your coffee beans in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. Store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid the fridge as frequent opening can cause moisture buildup, which negatively affects the beans.
• Grind Right Before Brewing: Freshly ground beans make all the difference. Coffee begins losing its flavor as soon as it’s ground, so only grind what you need right before brewing.
• Use The Right Water-To-Coffee Ratio: Using the proper amount of coffee beans is crucial for getting the right strength and flavor. Stick to 3 tablespoons of beans per 8 oz of water, but feel free to adjust this ratio if you prefer a stronger or weaker brew.
• Use Clean, Filtered Water: Water quality affects the taste of your coffee. If your tap water doesn’t taste great, use filtered or bottled water instead for the best flavor.
• Choose The Right Roast: If you’re unsure about the roast, start with a light roast for a milder flavor. Medium roast provides more depth, and dark roast is bolder and more bitter. Experiment to find your personal favorite.
• Brew Time Matters: Follow the correct brewing time for your method to avoid under-extracted (too sour) or over-extracted (too bitter) coffee.
• Clean Your Coffee Maker Regularly: Over time, oils from coffee beans can build up in your coffee maker and affect the taste. Make it a habit to clean your machine after each use and deep clean it periodically.

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Brewing Methods: If you want to experiment, try using different brewing methods such as French press, pour-over, or a cold brew system. Each method will bring out different flavor profiles in the coffee.
• Adjust the Roast: Depending on your taste preference, you can switch between light, medium, or dark roast coffee beans. Light roast is milder with more acidity, while dark roast has a stronger, bolder flavor with a hint of bitterness. Medium roast offers a balance between the two.
• Flavored Coffee: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder to your coffee grounds before brewing for an extra layer of flavor. This is a simple way to customize your coffee without the need for artificial syrups.
• Milk and Cream Alternatives: If you prefer your coffee with milk, try swapping dairy milk for alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. These can add different textures and flavors to your coffee.
• Sweeteners: Instead of regular sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or agave to sweeten your coffee naturally. Each sweetener will provide a unique taste.
• Cold Brew Option: For a refreshing summer drink, use coarsely ground coffee and cold water to make cold brew. Let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours, then strain and serve over ice.
• Spiced Coffee: For a warming twist, add a pinch of cardamom, cloves, or ginger to your coffee grounds before brewing. This works especially well with medium or dark roasts.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Once you’ve opened your bag of coffee beans, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Keep the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. Avoid placing coffee beans in the refrigerator or freezer, as the fluctuating temperature and moisture can affect their flavor.
• Reheating: If you’ve brewed more coffee than you can drink in one sitting, store the extra coffee in a thermal carafe to keep it hot without altering its taste. Avoid leaving coffee on a warming plate, as it can develop a burnt or bitter flavor. If you need to reheat leftover coffee, heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for short intervals, but be aware that reheating can slightly degrade the taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of coffee beans should I use?

For the freshest and most flavorful coffee, always use whole coffee beans. You can choose between light, medium, or dark roast depending on your preference. Light roast has a milder flavor, while dark roast is bolder and more bitter.

Can I store my coffee beans in the fridge?

It’s not recommended to store coffee beans in the refrigerator because the frequent temperature changes and moisture can degrade the flavor. Instead, keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry.

How much coffee should I use for one cup?

The general rule is to use 3 tablespoons of coffee beans per 8 oz of water. You can adjust this ratio to suit your personal taste preferences, but this is a good starting point for a balanced brew.

Can I grind my coffee beans in advance?

It’s best to grind your coffee beans right before brewing. Ground coffee loses most of its aroma within 20 minutes, so grinding in advance will result in a less flavorful brew.

What’s the best water to use for brewing coffee?

Filtered or bottled water is ideal for brewing coffee, especially if your tap water doesn’t taste good on its own. Water quality can significantly affect the flavor of your coffee.

What’s the difference between light, medium, and dark roast coffee?

Light roast coffee is milder and more acidic, while dark roast coffee has a bolder, slightly bitter taste. Medium roast strikes a balance between the two. It’s best to try different roasts to see which one you prefer.

Other Easy Coffee Recipes

Easy Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee: Make a refreshing iced coffee in minutes using instant coffee, perfect for a quick and easy caffeine boost.

DIY Iced Coffee Latte at Home: Whip up a creamy and delicious iced coffee latte at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkish Coffee: Learn how to brew authentic Turkish coffee with rich flavor and a velvety texture using traditional techniques.

Alcoholic Coffee Drinks – Adding Liquor to Coffee: Elevate your coffee by mixing in your favorite liquor for a smooth, warming, and flavorful drink.

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