How To Make Great Coffee: Tips & Advice

A delicious cup of coffee and glasses sitting next to the cup. The cup is laid on an outdoor table.

Coffee lovers never forget where they had the best cup of coffee in their entire life, and where they had the worst. This is because not all coffee is the same. For that matter, not all brewing methods are equally effective. You know how when you visit Grandma, she offers you coffee made in a percolator? When she’s not looking, you dump it down the sink. A good machine and a blend, though, and you have what you need to make great coffee. If you’re looking for tips on how to make great coffee–look no further!

We’ll cover several steps on how to make great coffee, which are often missed. By following the these tips, we’ll get you on the path to becoming your own barista!

5 Tips On How To Make Great Coffee:

It’s Mainly About the Beans

First, you have to start with really good beans. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive coffee in the store, although you’ll usually find that with really cheap coffee, the flavor leaves something to be desired. You may need to experiment a bit to find out what suits you best. If you are dining out, and the coffee is outstanding, you might ask what the restaurant is using. You’ll probably be able to find the blend at your local supermarket.

Now, having talked about beans, let’s talk for a minute about what makes up most of your coffee – the water. Of course you’re thinking, “Hey, I just turn on the tap and I get water.” You do, but how good is the water? Putting it this way, if you buy bottled water to drink because your tap water is less than stellar, use the bottled water to make your coffee as well. Nasty tasting water does not make great coffee.

Store Your Coffee Properly

If your coffee comes in a can, all you really need to do is make sure the lid is down tight after you’ve opened the coffee. If it’s in a bag, transfer it to an airtight container to make sure it doesn’t lose quality. Also, don’t leave the container in direct sunlight – that can also cause a loss in flavor, and sometimes even a rancid taste.

Grind your Own

To get the very best, freshest flavor, buy whole beans and get a good coffee grinder. Grind only what you need for the pot you’re making. Coffee beans are delicate, and they don’t hold their flavor well if ground in advance.

Brew a Cup at a Time

Many coffee lovers find that a single-cup brewer is a great investment. You can make great coffee in about a minute, and you know it’s always fresh. Also, you’re not wasting coffee. You can use your favorite blend, or buy the pre-packaged cups that are made especially for the brewer.

Remember the Extras

Many coffee aficionados are firmly of the belief that there should be nothing but coffee in your coffee – no cream, no sugar, no additives. But, if you want to switch it up a bit, there are all kinds of flavored creamers on the market today. Why not try one?