Good Coffee at Home

Do you ever wonder why making coffee at home just never quite tastes like it does when you buy a cup at the coffee shop? 

There are a few reasons for this (I believe)...

So today, I will share a couple tips... and this might just help make your cup-a-coffee that you enjoy in your PJs taste almost as good as it does when you pay over two bucks for a cup at the shop. 

Brewing the Best Cup at Home: 

#1: Use the best beans. Freshly roasted is key. Make sure you buy whole bean coffee. Or buy whole bean coffee at the store/shop and grind it on site. Some ground coffees sit on store shelves for a long time. Grinding as close to brewing is essential. 

#2: Use filtered water. Coffee shops like the one I work at have the best filter systems... coffee is only as good as the water that you use. 

#3: Use the correct grind. If your coffee machine is a flat bottom filter, or cone filter, or french press, or percolator, or espresso machine... there is a special grinding method for each type of coffee making system. Coffee ground too fine will be too strong. Coffee ground too coarse will be too weak. Know your type of coffee making system.

#4: Use the correct amount of coffee. This is for all of you who "eye-ball-it". Your Barista would never do such a thing! Our coffee shop recommends using two level tablespoons per 6 ounces of water. But you can adjust it to your taste. 

#5: Drink it up. Coffee should not be left on a burner. As it sits and heats up... the coffee starts to take on a burnt flavor. Put it in an air-pot, or cup. 

For the "coffee snobs" out there: 

I mean "coffee snobs" in a good way. Smile. When buying coffee beans... the best places to buy coffee are from stores that roast coffee beans in small batches to peak flavor. The Coffee Shop I work at roasts only what is needed. In fact, our coffee usually is sold within 5 days of roasting. The coffee that the owner/roaster chooses is selected from the finest coffee farms in the world. He has even flown to visit and "cup" coffees from different parts of the world. 

When visiting your local coffee shops... ask the Baristas about their coffee. If they are well-trained to answer questions... that usually means that they take pride in the entire coffee process and understand the art.