When it comes to life’s simplest of pleasures, that first sip of your morning coffee has got to be up there with the best of them. Ridding you of any morning fatigue that can be so hard to shake and setting you up for a busy and successful day, a cup of Joe first thing is a staple many of us couldn’t imagine ever doing without – but let’s face it; having to make the trek to your nearest high-end coffee shop just to get hold of one is nothing short of an inconvenience.
Of course, you can always make your own coffee at home, but getting the same high-quality flavour and the perfect amount of froth – not to mention, service with a smile – can feel almost impossible when you’ve tried and failed several times to get it right. The key? Having the right equipment for the job, and an understanding of coffee and how it tastes best. With these two tricks up your sleeve, making the perfect cup of barista-style coffee is entirely achievable, and better yet, it’s fairly easy, too.
We asked the experts at Coffee Friend to show us how it’s done. Coffee Friends sells a host of quality coffee machines, grinders and anything else you might need to get started, so once you’ve got the goods, you’ll be set to make your enviable cups of coffee every day from the comfort of your home.
Storing your coffee
When it comes to making a good cup of coffee, it’s important to start with laying the right foundations, starting with ensuring you’re storing your coffee correctly. Keeping your coffee fresh is key to maintaining optimal flavour, so don’t be tempted to simply shove it in any old cupboard and leave it at that.
Buying whole coffee beans is preferable to pre-ground alternatives if you can, as they retain their freshness for longer. Ground coffee, on the other hand, can become stale in just a few days if it’s not stored right – but if you don’t have a machine with a grinder and don’t want to buy one, then be sure to keep your ground coffee in optimal conditions.
All types of coffee should be kept in an airtight container to minimise its exposure to oxygen, which can cause it to lose its flavour. Ideally, you’ll want to keep the container in a cool, dark place, but at the very least, it’s crucial to keep it away from humidity, as this can also spoil the taste. That means the fridge, and anywhere near your cooker or kettle, is a no-no.
The right tools for the job
Of course, even the freshest of coffee won’t make you the perfect cup if it isn’t quality coffee in the first place, so choosing a great blend or bean is imperative. Look for options that are certified mycotoxin free, and pay attention to the origin and variety of coffee, as they can taste very different depending on which part of the world they are from – try a few kinds, and see which you like best.
The type of coffee machine you choose is also important, and which one you should choose depends largely on just how serious you are about coffee. If you’re happy to casually enjoy a cup or two per day then a drip coffee machine will do the job, but if you consider yourself a connoisseur and refuse to settle for anything less than perfection, then a precision brewer designed especially for use with craft and high-end coffees is an excellent choice.
Brewing the perfect cup of coffee
To make the ultimate barista-style cup of coffee, finely grind your beans and use an aeropress. Once you’ve inserted your filter paper and rinsed it thoroughly to remove residue, it’s time to go in with your coffee grounds. Around 28g is optimal – top up with 100 ml hot water and store well to ensure all of the grounds are soaked through, then cover and leave to stand for one minute. Once the time is up, direct the aeropress into your mug and push down. It should take around 30 seconds to empty and you’ll be left with a cup of delicious-smelling, rich espresso.
Getting the milk right
If you’re happy with espresso in its simplest form, then sit back, put your feet up and enjoy – but if you like yours with a little milk on top, say in the form of a cappuccino or a latte, then learning how to steam it to get just the right amount of froth is key.
Nothing spoils a good cup of coffee quite like burnt milk, which is why it’s so important to handle it with care. The best way to alleviate yourself of the responsibility? Invest in a high-end pot-style milk frother, which both heats and froths the milk simultaneously, for perfect results, every time.
Pour on top, add sugar or cocoa powder to taste, and enjoy! The perfect cafe-style cup of coffee is now at your fingertips, anytime – and you won’t even have to leave home to get it.
