Need a new morning coffee ritual? We’ve got you covered for new ways to improve your coffee game.
For most people, that first morning cup of joe is absolutely essential to starting the day. You may have even notice that friends and family members fear interacting with you until you’ve had your coffee. This experience is very real. So, instead of diminishing it down to a basic need to get coffee in the morning, you need a ritual that will get you out of your already brain-dead slump and into a creative way to get that important first sip. Take a look at these simple tips to help you get the best out of your coffee:
Pre-Warm That Mug
Before you do anything at all, you need to boil that water to place in your mug of choice to preheat it. Why, you ask? Because a preheated mug will help keep your coffee warmer for a lot longer. Its flavor will also increase, which of course, we can’t pass that up. It’s the same reason why you would want to warm your clothes in the dryer before heading out in the snow. Comfortable and oh so smart, this is simple to do and will be done by the time your actual coffee is ready for that first sip.
Don’t Be Precious with Your Beans
We assume you understand that as an avid coffee drinker, you wouldn’t be so stingy with your beans. Well, believe it or not, there are people out there who actually let their beans sit for special occasions. Impossible, we know, so we’re putting this in the list to remind everyone that it’s ok to use your beans as soon as possible. The more you wait, the less flavor, and we can’t have that, can we? We even tested this ourselves and ended up comparing the two-week old bean flavor to cardboard. Don’t let your coffee become cardboard. Use it.
Don’t Overboil That Water
Yes, even the water temperature you use is important. Why not? It’s the same for teas, so why shouldn’t the same be for your coffee? 200 degrees. That’s the best water temperature for your coffee beans. Let your kettle cool off a bit for about 20-40 seconds before pouring it over your beans. This should give you enough time to get the mail or catch up on all the latest TikTok trends. We know you’re anxious and can’t wait to inhale that live-giving beverage but be patient. Your coffee is almost ready.
Wet Your Filter
Don’t pour those ground beans into your coffee filter just yet. You should be wetting your filter first. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a pour-over or the classic coffee machine; coffee filters will always give off a flavor despite whatever they say about their treatment at the manufacturing plant. Wetting it first will help rid the filter of any nasty flavor that might mix in with your coffee—no need to go crazy. Dampening the surface will also help hold it to the surface of your machine to prevent any slips and mishaps. You’re already aggravated enough from not having your morning coffee yet. We understand.
Don’t Forget The Golden Ratio
If you’re using the good stuff (we’re talking about beans you’d purchase from a reputable coffee roaster), the general rule of 1:16 ratio. That’s coffee to water, mind you. This means about 3 tablespoons of either ground coffee or beans to every 12 ounces of water for a perfect balance of bitter to your brew. Of course, you may want your coffee stronger or lighter than this, and you’re welcome to change the ratio to fit what you want. The Golden Ratio is there to give you what is scientifically regarded as the best cup of coffee with the most flavor and balance, but we can’t control your life.
Bonus Round: Espresso!
We didn’t forget you, espresso drinkers, out there! Different ways to make coffee need different methods to the morning ritual. Here are some ways to make your espresso the best it can be. We won’t judge just because you like espresso.
Wet That Screen
Want a more concentrated and consistent flavor? Of course, you do. That’s why you need to make sure that the screen sitting on top of the compacted beans is thoroughly wet. This will ensure the water runs evenly through the entire screen while you’re brewing to give you a better espresso shot.
Get to Know Your Espresso: Break up the Crema
You know that creamy froth sitting on the very top of your espresso? That’s the crema and it can tell you all sorts of things about your beans. Breaking it up by stirring it with your spoon will release hundreds of aromatics that tell you everything you need to know like the saltiness or sweetness of the bean. Know your beans. The more you know, the better you brew.
Iced Espresso Cool Down
If you’re the type of person that likes a cold one in the morning (no, we weren’t referring to that) then wait a bit before you pour that hot liquid over all that ice. I mean, do we really need to tell you this? Both iced espresso and coffee benefit from this. Adding that cold milk to a shot of espresso before pouring the cooled mixture over the ice to give you less water and therefore more smack-you-in-the-face flavor. We all want that kind of flavor, don’t we?
Are you ready to start your new morning ritual? You’ll be glad you did when you take that first sip and realize what you’ve been missing. Enjoy.
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