Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee can be seen as an art form. While everyone may have their own personal preferences in the process, there are some essential steps that are required to make a great cup of coffee that can stand up next to barista-crafted creations. Whether you have a classic kettle, French press, pour-over, or electric coffee maker, here’s the best way to brew coffee.

1. Start With Fresh Beans

Whether you buy pre-ground coffee or beans to grind yourself, the most important step to brewing a great cup of coffee is always starting with fresh beans. Coffee beans begin to lose their freshness as soon as they’re exposed to air, so try to buy from shops with lots of turnover and be sure to store your beans in airtight containers in a cool and dry location.

2. Measure Your Grounds

Once you have your beans, it’s time to measure them out. For brewed coffee, use two tablespoons of coffee grounds per six-ounce cup. For French press, the ratio would be one to two tablespoons per cup. Be sure to measure out enough coffee for the number of cups you’re making.

3. Grind the Coffee

Once you have the coffee grounds measured out, it’s time to grind them. If you’re using pre-ground coffee, it’s already ground fresh, so you can skip this step – though freshly ground is always best. If you’re grinding your own coffee, be sure to use a burr grinder for a precise grind size. A finer grind will require longer to steep.

4. Use Filtered Water

Using filtered or bottled water is important for good tasting coffee. The dissolved solids in tap water can leave an off-taste in your coffee, whereas filtered or bottled water will ensure a clean cup. For an optimal flavor, heat the water to 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Brew Time

Now for the fun part -brewing! Depending on the type of coffee maker you have, the process may vary. For pour-over makers, you’ll want to pour in a circular motion over the grounds until they are all wetted, then let the coffee steep for 4 to 5 minutes. For electric brewers, simply follow the instructions on the machine.

6. Enjoy Your Coffee