To deal with the daily grind, the majority of us start the day with a cup of coffee. There have probably been some instances where you have reluctantly finished off a bad cup of coffee which almost ruined your day. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to brew the perfect cup of coffee.
From cold-drip to French press, there are various brewing processes. You can implement one of these methods that are suitable for you and minimize the chances of having an unsatisfactory caffeinated drink to start your morning. This article will discuss the different ways to brew your coffee and make the best of your morning routine.
Brewing Coffee with an Espresso Machine
You can craft a perfect cup of espresso using top-notch finely ground coffee through which pressurized hot water passes. The beans used for this type of brew are usually roasted for an extended amount of time. The beautiful crema formed on top of thick coffee is a result of this extended roasted bean.
There are different types of espresso machines. The most common one found in many households is the home-based semi-automatic machines. You can also find manual lever machines, portable espresso makers, and fully automatic machines. The ones in cafes are usually commercial machines.
For artisanal and exceptional coffee, many coffee purists opt for the lever espresso machine. This equipment is operated by pumping by hand, and the process can be a bit laborious but worthwhile. However, most people, especially those who have a busy schedule, do not prefer making coffee that takes time and a lot of effort.
Hence, they opt for super-automatic espresso machines as they make coffee in a short time. Most people cannot afford this super-automatic machine as they are quite pricey. Semi-automatic ones are the next best alternative. This is why this machine could be considered the staple of many homes.
You need to bear in mind that whichever brewing method or machine you choose, the quality of the coffee always depends on the type of beans and the brewing time. To keep track of the time the coffee takes to brew, it’s best to use a digital kitchen timer like a tea timer. Your coffee brew will either make or break depending on how well you time it.
Brewing With AeroPress
The best aspect of AeroPress is that it can be carried anywhere and it makes amazing coffee. No wonder the traveling coffee community raves about this machine. The appliance ensures that there is the optimum level of air pressure and optimum temperature of the water, making sure you are getting the best brew within a matter of minutes.
Moreover, this machine allows you to make regular coffee, and almost espresso, and even a nice cold brew coffee. The appliance calls for immersion brew in which the coffee is steeped for around 10 seconds to a minute and then pressured through the filter.
The brew is pressured through the tube with a plunger. You can either use metal filters in disc shape or the AeroPress paper filters.
The French Press
The French press is the coffee cult classic and is the Hail Mary of home-brewed coffee. It is an age-old staple and has been brewing coffee since long before your grandparents were born. It is super convenient to use and makes the perfect brew with a distinct taste and mouthfeel that cannot be achieved by any other method.
The French press is also known as a press pot, melior, plunger coffee, etc. The French press coffee is rich and has an earthy taste. This is achieved by the hot water being pressed through a filter screen with a plunger.
The Vacuum or Siphon Pot
Brewing coffee in a vacuum pot is a unique way of making a cup of joe. It uses a combination of full immersion brew and siphoning action to craft an outstanding cup of coffee. The downside of this method is that it is a tedious process and requires a considerable amount of effort.
The coffee is brewed by two chambers. The vapor and vacuum pressure work together to make a great-tasting cup of coffee. Also known as the siphon, it works by heating and cooling the vapors of the water from the carafe chambers. The gases then migrate to the infusion chamber and go back to the carafe until the finely brewed coffee has been produced.
Chemex
The Chemex coffee maker brews coffee in style. Besides the appliance having a great aesthetic appeal, it also makes phenomenal coffee. Users benefit from producing four cups of coffee at one go, making it an easy crowd pleaser and very convenient.
However, it does require some skill and practice to master the grind size and control the water temperature and volume of coffee. But once you do, you will never go back to regular forms of coffee, it is that good. The main trick relies on the infusion method. The body and taste of the coffee are quite similar to drip coffee.
Chemex filters are thicker than those used in other methods, and hence it can take some time to get a slow brew and a refreshing coffee taste. With Chemex, you can recreate a cafe experience at home.
Cold Brew or Cold Drip
The main catch of this method is the time, but the resulting coffee tastes out of this world. The cold brew does not necessarily require any additives like milk and sugar as the natural flavors of the bean get highlighted perfectly.
For optimum results, it might require a whole day of brewing. A mix of ground coffee and water should be stirred and left to cool overnight. Strain the mixture the next day before serving a cup. The straining will remove the excess coffee.
Cold-brew or cold drip is very popular due to its exceptional taste. Moreover, you do not have to worry about scalding your tongue when you are having your coffee. You can make cold brew by using a cold brew coffee maker or by simply using a mason jar.
Your patience will be rewarded with the amazing smooth finish of the coffee with an intense taste that has no bitterness and acidity. The best part is that it can stay fresh for 14 days, meaning you can make it over the weekend, and you are set for two weeks.
Final Words
Coffee is a beverage that most adults can’t live without. Find out which method is best suited for you and include that brewing process in your daily regime.