10 timeless tips for a perfect cup of coffee

Few quests in human history have captivated men and women around the world as much as the search for the perfect cup of coffee. Yes, believe it or not, coffee connoisseurs have dedicated lifetimes in the quest to find that cup of the most heavenly coffee ever made. However, if you’re like most people, you’re just looking for an easy way to brew a great-tasting cup of coffee to get you started in the morning. The following 10 timeless tips for the perfect cup of coffee should help you on your mini-search.

1. You get what you pay for

When it comes to coffee machines, quality counts. If you buy the cheapest coffee maker on the market, you will likely end up with an equally “reduced” flavor in your cup. To ensure great-tasting coffee day after day, check out Bunn, Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Krups and Senseo brands. Alternatively, check out a French press. For that personal cup of coffee, you can never go wrong with a French press!

2. Clean as a whistle

You wouldn’t cook your favorite main course in a dirty pan, would you? So why are so many people surprised at how bad their homemade coffee tastes when they use the same pot every day without even cleaning it? Try baking soda and water for a great cleanup after every pot you make.

3. It’s all in the bean

If you’re not grinding your own coffee, where have you been? The best tasting coffees come from freshly ground premium beans. You can savor the flavor of gourmet barista-style coffees in your own home by simply grinding small batches of your own brew. To top off the perfect cup, you’ll want to use Arabica beans, simply the best in the world! Store your beans and ground coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place between 50º and 70º F.

4. Roasting and toasting: making the “est” flavor

Once you’ve settled on the highest quality beans, you’ll want to consider how you like your beans roasted. Roasting releases the flavor of the bean and helps determine if your coffee is smooth, rich, or smooth. Experiment with a variety of roasts and choose which one you like best!

5. Shred it

Even though many store-bought coffees say “For All Coffee Makers,” selecting the right grind for your coffee maker is key to creating the perfect cup. A general guide to grinds includes:

Auto Drip: Medium Grind

Plunger or French press: coarse grind

Percolator: coarser grind

Espresso machine: fine grind

6. What is in your water?

When it comes to coffee, fresh is the name of the game and believe it or not, fresh water will make a world of difference in every cup. Think about it: Since your coffee is 99% water, you’ll want to make sure you choose the best-tasting water you can find. Bottled, distilled, or purified water seems to do the trick for countless H2O-conscious coffee connoisseurs.

7. Measure it

To ensure perfection every time, you’ll want to make sure you scoop out the correct amount of ground coffee. Of course, your personal taste preference should be the final judge, but a general rule of thumb is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per six ounces of water.

8. Bling, Bling in your coffee?

While we’re not talking about diamonds or platinum, using gold (or stainless steel) mesh filters in your coffee maker will go a long way toward making your cup of coffee taste great. Many paper filters release bleaches, chlorine, and dyes that can leave you with a bitter cup of coffee. If you must use paper, use unbleached filters for best results.

9. Prepare it well

One key to great-tasting coffee every time is to make sure your water is “off the boil,” a fancy term that simply means “not quite boiling.” To achieve this water temperature, boil your water and then let it cool for a few moments (195-205°F) and you’ll be sure to get a perfect cup every time.

10. Drink it in style

Drink your freshly brewed gourmet coffee in a glass or porcelain mug. Unless you like the bitter taste, avoid reheating your coffee in the microwave or on the stove.

If you continue to brew with these ten timeless tips in mind, you’re sure to find that your cup will be filled with great-tasting coffee every time.