Coffee. It seems pretty simple and self-explanatory, right?
Going to a coffee shop and ordering your favorite latte or mocha is easy, but have you ever tried making that same drink at home? Here are some helpful tips on how to make a great tasting coffee on your own - whether you're ready to spice things up and try your barista skills at home, or you're looking for a more sustainable option for enjoying your coffee! Tip #1: Figure out what kind of coffee tastes best to you. Often times, a certain kind of coffee will taste better to you than others. This is all dependent on what kind of roast you are buying. When it comes to roasts, there are a million different options out there on store shelves, and in some coffee shops. Just know this, the darker the roast, the bolder the flavor, and vice versa. So you have an idea of the bean roast spectrum. Some supplemental information here: know that with the roast (light or bold and everything in between), there can be some roasts that have entirely different flavors that don't make them more bold or light. Some blends can have a fruity flavor, and others a darker, more hearty and nutty taste. Experiment with what you like, and ask your barista what kind of roast is in your favorite drink next time you're out for coffee! Tip #2: Know how to make coffee! So you want to make coffee at home all by yourself. But do you actually know how to make coffee? If the answer's no, don't worry. First, ask yourself this question: "do I have an espresso machine?" If the answer is no, that's also ok! An uncommon belief surrounding at-home coffee is that you actually need an espresso machine, such as a Mr. Coffee or DeLonghi. However, if you do not own one of these and don't want to spend money on one, that is completely fine. An easy option in this case would be a Keurig (there are smaller, less expensive ones or other brands!), or any kind of small coffee pot that you can heat up on the stove. Do your research, and know how to use the machine you are making your espresso with. The fancier the machine, the more complicated it will likely be - but if you own anything similar to a Keurig or instant coffee maker, it can be as simple as putting in some grounds and pressing a button! Tip #3: When you make your coffee, make your coffee. What I mean here is when the espresso is pulling, the clock is ticking! If there is one important thing I've learned being a barista, it's paying attention to the process of espresso pulling. If you happen to have an espresso machine that pulls actual shots, make sure that they are anywhere from 18-25 seconds long. 17 and 26 second shots are ok, but if you are making something that is more coffee than supplemental flavoring (cream, caramel, chocolate, etc.), then you are going to want to aim for that 18-25 second range. Though this does not apply to Keurig's or instant coffee makers, it's interesting nonetheless. For all the Keurig users and alike out there, here is another tip just for you: don't put a large amount of the actual coffee in your drink that you made. If you are looking to mimic the method of baristas in your favorite coffee shop, consider going lighter on the actual espresso. You're probably thinking I'm crazy for saying this, but trust me, there is less espresso in your coffee than you think there is. Unless of course you order a 6 shot cup of lightning bolts - no judgements. My point here is to experiment with your espresso to milk (or whatever else you put in your coffee) ratio. If a 50/50 spilt works for your taste, go for it! At the end of the day, make yourself something that you will enjoy and everything will come together. Finally, once you have the espresso, don't waste time! Prep your mug or reusable cup with any flavors, milks, or added deliciousness that you want in your coffee before you get your espresso made. You don't have to fill your cup completely, but putting a splash of something inside before the espresso is in there is going to change the taste of your coffee entirely. When espresso sits for too long after being made and is not added to flavor or ice, or whatever it might be mixed with, the flavor of it can change significantly, and not for the better. To avoid a burnt-tasting shot, make sure that you have your cup at the ready with a little something inside so once the espresso is ready, you can just pop it right in with your ingredients and ensure a delicious tasting cup of joe!
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