How do you take your coffee?
If you live in the United States, odds are you kick off every morning with a nice, hot cup of coffee. And while your choice of beverage may not seem all that unique, there are dozens of ways you can tweak your daily shot of caffeine to suit your taste.
That said, whether you take your coffee black or loaded up with fancy creamers, there is one thing every cup of coffee has in common: you need to brew it first. But, no matter what you decide to mix into it once your coffee is hot and ready, nothing affects the taste more than coffee brewing methods.
Thinking about shaking up your morning brew, but aren’t sure where to start? Here are five different ways to brew coffee that every coffee lover should try at least once.
How to Choose Coffee Brewing Methods
Before you decide which coffee brewing methods are right for you, there are two crucial factors you need to consider: timing and taste.
First, while we would all love to be able to dedicate a good chunk of our morning to brewing a perfect cup of coffee, we don’t all have time for that. So keep your morning routine in mind when deciding which of these is right for you.
You also need to take your coffee preferences into account when choosing a brewing method. The brewing process can affect the strength, acidity, and overall flavor of your coffee. So, keep that in mind before making a final decision.
1. Automatic Drip Coffee Pot
If you’re not new to brewing coffee yourself and live in the United States, odds are you’re already familiar with this brewing method. Mr. Coffee invented and popularized the modern automatic drip coffee maker in the 70s. And, for a lot of households, this super-simple machine is still a preferred brewing method.
If you live in a household with multiple coffee drinkers, the classic coffee pot is one of your best bets because you can make several cups at the same time.
As a bonus, a lot of modern coffee pots come with a built-in timer, so your machine will start brewing your coffee automatically whenever you like. So, if you’re one of those people who need your coffee the second you roll out of bed, an automatic drip system may be just the ticket.
That said, the traditional automatic drip system does tend to make weaker brews than other methods. But, if you prefer a lighter cup in the morning, this method is perfect for you.
2. Percolator
Do you like your coffee strong enough to wake up your neighbors? Then you may want to consider investing in a percolator.
The percolator is a pretty old school coffee brewing method, and there’s a reason it’s still popular. Unlike the other methods on this list, percolators let the coffee grounds marinate, which is why it makes such a strong cup.
The biggest downside to the percolator comes from its greatest strength. Because most percolators let the coffee sit directly in the water, there’s a greater possibility of winding up with a few loose grounds in your mug. But, if your willing to take that risk, your reward will be a cup strong enough to keep you going all day.
3. French Press
The classic french press can be a bit tricky to master. But, with a little practice and patience, it can help you create a silky smooth, robust cup that will transport your tastebuds to a cafe in Paris.
When it comes to the French press, or press pot, the trick lies in the grounds. To avoid the grounds slipping past the filter and winding up in your mug, you’re going to want to make sure to use medium or coarsely ground coffee.
Method aside, the French press can also make clean up a little trickier. But, if you’re willing and able to spend a little more time on your coffee, this method is well worth the extra work.
4. Pour-Over
If you love the single-cup life and are ready to take things back to basics, then the pour-over method is ideal for all your coffee needs.
With the pour-over method, all you need is a coffee cone and a way to heat water, and you can make yourself a cup of coffee that will rival any fancy coffee shop.
The pour-over system is a favorite of coffee fanatics because it is one of the quickest and simplest and cheapest ways to make a perfect cup. All you do is place a coffee filter in your coffee cone and add a few scoops of your grounds. Then pour hot water over the grounds and revel in the sweet aroma of fresh coffee brewing right under your nose.
The only downside to the pour-over system is that it can take a little more effort than other brew methods. You have to be careful when pouring the hot water over the grounds so that you maintain a steady drip and don’t overflow. But, outside of that, if you’re looking for an easy way to up your coffee game, you can’t go wrong with the pour-over.
5. Cold Brew
Whether you live in a warmer climate or don’t like to have to wait for your coffee to cool, cold brew is a great way to get your fix without overheating or burning your tongue.
Unlike iced coffee, which uses hot water in its brewing process, cold brew is coffee brewed slowly using cold water. The finished process is a refreshing cool coffee beverage with a hint of natural sweetness that doesn’t need any extra sugar.
The biggest downside to cold brew is, unlike conventional hot methods that brew in a matter of minutes, cold brew can take up to 24 hours to brew. That said, if you’re willing to put in the time, this method is well worth the effort.
However, no matter what method you use to craft your coffee, your finished product will only be as good as your beans. Check out these facts to learn a bit more about single-origin coffee and how it can completely change your coffee game for the better.
The Best Way to Brew Your Beans
Every single one of these coffee brewing methods comes with its own set of pros and cons. Some that are quick and easy may make a weak cup. Others that create a robust, full-bodied flavor may take up half your morning.
As we said at the top of this article, a person’s coffee preference is a bit like a fingerprint: everyone’s is different. So, even though one of these methods works well for someone you know, it may not be the best option for you, and that’s ok.
When it comes to coffee preferences, there aren’t any wrong answers. No matter how you brew your bean juice or what you put in it, you always wind up with a tasty cup of coffee that will help you take on whatever life can throw at you.
Are you looking for more advice on how you can take your coffee consumption to the next level? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles, tips, tricks, and hacks today!
