How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Some of the world's most effective thoughts happen over a brew of morning's coffee.

If you are an avid coffee lover, you must know the different types and flavors of coffee as well.

Coffee addicts need a strongly brewed cup every morning to start there day.

Let us go through some of the best brewing tips, how to make individual coffee flavors, and how you can make your brew!

TIPS TO BREW THE BEST CUP

• The most important part is to start with high-quality coffee beans. The better the beans, the better taste of your coffee. You can search for some of the best roasters available in your area.
• In the start, 3-10 days of its grinding is when the coffee is at its peak and freshest point. Make sure you use it in this period or else the aroma disappears.
• Your coffee also needs to be stored away from light, moisture, and at an optimum temperature to ensure the quality is not affected in any form.
• Only grind your coffee beans when you need to use them. Otherwise, store them in the form of beans to retain the flavor.
• Use good quality, plain water to get the perfect taste of coffee in it.
• Make sure you thoroughly and regularly clean the insides of your coffee machine. Any deposits inside will make your coffee taste horrible.
• It takes 4-8 minutes for the coffee to completely brew. You can try and wait or even add an alarm for it. However, do not let your coffee sit in too long.
• Try to serve and drink your coffee as soon as it is brewed. Keeping it for longer periods ruins its taste and might make it more bitter.
• Your beans should be stored properly away from moisture, humidity, and sun. You might be able to freeze seeds as well if you want to store them for a longer time.
• Experts think that freezing the seeds might help retain some sort of taste and freshness, but that depends a lot on the type of coffee beans and the method of storage.

STYLES OF BREWING

The method of brewing coffee can not only change the taste but also the intensity. Here are some ways you can choose to brew: 

• Pour over: If you like a stronger cup of coffee, you can simply put hot water over coffee grounds and let it drop down.
• Drip Brew: Ground coffee is placed in a basket and hot water passes through it and coffee is brewed.
• Cold Brew: For a lighter strength of coffee, place it in room temperature water for a longer time.
• Espresso: Forced water passed through the machine, and a strong and concentrated coffee cup is produced.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF COFFEE & BREWING METHOD

Now, let us look at different types of Coffee, and how they are made to perfection. 

LATTE

Also called Café au Lait, Latte is one of the most popular flavors of coffee to exist in the world. This typically involves using milk and brewed coffee at a ratio of 50:50. 

This type of coffee was originated from European cuisine and then spread to the whole world. This type is used a lot for breakfast. In terms of method and taste, it resembles a lot to cappuccino. 

Latte is mostly served in a tall glass with an addition of straw. It can be made both in hot and cold milk, as per need. There is a version of Iced latte which is consumed a lot as a snack or in hot countries. 

To prepare it, you need to have an Espresso machine, milk jug, and cups. The foam settles on the top of coffee which makes it look like it is floating on the surface. 

Method:

• Prepare an espresso shot and add it to your cup.
• Add milk in your jug
• Foam your milk according to preference. 
• Pour it in your brewed coffee with a height.
• Keep some amount of stiffed foam at the top.
• Enjoy.

In terms of the milk that is added, regular fat milk can be replaced with either soya milk or even oat milk according to the requirement. 

In some countries, the salted milk foam is also used in which sea salt is used to add a little twist to the regular twist of coffee. 

In South Asia, masala chai has replaced this version of Latte. Some might mix tea with a latte and call it Chai Latte. 

CAPPUCINO

Another famous type of coffee that involves the addition of milk, cream, or other variations of milk is called Cappuccino. This drink originated from Italy and now has spread worldwide due to its demand and popularity. 

By definition, it is a type of coffee that is made from brewed espresso and the addition of milk. This type of coffee is made majorly by the espresso machine, in which strong coffee is made by the force of the machine. The foam settles on top of the cup are often decorated with various chocolate or coffee designs. 

In different parts of the world, the ratio of foam, milk, and espresso varies. It is due to the history and the adapted taste of the people there, where the milk may be increased or decreased accordingly. 

As compared to latte, cappuccino is often served in a smaller cup, and the quantity of foam is more too. This foam is made by frothing regular milk.

Method: 

• A shot of espresso is prepared by an espresso machine
• The milk is frothed to create microfoam.A Single espresso is added to the cup and frothed milk is added to the top.
• Artistic shapes may be made on top.

A variation is making a double cappuccino, in which a double shot of espresso is added. This is for people who like a stronger cup of coffee but also with the addition of milk in it. Iced cappuccino is also popular where ice is added to the regular cup. 

Since it is made with milk and too heavy, this might be taken at breakfast or earlier in the day. Flat white or Latte resembles a lot to the typical cappuccino, as the composition is more or less the same. 

Mocha

Mocha or Café Mocha, is quite similar to Latte except that it has an addition of Chocolate flavor. This name is derived from a city Mocha in Yemen which is quite famous for being the pioneers in the coffee trade.

Just like Café Late, Mocha is also made from Espresso shot in which hot milk is added, but the chocolate flavor and sweetener is also added. The chocolate may be added in the form of raw cocoa powder and with sugar. Some also use a good quality of milk or dark chocolate or even chocolate syrup. 

To simplify the term, Mocha may be referred to as hot chocolate with added espresso. In this flavor, froth is also added to the top of the cup. Also, whipped cream may be added just like regular hot chocolate has. Other options may include the addition of icing sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon powder, or even marshmallows. All of these ingredients are added to enhance the taste and beauty of the drink. 

Café mocha has another flavor in which white chocolate is used. When white and milk chocolate is used altogether it might be referred to as marble mocha or black and white mocha due to the stripes pattern. Usually, a single shot is used which can also be replaced with a double shot of espresso. Instead of the usual espresso base, coffee can also be used. In this, coffee milk and chocolate are used. The amount of caffeine in this cup of mocha would depend on the quantity of coffee used.

Macchiato

While Cappuccino was preferred mostly to be had in the morning, Macchiato was more for the evening drinkers. This type of coffee is in the middle of Espresso and a Cappuccino. This also originated from Italy and means Staining espresso or milk with each other. 

As compared to other drinks, it involves a short of espresso and a few spoons of milk and foam on top. It can be served both in a cup or glass. If you do not like a lot of milk in your coffee, then Espresso macchiato is the way to go. They are also served in smaller cups than the regular cappuccino.

Latte Macchiato has more milk as compared to the regular macchiato. Espresso is poured on top of steamed milk, and the signature foam on top. This coffee is preferably for those who want to avoid strong coffee and like more milk in their coffee. 

Americano

Americano is a type of coffee that is made by diluting Espresso with hot water. This does not involve the usage of milk or cream in any form. The hot water may be added from the same machine from where double Espresso is brewed or any other place. A separate heater is a lot better, as it reduces the amount of load on the espresso machine.

Espresso is added on the bottom and then hot water is added to the top. If this method is reversed you get Long black. The simple reverse of the method can completely change the strength and taste of the coffee. 

Espresso

Espresso is mostly brewed with the help of an Espresso machine. This coffee is of Italian origin. The machine forces water to go through the coffee beans, and brew the perfect cup of coffee on the other side. 

The oilsm that are found in the beans emulsify with the coffee ground which is why it turns out to be a thicker liquid. Espresso is not just a coffee type, but also a technique by which the basic coffee base is made. Later on, milk or foam is added in different ratios to make various types of coffee.

Latte, macchiato, Flat white, Cappuccino, Flat white, and Cortado are some of the types of coffee that uses Espresso base. These might include the addition of milk or water and a layer of microfoam on top. 

Now home espresso machines are getting much popular. So, in case you cannot go out to your favorite shop you can get the same dose of coffee right at your home. 

Different types of beans and the levels of roast provide different strengths and tastes of coffee. This espresso is quite thicker and may even have suspended solid particles in it. It is due to these particles that this type of coffee includes mineral, magnesium, and other vitamins present in it. 

The cup in which espresso is served is usually quite small, but espresso generally has the highest amount of caffeine in it. This is the major reason why such a small quantity is usually served. 

Frappe

It means a drink with ice. Frappe usually has instant coffee powder mixed with sugar, milk, and ice. It is an iced coffee that is served in tall glasses. It is one of the most common types of beverages in Greek culture. In 1957, this version was introduced in Greece. Nestle has been associated with this drink due to its marketing.

This drink is usually prepared in a cocktail mixer. The Electric mixer might also be used for the same purpose. Instant coffee is blended with sugar and milk. When poured in a glass, ice and some cold water are added on the top. The drink is in the form of very thick foam that is why straws are often handed out with it. 

The instant coffee has no oil in it, which is why the foam on the top of a Frappe remains constant. Water slowly disappears and the foam thickens until it finally settles down. If you prepare frappe with fresh coffee grounds the foam will disappear as these seeds will have plenty of oil in it. 

Not just in Greece, now Frappe is also very common outside too. 

Flat White

A Flat white resembles a latte a lot, except that it has more milk than the espresso shot. The milk is also much smoother in its form. It also has an espresso base and microfoam layer on top. 

Flat white is mostly served in a small cup, like Cappuccino. Before drinking, it is better to let the coffee stay so that the flavor is enhanced. A brown layer is formed on the top, often on which baristas might make some artistic designs. 

In a cappuccino, the layer of foam is quite thick and heavy. Whereas in flat white, the foam is more velvety and flat.  This drink can be dated back to be originated from Australia and New Zealand. Flat white is also quite similar to a latte, and sometimes the utensil may be different which ends up with a different size of coffee.

Iced Coffee

Usually, coffee is served as a hot beverage. In many parts of the world, coffee is also taken with ice. This type of coffee is usually made by the method of Cold brew. In this method, coffee is brewed in room temperature water for a long time. The flavor and sweeteners are added in hot coffee before it is cooled because it is easier to mix in hot coffee than cold.

Due to the addition of ice, dilution will occur. That is why a stronger coffee is brewed so that it can be diluted later on.

Many big chains like Starbucks or Dunkin donuts have iced coffee on their menu. In history, thick cold coffee with a texture similar to a slush was also introduced. 

These types of coffees are mostly presented in a glass. Other flavoring and syrups may also be added. For chocolate lovers, chocolate syrup or shavings may also be added on the top. 

In different countries around the world, different variations of Iced Coffee can be seen. The addition of ice cream and whipped cream is mostly seen in Australia. Similarly, Tim Hortons in Canada is notorious for selling Iced Cappuccinos. In Greece, Frappe is sold which is also a type of Iced coffee. In South Asia, instant coffee is blended with cold milk or water and thin texture is produced in which ice cream may be added at the end. 

CONCLUSION

Finding the best cup of coffee and brewing the best cup yourself is not an intimidating task. It depends on a lot of type of factors and questions you need to answer yourself. The strength of the coffee, along with the ratio of milk, additional flavors, the temperature, and the serving size matters a lot. We have also viewed that how finding the perfect coffee beans and treating them well will also result in a delicious cup at the end. 

The method of brewing mixed with the ratio of ingredients will give you several types of coffee that are famous in their way. Worldwide, so many types and variations are intruded which help to cater to every person. So, what is your favorite type?