21-02-2025
How to make the best coffee of your life with these pro tips
If your morning coffee's feeling a little bean there, done that, it's time to up your game. You could invest in a new drip coffee maker — or heck, go true barista-style and get an espresso machine. Or you could simply follow these expert tricks for how to make the best coffee using whatever brewing method you like most.
When you drink it in moderation, coffee has numerous health benefits, including helping with weight management and reducing the risk of certain diseases like Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's. (If you're like me, it can also be a convincing reason to get out of bed, period.) No wonder daily java consumption is higher than it's been in 20 years!
The pros we spoke to had different takes on the ideal brewing method, but they all agreed that to make the best cup of coffee, you need to put in a little work. I know, I know, that's a lot to ask when you've just woken up, but taking a few simple steps like measuring your grinds — versus just dumping them into your coffee maker — and researching the beans you buy can make a huge difference. They also had tips for sweetening up your cup, plus suggestions for coffee-making essentials no java nerd should be without. Smooth sipping ahead!
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The more info listed on your bag of coffee, the better, says Jeff Daniels, director of sales for Non-Fiction Coffee Co. "I look for details like elevation, sub-region, farm or farmer names, and processing methods. The more information, the more confidence I have in the quality of the green coffee and the intentionality behind its sourcing."
Lauren Abendroth, director of research and development at Death Wish Coffee Co., also checks for callouts that the beans are organic and Fair Trade USA certified, "which indicates higher coffee quality since it is sustainably sourced and held to rigorous standards."
No matter what you buy, "Always use freshly roasted coffee; anything within three weeks of the initial roast date should still be vibrant and strong," says Bobby Winston, director of coffee for French Truck Coffee.
It's always a good idea to buy whole bean coffee: "Keeping beans whole allows them to last longer," says Shane Schaibly, senior vice president of culinary strategy at First Watch. And if you do, make sure you're grinding the beans to the right coarseness for your brewing method.
"Too fine of a grind leads to over-extraction, which is another term for bitterness," says Abendroth. "Finer ground coffee should be used when the contact time between the coffee and the water is very short (i.e. a 60-second pod brew), while more coarse grind sizes should be used for brew methods that require longer contact time between the coffee and the water (i.e French Press)."
One of the biggest mistakes people make when brewing coffee is using the wrong amount of grounds. "Most coffee brands typically provide optimal coffee-to-water ratios based on their research to ensure a balanced and smooth cup. Definitely pay attention to this!" says Abendroth. "When the ratio is off, the resulting brewed cup can taste over-extracted (bitter) or under-extracted (watery)."
Or just follow the standard ratio: 1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water, which works out to be about 2 tablespoons of grounds for every 6 fluid ounces of water. You can play around with this, though. "If you prefer a stronger brew, try 1:15. For lighter roasts that need a bit more extraction, experiment with 1:17," suggests Daniels.
To ensure every cuppa you make tastes great, use a scale. "Coffee, like cooking or baking, benefits from precision," he adds. "Many people overlook the importance of using a recipe and instead 'eyeball it,' which can lead to inconsistent results."
Fresh beans mean better-tasting coffee, so make sure you store them in an airtight container that's not clear and not glass, says Schaibly. "Heat, light and moisture are all damaging to the quality of the beans," he explains. Look for a cool, dry and dark place that's away from windows, the stove and any strong-smelling items — i.e. don't keep coffee with your spices! The same goes for ground coffee.
Sure, you could use your regular old creamer or milk and sugar, but the pros we spoke to had other ideas in mind. "For unflavored coffee, adding a pinch of a fresh spice like cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger can result in an elevated coffee experience and a little extra cozy feeling, especially in the colder months," says Abendroth.
As for creamer, both Daniels and Winston like oat milk: "It has enough body to hold up to and pair well with coffee but is also relatively neutral, so the coffee taste still comes through," says Winston. Want to sweeten things up? "Honey and simple syrup pair well with coffee without overpowering the original blend's taste," he adds. "During the summer, I'll throw [some] cold brew concentrate, ice, oat milk and honey in the blender for a homemade frappe kind of beverage."
Attention, all you iced coffee people: You don't have to suffer through a watery brew just because you prefer things chilled. "One unexpected thing I like to use is the large cocktail-style ice cubes for my iced coffee because it keeps the iced coffee cold without diluting it too quickly," says Winston. You could also freeze cold coffee in ice cube trays for an extra boost of flavor.
