Making coffee at home: the 5 best ways to brew a perfect cup

How many cups of coffee do you drink per day? Lots of us enjoy more than one. As part of our commute, a cup (maybe two) at the office, and of course at home. A drip coffee maker or expresso machine is standard equipment for almost every coffee lover. And, most of us know that there’s more than one way to prepare a delicious coffee at home.

We’re happy to let you in on the secret of the best ways to brew the perfect cup—from instant to pour-over and automatic drip to coffee pods.

GETTING PERFECT COFFEE FROM A CAPSULE OR POD:

In recent years, the popularity of machines that use coffee pods and espresso capsules has taken off. It’s no wonder! They offer ease of use, a broad selection of flavours, a range of machines from the simple to high-tech and luxury. For those concerned about sustainability, now there are even ways to recycle your used coffee pods.

Preparing coffee with a coffee pod machine:

1. Be sure that you choose pods that are compatible with your machine.
2. For the best results, always put fresh water in the reservoir.
3. Turn the machine on. Wait for it to warm up.
4. It’s a good idea to rinse the machine by running one cup through without a pod or capsule. For best maintenance, this can also be done after every use.
5. Choose a capsule. Insert it into the machine. Close the slider.
6. Select the strength you prefer: ristretto, lungo, or espresso.

Making something that has milk? You’ll achieve the tastiest cappuccino or latte with a high intensity espresso or ristretto. Don’t forget to descale your machine on a regular basis to keep getting the best results.

THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE INSTANT COFFEE:

Instant coffee is nothing new. Did you know that it’s been around for more than 100 years? In the old days it didn’t have much to offer, but nowadays instant coffees offer a rich aroma and surprising flavour. So, how do you make the perfect cup? Start with quality and be sure to select one that reflects your personal taste. Granular, freeze-dried coffee often provides the most authentic coffee taste. 

Preparing instant coffee:

1. Depending on the strength desired, put 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in your cup.
2. Bring some fresh water to the boil.
3. Turn off the heat and wait about 30 seconds for the water to stop boiling before filling your cup to the desired level.
4. Mix thoroughly until you see that all the granules are dissolved.

As with any kind of coffee, you can also add sugar, cream or frothy milk to your instant coffee. Quick, simple and delicious.

DIY POUR OVER: PREPARING YOUR OWN DRIP COFFEE

Many coffee aficionados say that measuring and pouring drip coffee truly makes a difference. This so-called ‘slow-brewing’ method is both popular and surprisingly economical. With a bit of dedication and practise, you’ll get delicious results that are worth the effort. Start your coffee connoisseur’s journey with a pour-over brewer, a drip pot or a Chemex-style glass carafe. They all use a similar method.

Preparing slow-brewed drip coffee:

1. Rinse the filter for your pour over with some (boiling) water to avoid any filter flavour. Toss out any water that ends up in the container.
2. Measure-out the desired amount of water for each cup(s). Boil, remove from heat, and let sit for about 30 seconds.
3. Meanwhile, add approximately 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per cup to the filter. It’s best to use pre-ground coffee with a texture similar to either sand or table sugar. If you really want to go all out, grind your own beans.
4. Now, gently pour a little of the very hot (but not boiling) water over the coffee. Be sure to use a circular motion so that all of the coffee is moistened.
5. The next step is letting the damp coffee ‘bloom’. Booming takes about 30 seconds and allows the coffee to soak up the water and release its flavour.
6. Slowly pour the remaining water over the coffee. Continue using a circular motion; starting about a centimetre from the edge. Once the coffee is completely covered with water, slowly pour straight down.
7. It can take 3-4 minutes for all of the water to drip through the coffee and filter.
8. Once all of the water has flowed through, remove the filter and serve the coffee.

GETTING THE BEST COFFEE OUT OF A FRENCH PRESS

The French press is also a cost-effective method for brewing coffee, especially if you’re just making a cup or two. With a built-in filter it’s also an environmentally-friendly option. Medium-grind coffee is your best bet for a French press, fine-grind or expresso coffee will flow through the filter and you’ll end up with cloudy coffee and grit in the bottom of the cup.

How to use a French press:

1. Put the French press on a flat surface, such as a counter or a table.
2. Holding the handle firmly, remove the plunger/filter and set it aside.
3. Measure out 1 rounded tablespoon of ground coffee per cup (about 150-200 millilitres) and add it to the empty container.
4. You’ll need to boil about 150-200 millilitres of fresh water per cup). As soon as it’s come to the boil, remove from heat and let rest for 30 seconds.
5. Pour it over the ground coffee and mix gently with a long-handled spoon.
6. Now, insert the plunger/filter, make sure that it’s just above the water line. Don’t push it down just yet. Allow the coffee to brew for approximately 4 minutes.
7. Slowly and steadily press down the plunger/filter. Leave it down so that no coffee grounds get into your cup.
8. Serve your coffee and enjoy.

Be sure that you always wash and dry your French press well every time you use it. This ensures that you’ll get the best results with every cup. Remember not to clog your filter with coffee that’s too finely ground. If you own a grinder, try a medium-grind of your own beans, it’s a great option for this method.

MAKING THE MOST OF AN AUTOMATIC-DRIP COFFEE MAKER

Our lives have gotten easier since the invention of the automatic-drip coffee machine. Even though it seems as if the machine does everything, there are still a few brewing tips to help you make a good cup of coffee even better.

How to use an automatic-drip coffee maker:

1. Be sure to rinse your filter before putting it in the machine. This way, any ‘paper’ flavour is removed so that the taste of your coffee can shine through.
2. Use a type and grind of coffee that is especially made for automatic-drip machines.
3. Always put fresh water in the reservoir.
4. Use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee in the filter to prepare 2 cups of coffee (use more coffee or less water to adjust the strength).
5. Just push the button and wait. You can enjoy your coffee as soon as all of the water has gone through the filter.

The fresh flavours in your coffee are highlighted with this method. Looking for perfectly-balanced taste? Try L’OR Classique ground coffee. Well-rounded, mellow flavours offer a tempting, relaxing coffee experience. Need something to boost your energy? Give this Intense ground coffee a go!

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