How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Coffee Articles | Coffee

By: Shane Vicars

Many of us despair at the thought of making the perfect cup of coffee. We think it’s just too hard or that there’s some mysterious secret involved. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. All it takes is paying attention to the details.

Details such as making sure your coffee maker clean! This seems obvious, but the fact is that coffee leaves behind a residue that can build up inside your coffee maker and affect the flavor of your coffee. The same is true of measuring cups and utensils you use repeatedly for making coffee—this includes your coffee cup or mug. So to ensure you’re on your way to making the perfect cup of coffee, get everything sparkling clean.

Now, you want to think about the water you use to make your coffee. Since coffee is really mostly water (close to 99%, in fact), you want that water to be not just good, but great. Tap water is fine, but to get as close as possible to making the perfect cup of coffee, you may want to experiment with bottled water or consider purchasing a filter for your water faucet to ensure the water is as pure as it can be.

Of course, the coffee you choose is a vital detail. Make sure it’s as fresh as you can find. To be sure you’re getting the freshest and best coffee, you may want to purchase your own green coffee beans and roast and grind them yourself. This will go a long way in ensuring you’re making the perfect cup of coffee.

Another detail in making a perfect cup of java that seems obvious is to use the proper amount of coffee—freshly ground, of course. Many of us are tempted to use a little more than is really necessary in our attempts at making the perfect cup of coffee. Coffee enthusiasts and coffee baristas alike agree that two tablespoons per four ounces of water are all that are needed.

Finally, you want to take your coffee off the burner immediately after it’s brewed. Leaving it on the burner causes it to turn bitter or even taste burned, so remove your coffee promptly when making the perfect cup of coffee.

Pay attention to these details in your attempts at making the perfect cup of coffee and you can rest assured that you’ll get the perfect cup of coffee you crave—every time.