If you’re a coffee lover, you know that there’s nothing quite like a good cup of joe.
But did you also know that there are a few hacks that can help you take your coffee game to the next level?
Whether you’re looking for ways to make your coffee more flavourful or want to know how to keep it from going stale, these 19 coffee hacks are sure to enhance your next brew.
Check it out!
19 Coffee Hacks to Make Your Life Easier (and More Enjoyable)
1. Use filtered water
Whether you’re using tap or bottled water, it’s likely that at least some impurities are getting into your brew. For a fresher and more enjoyable cup of coffee, filter your water before brewing. This simple step helps to remove any unwanted flavours or odours from your coffee, allowing the natural notes and aromas of your beans to shine without interference from less pleasant tasting elements.
2. Preheat your coffee mug
A piping hot brew can help get your day off to a great start, while a cold or lukewarm cup can quickly dampen your mood. One way to keep your coffee hot longer is to preheat your mug before pouring in your coffee. When you preheat your mug with a little hot water, the warm sides of the mug will help to keep your coffee at that ideal temperature for longer.
3. Add a pinch of salt
Adding a pinch of salt to your coffee may sound a bit strange, but it can actually help to reduce the bitterness of your brew. This is because salt helps to counteract the more astringent compounds found in coffee, cutting down on that sharp, unpleasant taste. Additionally, salt can help to draw out some of the natural sugars and flavours in coffee beans, leaving you with a richer and more complex cup.
4. Stir your coffee with a chopstick… yes, really
Many people simply assume that the longer their coffee steeps, the better it will taste. But in reality, a good stir at just the right moment can help to distribute all of those delicious flavours evenly throughout your brew without wasting time. By using this unconventional stirring implement, you’ll be able to reach all parts of your coffee cup, distributing flavour evenly with each movement. And with its relatively long and thin shape, the chopstick has the desired effect without making bigger ripples in the liquid than necessary.
5. Use fresh beans
Beans that have been roasted too long will start to lose their flavour, leading to a dull and lacklustre brew. And while you might be tempted to stock up on a giant bag of pre-roasted coffee beans, these are often stale by the time they reach your home. So if you want truly delicious coffee, it’s essential to go with fresh beans instead. Whether you get them from a local roaster or choose high-quality varieties from an online store, choosing fresh beans ensures that your cuppa will always be bursting with flavour.
6. Store in a cool, dark place
To get the most out of your coffee beans, it’s essential to store them correctly. Firstly, it’s important to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Exposure to light and heat can lead to premature deterioration, causing the beans to lose their flavour and aroma. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause fungus or mould growth, ruining your coffee beans completely. Ideally, you should also keep your containers tightly sealed at all times, as even small amounts of air can make the beans deteriorate faster.
7. Grind your beans just before brewing
While pre-ground beans may be convenient, the truth is that they simply can’t compare to freshly ground coffee. By grinding your beans just before brewing, you ensure that they retain all of their essential oils and aromas. Moreover, the extra surface area created by grinding allows your coffee to extract more quickly in the brewing process.
8. Nitrogen-sealed bags
These types of bags help to preserve the freshness and flavour of ground coffee by preventing air from entering the bag. Nitrogen is also unique in that it doesn’t react chemically with the coffee, so it won’t compromise the taste or quality of your brew.
9. Darker roasted beans
Dark roasts often have bolder and richer tasting notes, making them a favourite amongst coffee enthusiasts everywhere. In addition, these darker roasts also tend to have a much subtler and smoother bitterness compared to lighter roast varieties, resulting in a well-rounded and balanced cup of joe every time.
10. Ratios
Make sure to use the correct ratio of coffee grounds to water – about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. This is important for a few reasons. First, if you use too much coffee grounds or not enough water, your coffee will be weak and flavourless. On the other hand, if you use too much water or not enough ground coffee, your coffee will be bitter and can easily become overly acidic. That being said, make sure to experiment with ratios and find what works best for you!
11. Brew the French way
The French press creates a rich and aromatic brew by allowing you to control every step of the process. First, you grind your beans right before brewing to ensure maximum freshness. Then, you add hot water and let it steep for just the right amount of time to bring out all of those amazing flavour notes. And best of all, this simple yet versatile brewing tool can be used just about anywhere – from home kitchens to office break rooms – making it perfect for even the busiest modern lifestyle.
12. Make your own DIY press
Simply fill the mason jar with your favourite ground coffee, add enough hot water to just cover the grounds, and place the mesh strainer on top. Using a spoon or rubber spatula, gently press down on the grounds to help them steep. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then slowly pour it through the mesh strainer into your favourite mug. Voila! You now have a fresh, delicious cup of coffee that rivals any high-priced espresso machine.
13. Cold brew
Unlike regular brewed coffee, which is made from hot water, cold brew coffee is brewed with cold or room temperature water. This results in a smoother, less acidic coffee. Simply add ground coffee to a large pitcher or jar along with cold water. Cover tightly and let the mixture steep for several hours, preferably overnight. Then, strain out the grounds and enjoy your delicious cup of coffee! There are many different ways to customize your cold brew, whether it’s by adding herbs or spices to the water before steeping or sweetening it with milk and honey. You can’t go wrong!
14.’Bloom’ing lovely
Blooming helps to release carbon dioxide gas trapped in the grounds, resulting in better extraction during brewing and a more flavourful cup. To bloom your grounds, simply add hot water to your filter and wait for about 30 seconds before adding the rest of the water and brewing as usual. This helps release carbon dioxide gas from the grounds and results in better flavour extraction during brewing. And with this one simple trick, you can take your coffee game to the next level and unlock cups brimming with rich flavour and aroma.
15. Flash brewing
What if there was a way to skip a couple of those steps and still end up with a great-tasting brew? That’s the idea behind flash brewing, also known as ‘cold press’ coffee. By steeping ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, then filtering out the spent grounds and simply adding hot water right before you brew as usual, you can create a rich and flavourful coffee that retains all of its tasty complexity while being super easy to make. This method results in less bitterness and acidity than traditional brewing methods.
16. Decaf that packs a punch
Decaf coffee is typically associated with lacklustre flavour and low quality. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Thanks to advancements in caffeine extraction technologies, it’s now possible to enjoy delicious, full-flavoured decaf coffee that’s 99% free from caffeine. Using state-of-the-art methods, beans are carefully processed to retain all their delicious flavours while removing virtually all trace amounts of caffeine. And since these beans are not chemically treated during processing, they still retain the antioxidants and other health benefits normally found in regular coffee.
17. DIY heavy cream
For a richer, more satisfying morning brew, there’s no better alternative than homemade creamer. This simple mix of equal parts milk and melted butter delivers that creamy texture and rich flavour you crave, all without any added sugars or additives. So the next time you need to take your coffee game to the next level, don’t settle for store-bought half and half. Just give this easy DIY heavy cream a try!
18. How much sugar for the coffee?
While it’s easy to resort to highly processed treats loaded with refined sugar and artificial flavours, there are much better options out there. For a delicious and healthier alternative, why not try sweetening your cup with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder? These natural flavour boosters can add sweetness without any of the sugar; simply stir a teaspoon or two into your brew for an indulgent treat. Plus, all three flavourings have antioxidant properties that help keep you healthy and promote good overall well-being.
19. Coffee ice cubes
Unlike regular ice cubes, which can water down your coffee as they melt, coffee ice cubes offer an effective solution. These special cubes are simple to make: just pour some freshly brewed coffee into an ice cube tray and allow it to freeze solid. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy a refreshing cup of cold brew, drop one or two coffee cubes into your beverage and let them do their thing.
Some Other Delicious Coffee Hacks (Video)
Final Thoughts
With these 19 easy hacks, you can learn some new tricks and take your coffee game to the next level! From improving the flavour to ensuring that your cup stays piping hot, these tips are sure to come in handy no matter what kind of java lover you are. So what are you waiting for? Put these hacks to the test and enjoy a better cup of coffee today!
