6 Steps to Make a Great Cup of Coffee
What Makes a Great Cup of Coffee
Remember that cup of coffee? The one that was almost unbelievably good? Yeah, we get it, we've all been there. You crave that experience again, but replicating it at home feels impossible no matter how many times you try. Here's the truth: a great cup of coffee is all about the details, and Refuge Coffee is here to help you uncover those details.
The most important aspects of making a great cup of coffee are the coffee, roast profile, water quality, grind size, brew method, and water-to-coffee ratio.
Alright, folks, we’re done here…
just kidding.
We’ve got a lot to cover so put on your learning hats and buckle your seatbelts.
After reading this blog, you will know how to make a great cup of coffee.
Let’s get started with a question…an ice breaker if you will.
How Do YOU Choose Your Coffee?
We've all heard someone say, "I don't really like coffee." This then prompts the question, "Which coffee are you referring to?" Why? Because not all coffee is the same. There are hundreds of different coffees grown in many parts of the world.
What’s even more surprising is that two beans from the same farm can taste completely different.
Coffee quality is impacted by more than just freshly grinding the coffee or by your brewing method alone. The secret lies in the coffee itself.
Here's how you can always choose the highest quality coffee:
Significance of Single Origin Coffee
Just like wine grapes, coffee beans develop unique flavors based on their "origin". Single Origin is a term used to categorize coffee from a single country, region, and/or farm.
For example, a Guatemalan coffee from Atitlan will taste completely different from one grown in Huehuetenango.
The term for what you are looking for is single-origin – the exact location where the beans were grown, like the specific region, city, or even farm they're grown on. An example of this is a coffee labeled Brazil Mogiana instead of just Brazil.
When you shop for coffee, look for roasters who highlight the origin of their beans. They understand how location impacts the flavor and (hopefully) roast their beans accordingly.
Different Coffee Processing Methods
We learned how origin impacts coffee taste, but there is another key stage that happens at the coffee farm: processing.
Think of it like this: origin gives the coffee its base notes, while processing refines those notes and creates the final flavor profile.
Before we explain the processing methods you'll need to become an expert on the anatomy of a coffee cherry.
Are you ready?
A coffee cherry, like an onion, has many layers.
The skin is the thick outer layer, it is typically red.
Followed by the pulp, the juicy inner layer between the skin and the..
Mucilage, A thin layer that surrounds the green coffee bean itself, which lies in the center.
Now that you know the anatomy of a coffee cherry like the back of your hand, we can jump straight into the different processing methods.
Natural Process
Typically a full-bodied cup with fruity or chocolaty notes. The fruit surrounding the bean is left on during drying, infusing the coffee with richer flavors. If you enjoy a bold and complex coffee, this might be your preferred method.
Washed Process
Typically a bright and clean-tasting cup with distinct flavor notes. By removing the fruit layer before drying, this method creates a lighter-bodied coffee where the bean's natural characteristics shine. Think citrusy, floral, or even tea-like notes.
Wet Hulled Process (Semi-Washed)
This method offers a happy medium. The beans are partially fermented with some fruit mucilage left on, resulting in a full-bodied coffee with deeper, nuttier flavors and hints of chocolate. If you like a balanced cup with a bit more complexity, this could be your perfect choice.
Honey Process
This is the most unique method on this list. It combines elements of natural and washed processes, leaving some fruit mucilage on the beans during drying. The amount of mucilage remaining influences the sweetness of the final cup, creating a variety of flavors.
Give each of these processes a try! Each one is unique and adds depth to the single-origin coffees.
What Coffee Grade Means
Coffee grades simply indicate the number of defects (like broken beans or foreign objects) present in the beans. The fewer defects, the higher the grade. But let’s be honest, that’s not very exciting is it?
And here’s the tricky part: every coffee-producing country has its unique grading system. Confusing, right?
Boring: check!
Confusing: check!
But there’s good news.
Most roasters follow a standardized system created by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This system focuses on quality and consistency, which are far more important for a great cup than the number of defects.
So, while grades can offer a hint of quality, focus on reputable roasters who highlight the origin and processing method on their bag labels. This information is far more valuable in predicting the flavor profile you will experience in your cup.
Best Roast For Black Coffee
Many roasters categorize coffee as "light," "medium," or "dark." This is very vague. Avoid these labels.
What the labels actually mean is “underdeveloped” “developed” and “burned”.
High-quality, specialty coffee roasters focus on a different approach.
Its Not About the Roast Type
The best roasters use the roast to highlight the unique flavors of the coffee beans, not just achieve a certain color. 9 times out of 10, you won’t see a roast type on a high-quality roaster’s coffee bag.
Freshness. It matters
Imagine buying stale bread – it wouldn't taste great, right? Specialty roasters will include a "roast date" on the bag. This tells you how fresh the coffee is. For the best flavor, aim for coffee roasted within the past 1-4 weeks. Coffee is still drinkable after that, but the taste won't be as full and a lot of the notes will be dull (or “stale”).
To recap, you want to focus on flavor-forward roasting and fresh beans that will lead to the optimal whole-bean coffee to use at home.
Extra Tip: If you’re going to use a coffee labeled by any “type” – or forced to due to unfortunate circumstances (a family vacation, work trip, etc. without any good coffee roasters nearby) – stick with light or medium.
Once coffee reaches the point where it turns a dark brown and oils start to be produced on the outside of the bean, then the coffee is burnt.
How Hot to Brew Coffee + Water Quality
Water makes up most of your coffee (obviously). So, it makes sense that its quality and temperature play a big role in creating a great cup!
Follow these guidelines for your coffee brewing water:
Water Quality: Mineral or Purified
If your water is full of minerals, it can mute the delicate taste of your coffee. Filtered or bottled purified water is the ideal choice for brewing.
How Hot to Brew Coffee
Just like cooking, water temperature affects how coffee flavors are extracted. Aim for hot, but not boiling, water – ideally between 207 and 209 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help you unlock the most flavor from your chosen beans.
By using purified and/or filtered water, and making sure your water is 207-209 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll make sure your coffee delivers its best flavor.
Coffee Grind Size
Grind size can make or break your cup of coffee.
It controls how quickly water interacts with the coffee, which in turn affects the flavor you end up with.
Think of grind size and coffee like pouring water through a handful of sand. It’s more likely to pass through quickly if the sand is loose in your hand, but less likely to pass through as quickly if you have it packed tight.
Most popular brewing methods, like drip coffee and pour-over, work best with a "medium" grind. Imagine the coffee grounds looking like something between coarse sand and breadcrumbs. This size allows for a good balance of flavor extraction and avoids making your coffee over or under-extracted.*
*Over-extraction means too much flavor was extracted, often too acidic and bitter. Under extraction means that not enough flavor was extracted, often being hollow and lacking in flavor.
In the entire process, you have the most control over the grind size.
If your coffee tastes weak, try a slightly finer grind for a more flavorful cup. If it's too bitter or acidic, go a little coarser.
Remember, there's no single "perfect" coffee grind size. The key is to find what works best for your brewing method and coffee you’re using.
We aren’t going to lie to you, sometimes this takes a lot of time and effort. We are constantly adjusting our grind size for both our espresso and our drip coffees at Refuge beginning in the morning during the “dial-in” and a few more times throughout the day.
Dialing in is simply the phrase that is used for tasting the coffee, then adjusting grind size repeatedly until it isn’t over or under-extracted.
With a little effort and a decent grinder, this process can be very rewarding and highly benefit the taste of your coffee. And you get to drink extra coffee in the process, win-win.
You can find a great grinder at a decent price online at reputable websites like www.espressoparts.com, our personal go-to.
Best Brewing Method
Whoever claims “this brew method is the best!” is either just trying to sell you something or a [fill in brew method] zealot. Our advice, smile and nod when you hear someone say those words. (Yes, we know the title of this section is the opposite of what we’re telling you, it’s called irony)
The real importance lies in all of what you just learned about how to choose your coffee, roast profile, water temperature and quality, and grind size.
We are going to focus on two brewing method types, as these (in our opinion) create the most consistent cups.
Each method has several popular options:
Pour-Over
This method involves slowly pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter. It is like a regular drip pot, except you control the flow of the water. A pour-over creates a clean and precise cup, allowing you to more customize the pour.
Popular choices include the Chemex, Kalita Wave, and Hario V60.
Press
Immersion brewing involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water before separating the grounds with a filter by inflicting pressure on the coffee with a press. This method is known for a richer cup.
The French Press is a classic choice, perfect for brewing multiple cups, while the Aeropress offers a quicker and more portable option for single servings.
Remember, the best brewing method for a great cup depends on your personal preference. Do you like a clean and bright cup? Try a pour-over. Craving something a bit richer? A press might be for you. The best way to find out is to experiment. Check out our coffee gear store for our current pour-over and press offerings.
Coffee Bean to Water Ratio
You can use any brewing method you want, but if you don’t get the correct coffee bean-to-water ratio, then the cup isn’t going to taste good. Period.
Think of it like a recipe: our two ingredients are water and coffee – if you use too much or too little of an ingredient, the final product won't taste right. It might even be terrible.
The water-to-coffee ratio is exactly what it says it is – the amount of water you use compared to the amount of coffee grounds. Getting this ratio right is so important to extract the full flavor from your coffee without making it bitter or weak.
The "best" ratio can vary slightly depending on your brewing method. Do some research on the specific method you're using, as most have individualized recommended water-to-coffee ratios. Many online resources can help you find the perfect ratio for your favorite brew.
This is almost impossible to achieve without a scale, which is why you should invest in one. A scale allows you to measure your coffee grounds and water precisely for a consistent and delicious cup every time.
Popular options for coffee brewing include the Acaia brand scales or the Hario coffee scale.
Conclusion
Well, we made it. Did you take any notes?
Pop quiz: what is the best brewing method?
If you said Kalita Wave or Aeropress then you need to go back and reread the whole thing, this time with a notebook and pen.
All jokes. (Unless you really got it wrong then you need to scroll back up to the brewing methods section and find the answer).
All of this information can seem overwhelming, but the more coffees and methods you try the more you understand. Creating a great coffee starts to become automatic.
We know this because it’s what we do every single day, you can ask our customers.
Another great way to learn is to talk to your local baristas at a specialty coffee shop near you.
We hope this guide has helped you answer any questions that you had about making a great cup of coffee at home. Make sure to check out all of our whole-bean coffee options to find a single origin or blend that is right for you.
Save this post to your bookmark bar so that you can come back to it when you’re trying to remember how to choose the right coffee or what to do when someone says, “This brew method is the best!”
Let us know how your coffee journey goes. You can contact us via email or follow us on Instagram and send us a DM with any questions or how this guide helped you! We’ll respond as soon as we can!
Until next time.