6 Steps to Make a Great Cup of Coffee
What Makes a Great Cup of Coffee
You know that cup of coffee—the one that was so unbelievably good you couldn’t help but savor every sip? Yeah, we’ve all been there. You try to replicate it at home, but no matter how many times you try, it just doesn't taste the same. Here's the secret: a great cup of coffee is all about the details. And lucky for you, Refuge Coffee Roasters is here to help you unlock those secrets.
To brew the perfect cup, you need to pay attention to a few key factors: the coffee itself, the roast profile, water quality, grind size, brewing method, and the all-important water-to-coffee ratio.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you hanging with just that list.
(We know, we know, you were hoping for an instant fix, but trust us, it's worth the journey.)
Put on your learning hats and buckle up. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what it takes to brew a cup that makes you say, "Now this is coffee!"
Let’s kick things off with a quick icebreaker. Ready?
How Do YOU Pick Your Coffee?
Ever heard someone say, “I don’t really like coffee?” Well, then comes the real question: “Which coffee are you talking about?” Why? Because coffee isn’t just coffee. There are hundreds of types of coffee beans grown all over the world, and each one tastes wildly different.
And get this: even two beans from the same farm can taste completely different.
So, what’s the secret? It’s all about the quality of the beans. It all starts with choosing high-quality coffee.
Let’s dive deeper into how to always choose the best coffee beans.
Significance of Single Origin Coffee
Just like wine grapes, coffee beans develop their own unique flavors based on where they’re grown. This is why we love single-origin coffee. Single-origin means the coffee comes from one specific country, region, or even a single farm.
For example, a coffee from Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan will taste completely different from one grown in Huehuetenango. That’s the magic of origin.
When you’re shopping for coffee, look for roasters that highlight the origin of their beans. They understand how the location affects flavor and, hopefully, roast their beans to bring out those flavors.
Coffee Processing Methods You Should Know
Now that we’ve covered where your coffee comes from, let’s talk about how it’s processed once it leaves the farm. Think of it like this: origin gives coffee its base flavors, but the processing method refines and enhances those flavors.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick crash course on the anatomy of a coffee cherry (yes, it's a cherry, not a bean—crazy, right?):
The Skin: The thick outer layer (usually red).
The Pulp: The juicy middle layer, sitting between the skin and the bean.
The Mucilage: A thin layer around the green coffee bean.
Now, let’s explore four popular processing methods:
Natural Process
This method leaves the fruit surrounding the bean intact during drying, infusing the coffee with deep, fruity flavors. If you’re into bold and complex coffee, this one’s for you.
Washed Process
Here, the fruit layer is removed before drying, resulting in a cleaner, brighter cup with distinct flavors like citrus, floral notes, or even tea-like qualities.
Wet Hulled Process (Semi-Washed)
The beans are partially fermented, and some fruit mucilage is left on. This method creates a full-bodied coffee with deeper, nuttier flavors and hints of chocolate.
Honey Process
A mix of natural and washed, where some mucilage stays on the beans during drying. This method brings out sweetness and complexity, offering a range of flavors from fruity to creamy.
What Coffee Grade Means
Coffee grades refer to the number of defects in the beans. Fewer defects = higher quality. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, every coffee-producing country has its own grading system, so it can get a bit confusing.
But the good news is that most specialty roasters and green coffee suppliers follow a standardized 100-point system that focuses on quality and consistency, which is what really matters. It would be considered “specialty” coffee if it is 88 or higher on this scale.
Look for roasters who showcase the origin and processing method on the label. These details give you a much better idea of what flavors to expect than just the grade number. If a roaster puts the proper information on a bag label, then you can ensure that they are using high-grade coffee.
At Refuge Coffee Roasters, we don’t mess around when it comes to quality. Even our "lowest-grade" coffee still scores a solid 88/100 on the standardized scale.
Best Roast For Black Coffee
The “best” roast for black coffee isn’t what you think. Labels like “light,” “medium,” and “dark” don’t really tell you much. In fact, they can be misleading.
For top-quality coffee, the focus isn’t on the roast level, but on how the roast brings out the unique flavors of the bean.
Freshness is Key
Imagine buying stale bread. Not great, right? Same goes for coffee. Freshly roasted beans are essential for bringing out the best flavors. Look for bags that have a “roast date” and aim to use it within 1-4 weeks of roasting for peak flavor. After this 4 week period, the flavors begin to “stale”.
How Hot to Brew Coffee + Water Quality
Since water makes up most of your cup, it’s no surprise that its quality and temperature matter. To get the best flavor from your coffee, follow these guidelines for water quality and brewing temperature:
Water Quality: Use purified or filtered water. Hard water — or highly mineralized water — can mute delicate coffee flavors.
Water Temperature: Aim for 207-209°F (almost boiling) for the best extraction.
Water quality is one of the most overlooked factors in coffee. It has a big impact on flavor. If you brew two cups of coffee with different types of water, you’ll notice the taste is completely different. Don’t make this mistake.
Coffee Grind Size
Grind size is one of the most important factors for taste. If the grind is too fine or too coarse, the flavor of your coffee will suffer.
Grind size affects how quickly water interacts with the coffee. If the grind is too fine, water will extract flavors too quickly and leave you with a bitter cup. If it’s too coarse, the flavors won’t be extracted enough, resulting in a weak cup.
For most brewing methods, a medium grind is your best bet. Think of it like sand—somewhere between breadcrumbs and coarse sand. But you’ll want to do a bit more research on the right grind size for your brewing method.
Best Brewing Method
People love to argue about which brewing method is best, but we’re here to tell you that it depends on personal preference. There’s no one best method. Instead, focus on the factors we’ve covered: your coffee, roast, water, grind, and ratio.
That said, we recommend two brewing methods that consistently deliver great cups:
Pour-Over: Allows you to control the water flow and brew a clean, bright cup. Popular options include Chemex, Kalita Wave, and Hario V60.
Press: Immersion brewing for a richer, fuller-bodied cup. The French Press and Aeropress are popular choices.
Experiment with these methods and find what suits your taste.
Coffee Bean to Water Ratio
You can use any brewing method, but the right coffee bean-to-water ratio is key. Without it, your coffee won’t taste good.
Think of it like a recipe: water and coffee are your two ingredients. Too much or too little of either, and your coffee won’t taste right—maybe even terrible.
The water-to-coffee ratio is simply the amount of water compared to the amount of coffee grounds. Getting it right is crucial for extracting the full flavor without making your coffee too bitter or weak.
The "best" ratio can change based on your brewing method. Each method has its own recommended water-to-coffee ratio. Check online for guidance on finding the right ratio for your method.
It's tough to get the perfect ratio without a scale. A simple kitchen scale helps you measure both your coffee grounds and water accurately, so you get a consistent, great-tasting cup every time.
Some popular scales to check out are the Acaia and Hario coffee scales. Both are favorites among coffee lovers for their accuracy and reliability, making them great choices to help you dial in that perfect cup.
Conclusion
We’ve made it to the end! Did you take notes?
Quick question for you: what’s the best brewing method?
If your answer was “Kalita Wave” or “Aeropress,” we might need to hit the reset button. Go back, grab a notebook, and let’s get you on the right track. (Just kidding... but seriously, maybe check the brewing methods section one more time.)
Look, all this info can feel like a lot, but don’t worry—coffee mastery is a journey, not a destination. The more you experiment with different coffees and methods, the easier it becomes to create your perfect cup. It just clicks over time.
And hey, we know this because we live it every day (feel free to ask our regular customers).
Another awesome way to level up your coffee game is by chatting with your local baristas. They’re full of knowledge and can help you figure out exactly what you need.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown, we hope you feel ready to brew your best cup yet. Don’t forget to check out our whole-bean coffee offerings, including both single origins and curated blends. Whether you're into complex flavors or something a little more simple, we’ve got the right beans for you.
And if you’re ever stuck on what coffee to try next—or just want to brag about a new coffee you’re digging—drop us a DM on Instagram or shoot us an email. We love hearing about your coffee journey, and we’re always happy to help!
Until next time—happy brewing!
