Brewing Perfection: How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Home

There’s nothing quite like a well-crafted cup of coffee to start your day. While coffee shop brews are great, making the perfect cup at home can be just as satisfying – that’s if you know the secrets.

Here’s how to elevate your home coffee game, whatever kind of coffee enthusiast you are and whatever your favourite caffeinated tipple is.

Always Start with Fresh, Quality Beans

The foundation of great coffee is freshly roasted beans. Look for beans roasted within the past two weeks for peak flavour. You can find the roasting date on the packaging. We use Climpson & Sons, a fellow B Corp company who source and roast some of the best beans in the business.

Choose whole beans and grind them just before brewing to preserve their essential oils and aromatics.

Pro Tip: Store beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid keeping them in the fridge or freezer, as this can affect their flavour.

Choose the Right Grind Size

The grind size plays a major role in how your coffee tastes. We recommend using a burr grinder for consistent results.

Coarse: For French press or cold brew

Medium: For drip coffee makers

Fine: For espresso machines

Extra Fine: For Turkish coffee

Pro tip: If your coffee tastes too bitter, try a coarser grind. If it’s too sour or weak, make the grind finer.

Precision Measuring is the Key

Consistency is king. Use a digital scale for ultimate accuracy when weighing your coffee grounds and water ratio. A good starting point is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water). A rough estimate is to use about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water for most home brewers.

Use the Right Water

Since coffee is 98% water, using filtered water can make a huge difference. Aim for water heated to 90-96°C for optimal extraction. Boiling water can scorch the coffee, while cooler water may result in under-extraction.

Master the Brewing Method

Each brewing method has its unique process. Here are a few popular ones:

Pour-Over: Offers precision and a clean, bright flavour. Pour water slowly in circular motions

French Press: Delivers a rich, full-bodied brew. Steep for 4 minutes, then press gently

Espresso Machine: For bold shots of espresso with creamy crema

AeroPress: A versatile brewer that produces smooth, concentrated coffee

Moka Pot: For strong, espresso-like coffee on the stovetop

Don’t Skip the Bloom

For pour-over and French press methods, let your coffee “bloom” by pouring a small amount of hot water over the grounds and waiting 30-45 seconds. This releases trapped carbon dioxide, improving the extraction process and enhancing flavour.

Customize to Taste

Once you’ve mastered the basics, adjust according to your preference:

Add milk or a plant-based alternative for creaminess

Use simple syrups or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavour

Try experimenting with brewing times and water ratios until you find your perfect cup!

Keep Your Equipment Clean

Regularly clean your coffee maker, grinder, and brewing tools to prevent buildup of oils and residues that can affect taste. Descale your coffee machine every few months if you use hard water.

Or… Skip the Brew and Visit Us!

Why not let us craft the perfect coffee for you? Here at Old Queen Street, our baristas undergo extensive training to master every step of the coffee making process. From selecting the finest beans to perfecting the pour, we ensure every cup is brewed to perfection.

Come in, relax, and enjoy a flawless coffee experience – every single time.