Brew’s up

Although there seems to be a Starbucks and the like on every corner these days, why not try to recreate your favorite coffee at home and save a few dollars in the process? From an arty espresso to a fancy frappé, get your caffeine fix whenever you want it with these top tips for a perfect brew.

 

  • Slide 2 of 27: As with so much food and drink, you get out what you put in. Good coffee begins with good beans so decide what you want from your cup. How much caffeine do you want? How strong do you like your coffee? Once you start getting into grinding your own beans, you'll want to know where your coffee was grown and where (and when) it was roasted.

    Use quality beans

    As with so much food and drink, you get out what you put in. Good coffee begins with good beans so decide what you want from your cup. How much caffeine do you want? How strong do you like your coffee? Once you start getting into grinding your own beans, you’ll want to know where your coffee was grown and where (and when) it was roasted.
  • Slide 3 of 27: You don’t need to be an expert on coffee beans – just look out for speciality coffee. There are plenty of coffee stores and online shops which are proud to boast about their credentials as to how, where and why they source their coffee beans. They will cater for different tastes so try out a selection.

    Buy speciality coffee

    You don’t need to be an expert on coffee beans – just look out for speciality coffee. There are plenty of coffee stores and online shops which are proud to boast about their credentials as to how, where and why they source their coffee beans. They will cater for different tastes so try out a selection.
  • Slide 4 of 27: Essentially there are two groups of coffee varieties: arabica and robusta. Robusta contains almost twice the amount of caffeine as arabica and has a more bitter taste. Most robusta is used for instant coffee. Arabica, on the other hand, is more expensive, grown at altitude and harder to cultivate. It's fruitier, smoother and softer than robusta. But ultimately it's a matter of personal taste.

    Arabica or robusta?

    Essentially there are two groups of coffee varieties: arabica and robusta. Robusta contains almost twice the amount of caffeine as arabica and has a more bitter taste. Most robusta is used for instant coffee. Arabica, on the other hand, is more expensive, grown at altitude and harder to cultivate. It’s fruitier, smoother and softer than robusta. But ultimately it’s a matter of personal taste.
  • Slide 5 of 27: In the past, Italian or French-style dark roasts dominated the coffee scene. These days, baristas are more careful to preserve the bean’s delicate and complex flavors, which are best revealed in lighter or medium roasts.

    Try medium to light roasts

    In the past, Italian or French-style dark roasts dominated the coffee scene. These days, baristas are more careful to preserve the bean’s delicate and complex flavors, which are best revealed in lighter or medium roasts.
  • Slide 6 of 27: It’s possible to source green (unroasted) beans with a one-year shelf life. Roast in small batches using a simple work-top roaster or in a pan on the hob to guarantee maximum freshness, some bragging rights and the joy of a properly personalized brew. Just be sure to open the windows as the fumes can be toxic in very high doses.

    Roast your own

    It’s possible to source green (unroasted) beans with a one-year shelf life. Roast in small batches using a simple work-top roaster or in a pan on the hob to guarantee maximum freshness, some bragging rights and the joy of a properly personalized brew. Just be sure to open the windows as the fumes can be toxic in very high doses.
  • Slide 7 of 27: We don’t mean count them out but buy an affordable set of scales to weigh your beans. Once you’ve mastered your perfect strength, you’ll then be able to repeat the feat again and again. If you prefer to roast a larger batch, make sure you store the beans in an airtight container and keep it in a dark cupboard.

    Measure your beans

    We don’t mean count them out but buy an affordable set of scales to weigh your beans. Once you’ve mastered your perfect strength, you’ll then be able to repeat the feat again and again. If you prefer to roast a larger batch, make sure you store the beans in an airtight container and keep it in a dark cupboard.
  • Slide 8 of 27: Beans lose their aroma and flavor rapidly after being ground. Again, storing in an airtight container will extend the shelf life and preserve flavor. Affordable hand-grinders let you adjust to suit different preparation methods while high-end automatics weigh out directly into the espresso portafilter with remarkable accuracy.

    Grind your beans

    Beans lose their aroma and flavor rapidly after being ground. Again, storing in an airtight container will extend the shelf life and preserve flavor. Affordable hand-grinders let you adjust to suit different preparation methods while high-end automatics weigh out directly into the espresso portafilter with remarkable accuracy.
  • Slide 9 of 27: The jury is still out whether water hardness or softness is good for your brew. There’s a coffee shop in Milan that imports its (hard) water from Naples to make what they think is the perfect espresso. That aside, fresh water makes for a better coffee, so refresh your coffee machine’s water tank each day that you use it. Hard water can fur up your machine, especially if you use a pod system, so use filtered water in that case.  Love this? Follow our Pinterest page for more food inspiration

    Use fresh water

    The jury is still out whether water hardness or softness is good for your brew. There’s a coffee shop in Milan that imports its (hard) water from Naples to make what they think is the perfect espresso. That aside, fresh water makes for a better coffee, so refresh your coffee machine’s water tank each day that you use it. Hard water can fur up your machine, especially if you use a pod system, so use filtered water in that case.

  • Slide 10 of 27: Most coffee beans react best to hot water that’s not boiling (though some argue that boiled and slightly cooled water helps deal with hard water and other impurities). Boiling water scorches the grounds and will result in a bitter cup of coffee. You may have seen a similar effect if you pour just-boiled water over green tea, which makes a bitter cup as the heat brings out the tannins.

    Hot, not boiling water

    Most coffee beans react best to hot water that’s not boiling (though some argue that boiled and slightly cooled water helps deal with hard water and other impurities). Boiling water scorches the grounds and will result in a bitter cup of coffee. You may have seen a similar effect if you pour just-boiled water over green tea, which makes a bitter cup as the heat brings out the tannins.
  • Slide 11 of 27: Whether you add sugar or not, is a matter of personal taste. Strong Italian espresso can be quite bitter so the sweetness from a touch of sugar helps to balance it out. If your coffee is more floral and smooth, try it without.

    Sugar or no sugar?

    Whether you add sugar or not, is a matter of personal taste. Strong Italian espresso can be quite bitter so the sweetness from a touch of sugar helps to balance it out. If your coffee is more floral and smooth, try it without.

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  • Slide 13 of 27: The simplest kit available for an espresso-like coffee at home is a stovetop pot. You’ll find one of these cheap coffee makers in many homes across Europe. After use, rinse lightly without scrubbing – the idea is that the residues that build up over time impact the coffee with a richer flavor in the cup.

    •                   Stovetop coffee

      The simplest kit available for an espresso-like coffee at home is a stovetop pot. You’ll find one of these cheap coffee makers in many homes across Europe. After use, rinse lightly without scrubbing – the idea is that the residues that build up over time impact the coffee with a richer flavor in the cup.
  • Slide 14 of 27: The AeroPress is a highly versatile coffee maker that’s ideal when traveling as no power is required. It's easy to use, easy to clean and produces a very bright cup of coffee. Place the plastic tube on top of a mug, add ground coffee and just-boiled water on top of a filter paper, then firmly press down the plunger. It can make up to four shots at a time which can be diluted to make americanos.

    •                         AeroPress

      The AeroPress is a highly versatile coffee maker that’s ideal when traveling as no power is required. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and produces a very bright cup of coffee. Place the plastic tube on top of a mug, add ground coffee and just-boiled water on top of a filter paper, then firmly press down the plunger. It can make up to four shots at a time which can be diluted to make americanos.

  • Slide 15 of 27: The pourover method consists of a jug, plastic filter and paper filters to line it. It's quick and easy to use with minimum mess. Allow the boiled water in the kettle to sit for a minute, then slowly pour over the coffee. Once the coffee is soaked, give it 30 seconds, then continue to pour in a steady stream. Allow all the water to drip through before serving.

    Pourover

    The pourover method consists of a jug, plastic filter and paper filters to line it. It’s quick and easy to use with minimum mess. Allow the boiled water in the kettle to sit for a minute, then slowly pour over the coffee. Once the coffee is soaked, give it 30 seconds, then continue to pour in a steady stream. Allow all the water to drip through before serving.
  • Slide 16 of 27: One for the warmer months, and equally useful for coffee-flavored cocktails, cold brew coffee makes for a great chilled caffeine fix. Pour cold water over the coffee, leave overnight in the fridge and enjoy the next day over ice, with or without milk and sugar. Use it for an espresso martini or for a Vietnamese twist, add condensed milk.

    Cold brew

    One for the warmer months, and equally useful for coffee-flavored cocktails, cold brew coffee makes for a great chilled caffeine fix. Pour cold water over the coffee, leave overnight in the fridge and enjoy the next day over ice, with or without milk and sugar. Use it for an espresso martini or for a Vietnamese twist, add condensed milk.
  • Slide 17 of 27: The best all-in-one machines can often cost the price of a small car. However, the convenience of one-touch latte, espresso and cappuccino, along with built-in measurement and grinding, is hard to beat.

    Fully automatic

    The best all-in-one machines can often cost the price of a small car. However, the convenience of one-touch latte, espresso and cappuccino, along with built-in measurement and grinding, is hard to beat.
  • Slide 18 of 27: This is one for the real coffee geeks and looks more like a science experiment. Although fiddly to use and easily broken, a syphon coffee maker will add some welcome glamor to your weekend brew. It uses a system of heating and cooling to push water vapors from the bottom part into the upper chamber, where it mixes with ground coffee and is then pulled back down as brewed coffee. The payoff is in the light and bright taste.

    Syphon coffee

    This is one for the real coffee geeks and looks more like a science experiment. Although fiddly to use and easily broken, a syphon coffee maker will add some welcome glamor to your weekend brew. It uses a system of heating and cooling to push water vapors from the bottom part into the upper chamber, where it mixes with ground coffee and is then pulled back down as brewed coffee. The payoff is in the light and bright taste.
  • Slide 19 of 27: When made well, a long black can reveal the true character of coffee beans. Make it by pouring a shot, or double shot, of espresso into 200ml (6.7floz) of water. It's different to an americano where the water is poured over espresso.

    Long black

    When made well, a long black can reveal the true character of coffee beans. Make it by pouring a shot, or double shot, of espresso into 200ml (6.7floz) of water. It’s different to an americano where the water is poured over espresso.
  • Slide 20 of 27: Using an espresso machine, around 14 to 18g (0.5oz) of coffee, extracted for around 25 to 32 seconds between 194 to 205°F (90 to 96°C) will produce a double espresso suited to most coffee-lovers’ tastes.

    The art of espresso

    Using an espresso machine, around 14 to 18g (0.5oz) of coffee, extracted for around 25 to 32 seconds between 194 to 205°F (90 to 96°C) will produce a double espresso suited to most coffee-lovers’ tastes.
  • Slide 21 of 27: You’ll find fresh, whole, chilled milk froths and foams best. For the best fully-textured milk, you’ll need a milk frother and a metal jug. Dip the wand just below the milk's surface, on an angle, for around 10 seconds, then plunge it towards the bottom. Grasping the metal jug, stop when it’s hot to the touch, before you burn the milk. 

    Steaming and frothing milk

    You’ll find fresh, whole, chilled milk froths and foams best. For the best fully-textured milk, you’ll need a milk frother and a metal jug. Dip the wand just below the milk’s surface, on an angle, for around 10 seconds, then plunge it towards the bottom. Grasping the metal jug, stop when it’s hot to the touch, before you burn the milk.

  • Slide 22 of 27: There are myriad ways to enjoy your perfectly brewed espresso and this diagram helps show the approximate proportions for the most popular styles.

    Espresso breakdown

    There are myriad ways to enjoy your perfectly brewed espresso and this diagram helps show the approximate proportions for the most popular styles.
  • Slide 23 of 27: Coffee purists may turn their noses up but the pod coffee market is the fastest growing sector for home espresso. You can choose the strength and flavor of your coffee, pop the pod into your machine and get a perfect espresso complete with the crema (the little bit of foam) on top. You can buy a machine with a built-in milk frother and there's no mess. Most pods can also now be recycled. The world's most unhealthy coffees really are the best reason to make your own

    Pod coffee

    Coffee purists may turn their noses up but the pod coffee market is the fastest growing sector for home espresso. You can choose the strength and flavor of your coffee, pop the pod into your machine and get a perfect espresso complete with the crema (the little bit of foam) on top. You can buy a machine with a built-in milk frother and there’s no mess. Most pods can also now be recycled.

  • Slide 24 of 27: A cappuccino is an espresso topped with steamed and frothed milk, and according to Italian tradition, best enjoyed before 11am. After that, it should be espresso all the way – for the Italians, that is!

    Cappuccino

    A cappuccino is an espresso topped with steamed and frothed milk, and according to Italian tradition, best enjoyed before 11am. After that, it should be espresso all the way – for the Italians, that is!
  • Slide 25 of 27: For a fuller-bodied coffee with less milk, try a flat white. Make an espresso as usual and top with steamed milk. If there's too much froth on the milk, just bang the jug on your worktop to eliminate excess air.

    Falling for the flat white

    For a fuller-bodied coffee with less milk, try a flat white. Make an espresso as usual and top with steamed milk. If there’s too much froth on the milk, just bang the jug on your worktop to eliminate excess air.
  • Slide 26 of 27: Try creating your own latte art at home. Once you get the knack of it, you'll find it's incredibly easy as well as satisfying – just think how impressed your friends and family will be. Read on for our top tips...

    Feeling creative?

    Try creating your own latte art at home. Once you get the knack of it, you’ll find it’s incredibly easy as well as satisfying – just think how impressed your friends and family will be. Read on for our top tips…
  • Slide 27 of 27: Having become a lockdown staple in homes across the world, making your own frappé, or iced coffee, has never been easier. Inspired by your favorite coffee chain, there's technically no exact recipe for the cold coffee blended drink. All you need is an espresso-size cup of strong coffee (chilled), milk (semi or whole milk works best), flavored syrup or sugar, ice cubes and whipped cream (or ice cream). Blend together everything except the cream, pour into a tall glass, then top with cream. For an extra special treat, drizzle with caramel sauce and chocolate sprinkles – et voilà! Now get your hands on these fast food giants' secret recipes

    Feeling a frappé?

    Having become a lockdown staple in homes across the world, making your own frappé, or iced coffee, has never been easier. Inspired by your favorite coffee chain, there’s technically no exact recipe for the cold coffee blended drink. All you need is an espresso-size cup of strong coffee (chilled), milk (semi or whole milk works best), flavored syrup or sugar, ice cubes and whipped cream (or ice cream). Blend