How to make coffee like a barista I

1. Pick the right blend to make coffee

The very first and most important step you must take if you wish to make coffee like a barista is choosing the right coffee. There are many aspects in the preparation of a coffee cup that you need to bear in mind; however, you can perform them all perfectly and obtain a tasteless coffee if the blend you chose wasn’t a good one.

So, which is a good coffee? As a rule of thumb, coffee beans are a better option than ground coffee. Compared to ground coffee, coffee beans are fresher and richer in flavor. Something you also need to consider is to avoid buying mass-produced coffee beans. If you are looking for making coffee like a barista, you should be looking for the flavor and aroma of a premium coffee. So, make sure you buy small-batch, gourmet coffee beans or single origin coffee beans, like those of Hoja Verde label.

2. Choose the ideal grind to make quality coffee

The second most important aspect to consider when making coffee like a barista is grinding, and there are two concepts you need to understand in order to grind your coffee perfectly, these are grind size and consistency. Grind size vary according to the brewing method you choose. We can classify grind size into 7 levels, which range from extra coarse to extra fine. Read our article about grind size and learn which is the best option for your brewing method.

While grind size should change in relation to the brewing method, consistency is an aspect of grinding that should remain unchanged, no matter what. Consistency depends on the grinding system you use, being burr grinders the best option to make a perfect cup of coffee. They come in many different sizes, shapes and budgets. In our article about grind consistency, you will discover which burr grinder better meets your needs.

3. When making coffee, the quality of the water matters

Yes, we know what you’re thinking; it’s just water. But, consider that a cup of coffee has only two ingredients, coffee and water. Doesn’t it make sense to use the best water possible? Quality water makes for quality coffee; so, if you want to make coffee like a barista, use filtered water. Despite water is supposed to be tasteless, it can have unwanted odors and flavors -such as chlorine. Tap water, in particular, can change the flavor of your coffee dramatically.

When it comes to water, the second aspect to consider is temperature. Unless you’re preparing a cold brew coffee, the ideal temperature for making coffee is 195 to 205 ºF. Colder water will lead to under-extracted sour coffee, while boiling water will burn coffee beans and create a bitter flavor. To achieve the ideal temperature, turn off the heat source and allow the boiling water rest for 1 to 2 minutes before you start making your coffee.

4. Check out the brewing time when making coffee

Time is an important factor that greatly influences the flavor of your gourmet coffee. The amount of time that water should be in contact with coffee grounds varies depending the brewing system. Methods like drip systems brew the coffee automatically in around 5 minutes, which doesn’t leave you many space for managing time. When making coffee with other brewing methods, you need to check out the brewing time: