Coffee is an essential part of starting the day for the vast majority of us. Barely ten minutes pass between the time we wake up and take our first sip of coffee, in order to get ready for whatever comes our way that day. It’s safe to say that coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a crucial part of “waking up” as that famous jingle goes, and it has also become a way for us to meet and converse with others – visiting the cafe as a social ritual is one of the defining markers of our times. So, yes, coffee is important. However, you probably can’t go out and buy a cup of joe every time you need the caffeine buzz. Like most people, you probably brew it at home using a french press or coffee maker. But, you might be making a few mistakes which result in the coffee tasting burnt and bitter. If this sounds like a snafu you commonly make, then the following tips should help clear things up for you.

You’re Using “Bad” Water

It’s easy to forget that brewed coffee is almost entirely made up of water. If your coffee tastes “off”, then perhaps the water quality in your home or building leaves something to be desired. Try using filtered water instead, and see how the flavor changes. Also, the temperature of the water you use needs to be set at a level between 195F to 205F. More than that, and your coffee could end up tasting incredibly bitter and a little burnt. The easiest thing to do to circumvent this issue is to boil your water in an electric kettle as opposed to a regular stovetop one, and add the boiling water to your french press. 

Coffee Beans are Not Fresh

If your coffee beans are stale, then you are probably in for a very dispiriting experience. As the experts at Black Ink Coffee would mention, the secret to having a really good cup of coffee is in the quality of the beans themselves. In fact, if you can, purchase whole beans, and grind them a bit right before you brew them in the morning: freshly ground beans can make all the difference in your coffee experience.

Using Cold Mugs

This might seem odd, but again, the temperature is important when it comes to the quality of coffee you hope to imbibe. Pouring your freshly made brew into a cold mug brings the temperature of the drink down right away, which isn’t enjoyable. There’s a reason why hotels or fancy restaurants keep their cutlery and china at a certain temperature – they know that it is the best way for patrons to enjoy their food.

Coffee is one of life’s most simple pleasures. Yes, it’s easy to make, but there’s also an art to it, and a great many details to be aware of. Seemingly inconsequential decisions will make or break the quality of your brew, so it is best to pay attention so that you can ensure that you are having the best tasting experience possible.