How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Coffee is the nectar of life for some. 66% of Americans drink coffee every day and that's no surprise, either. Who can deny the magic that happens when that first sip of coffee passes through your lips? Looking to learn how to brew that perfect cup of coffee at home? Look no further as we give your step-by-step guide on how to brew that perfect cup of coffee, according to the National Coffee Association (NCA).

Step 1. Make Sure Your Equipment Is Clean

Ensure that your coffee makers, bean grinders, filters, and other tools are thoroughly cleaned. Using clear, hot water (or a soft cloth), rinse and dry thoroughly. Doing so will make sure that no coffee residue has built up, leading coffee to taste bitter and rancid.

Step 2. Pick Your Bean

Everyone knows the key to brewing good coffee is in the beans. The quality and taste of coffee depend not only on your preferred brewing method but also on the type of coffee bean you select. Mild, bold-flavored, pick your style of coffee bean, then go on to brew perfection.

Step 3. Freshness

Freshness also plays a factor in brewing the perfect brew. In ideal conditions, it is best to brew coffee not long after it has been roasted. So it is advised to buy coffee in smaller quantities and make it within 1 to 2 weeks, making sure to contain the unbrewed coffee in an air-tight container to help keep its freshness.

Step 4. The Grinder

When buying whole-bean coffee, always grind the coffee beans as close as possible to the brewing time for maximum freshness. A burr or grinder is the best because it will grind the coffee into a uniform size.

Step 5. Water to Coffee Ratio/Temperature

The general rule is to have one to two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water. This can be adjusted, of course, to suit personal taste preferences. For water temperature, the water should come in at 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6. Brew Time

Brew time is the length that water seeps into the coffee. Each length of time will be different depending on your coffee brewer.

• Drip system: 5 minutes
• French press: 24 minutes

Espresso requires the shortest time, with its water contact time being 20 to 30 seconds. Cold-brew is the longest, with water contact time equally up to 12-24 hours.

Step 7. Take a Sip

Last but not least, our final step. Sit down, relax and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup of coffee now. To upgrade your coffee experience, drink The Golden Roast Coffee.