Want a cup of coffee, but are unsure which method to brew it?
Ah yes, coffee, the magic elixir that makes Monday mornings bearable! However, there are many ways of brewing it, each of which makes a different end result. So, we have compiled a list of the most common methods of brewing coffee and the choice of which one to use is up to you.
Pour Over Coffee
Pour over coffee is a brewing method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds held in a filter. The water slowly drips through the coffee and filter into a container or cup. This method allows for more control over the brewing process and produces a clean and flavourful cup of coffee.
French Press
A French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a brewing device that uses a mesh filter and a plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in hot water, and then the plunger is pressed down to separate the grounds, resulting in a bold and full-bodied coffee.
Americano
An Americano is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. It is similar to drip coffee in strength but has a different flavour profile since it is made with espresso. The result is a smooth and milder coffee with a rich crema on top.
Moka Pot
Latte
A latte is a popular espresso-based drink made by combining espresso shots with steamed milk and a small amount of foam. It has a creamy texture and a balanced flavour. Lattes can be customized with syrups or flavours to add variety.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is another espresso-based drink that consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It has a strong flavour and a velvety texture. Cappuccinos are often topped with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon.
Espresso Shot
An espresso shot is a concentrated form of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. It has a strong and intense flavour. Espresso shots are the base for various espresso-based drinks.
Drip Coffee
Drip coffee is made by pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter that sits on top of a carafe or pot. The water slowly drips through the coffee, extracting its flavours. Drip coffee is known for its simplicity and is commonly consumed in households and cafes.
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is typically made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, usually around 12-24 hours. This slow brewing process extracts flavors differently from hot brewing methods, resulting in a smoother and less acidic taste profile. Common flavour notes in cold brew coffee often include mild chocolate, mellow fruits, and sometimes nutty undertones. The prolonged steeping time allows for a more gentle extraction of flavours from the coffee beans, resulting in a refreshing and smooth beverage that is quite different from traditional hot brewed coffee.
Aeropress
Known for its portability, ease of use, and versatility in brewing different styles of coffee. The AeroPress operates using a piston-style brewing mechanism where coffee grounds are steeped in hot water and then pressed through a paper filter directly into a cup. This process allows for quick and efficient brewing, and the use of pressure results in a rich and flavourful cup of coffee. Additionally, the AeroPress is often compared to espresso makers, drip coffee makers, and French presses due to its ability to produce a variety of coffee styles depending on the brewing method and grind size used. Overall, it's a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts for its simplicity and ability to brew high-quality coffee quickly and conveniently.
Chemex
The hourglass-shaped glass flask with a conical funnel-like neck is iconic to the Chemex design, and the proprietary filters are indeed thicker than standard paper filters, which results in a cleaner cup of coffee by removing more oils and sediment. This design choice helps to retain the caffeine and flavour of the coffee while reducing bitterness. Additionally, the thicker filters may aid in removing more cafestol, a compound that can elevate cholesterol levels, further enhancing the health aspects of the brewed coffee.