Coffee can be prepared in many different ways, but the tricks for getting a cup of coffee excellent can be counted on the fingers of one hand. If you don't have a coffee maker or coffee maker, fear not. You can satisfy your craving for coffee by using a cup and a simple napkin or a dripper, a new and still little-known tool in Italy.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Using a Plunger (or French Press) Coffee Maker
Step 1. Fill the coffee pot
Use a coffee with a medium grind. Remove the lid and plunger, then add the coffee. You need 2 tablespoons (14 g) of ground coffee per serving.
- Do not use coarse ground coffee otherwise it will clog the filter and you will have a hard time cleaning it.
- Do not use the finely ground coffee or it will pass through the filter holes and end up in the cup.
Step 2. Pour the boiling water into the coffee pot
Bring the water to boiling point, then remove the saucepan from the heat and wait about ten seconds before pouring it into the coffee pot. You need 250 ml of boiling water for each serving. Measure it out and pour it into the body of the coffee pot.
Step 3. Insert the plunger and push it partially down
Lower the knob to bring the filter just above the water level. Don't push it all the way right now.
Step 4. Allow 3-4 minutes to pass before the plunger completes its stroke
Hold the coffee pot steady with one hand while pushing the knob down with the other. Slowly lower it until you reach the bottom of the pot.
Step 5. Pour the coffee into a cup and serve it
If you wish, you can add milk and sugar. Wash the coffee maker immediately with water and a mild dish soap.
Let the plunger and the coffee pot body dry separately. Do not reassemble the parts until they are perfectly dry
Method 2 of 6: Using an American Coffee Machine
Step 1. Pour the water into the coffee machine tank
Use bottled or filtered water and dose it according to the number of cups of coffee you want to make. In general, you can consider that 180ml is needed for each person. You can measure the water using the jug of the coffee machine or a measuring cup for liquids.
- Use bottled or filtered water. Avoid using tap water, distilled water, or water treated with a softener.
- There may be notches on the carafe that indicate how much water to use for each serving of coffee. If so, refer to the notches. The indications may vary depending on the model and the water loss due to evaporation.
Step 2. Insert a new paper filter into the filter tray if necessary
Open the compartment dedicated to the filter and examine it. Some coffee machines are equipped with a permanent mesh filter that can replace the paper one. If your coffee machine model does not have a mesh filter, insert a paper filter.
- There are different types of paper filters. Some are shaped like a cup, some are shaped like an envelope. Choose the one that best suits your coffee machine.
- If your coffee machine is equipped with a permanent filter, you do not need to use the paper filter. The fine mesh will retain the coffee powder.
Step 3. Pour the ground coffee into the filter
Again, to decide how much to use, you need to consider how many cups of coffee you want to make. Generally, one tablespoon (7g) of ground coffee is needed per serving. If you like coffee strong, use 2 tablespoons (14 g) of ground coffee per cup.
- You can use the type of grind you prefer: fine, medium or coarse.
- The ideal is to buy coffee beans and grind it on the spot.
Step 4. Prepare the coffee
Slide the filter into the compartment or close the lid of the coffee machine (depending on the model). Press the power button and wait for the machine to finish making the coffee. The time required depends on the amount of water you poured into the tank. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Pay attention to the sound of the coffee falling into the carafe. When the flow stops, the machine has completed its cycle
Step 5. Turn off the coffee machine and remove the filter
Some coffee machines turn off by themselves, while others need to be turned off manually. If yours is not automatic, you will need to remember to turn it off at the end of the cycle. When you are sure that the machine is off, take out the filter and throw away the coffee grounds.
Be careful when opening the coffee maker. A cloud of hot steam could escape from under the lid and could burn you. As a precaution, tilt your torso back
Step 6. Remove the carafe and serve the coffee
You can serve it black or add milk or cream. If you want to sweeten it, you can use sugar, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice. Enjoy your cup of coffee right away.
- If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, you can use plant-based milk, such as soy, coconut or almond milk.
- Generally the cream and coffee syrups are already sweetened, so you don't need to add sugar or another sweetener. Sometimes even vegetable milk can already be sweetened.
- Don't wait too long before drinking coffee. In addition to cooling, it may acquire an unwelcome taste.
Method 3 of 6: Using a Coffee Percolator
Step 1. Fill the tank located at the bottom of the percolator with boiling water
If you haven't already, remove the top and the filter basket. Heat the water and then pour it into the tank located at the bottom of the percolator. Continue filling until the water level is just below the steam release valve.
- Percolation is a little known method of coffee extraction in Italy. The main feature of this method is that the water passes through the ground coffee many times and makes it stronger and hotter than other methods.
- For best results, use bottled or filtered water.
Step 2. Insert the filter into the percolator and fill it with coarse ground coffee
The amount needed depends on the capacity of the percolator. Generally there is a reference mark that indicates the required level, otherwise use 1-2 tablespoons (7-14 g) of coffee for every 180 ml of water.
Compact the coffee after pouring it into the filter
Step 3. Reassemble the percolator
Hold it steady with one hand, while screwing the top portion onto the tank with the other. Be careful as the tank may be hot as it is filled with boiling water. As a precaution it is best to use an oven mitt or pot holder.
Step 4. Heat the percolator on a medium flame stove
Place it on the stove, turn on the stove over medium heat and boil the water. Do not put the lid on the percolator in order to observe the process in progress and remove it from the heat when the coffee is ready.
Check that the handle is not placed directly on the heat source of the hob, regardless of the type of stove, gas or electric
Step 5. Remove the percolator from the heat as soon as the coffee is ready
When the water starts to boil, the coffee will begin to fill the upper section of the percolator. It will initially be dark in color, then it will gradually lighten. When the stream turns pale or golden, the coffee is ready.
The whole process should take about 5 minutes, but it may take more or less time
Step 6. Replace the lid and pour the coffee into the cup
When the top of the percolator is full, use an oven mitt or pot holder to replace the lid. Lift the percolator holding it by the handle and pour the coffee. Add sugar and milk to taste, then serve immediately.
The percolator will be hot, so handle it carefully
Method 4 of 6: Use a Cup and a Dripper
Step 1. Place the dripper over the cup and insert a paper coffee filter
The dripper is a conical instrument made of ceramic, glass or plastic, with internal grooves. It has a base that looks like a saucer and a large hole at the bottom. Place it on top of the cup by adhering the small plate-shaped base to the edges of the cup. Insert a coffee filter into the cone.
- You can also use the same technique to prepare coffee with the Chemex method. Just insert the coffee filter in the upper portion and then proceed as described below.
- Use the same type of filter you would use for your American coffee machine, in the shape of a cup or envelope.
- Consider running boiling water through the filter and then throwing it away to prevent the coffee from absorbing the aroma of the paper.
Step 2. Pour a tablespoon (7g) of ground coffee into the filter
If you like coffee strong, use 2 tablespoons (14 g). You can buy coffee already ground, but for an ideal result it is best to buy it in beans and grind it on the spot.
Step 3. Add enough water to saturate the ground coffee contained in the filter
Bring the water to a boil, then let it cool for about ten seconds after removing the pot from the heat. Pour it into the filter until the ground coffee is completely saturated with water.
Don't add all the water for now. First the coffee must "bloom", that is, it must absorb the water and become slightly foamy. It will take about 30 seconds
Step 4. Add the rest of the water
In total you will need to add 180 ml. To prevent the water from overflowing, pour it into the filter a couple of centimeters at a time and wait for it to slowly drain down each time.
If you pour 180ml of water into the dripper in one go, it may not be able to filter quickly enough and will eventually overflow
Step 5. Remove the dripper and serve the coffee
When the cup is full, lift the dripper, then throw away the filter and coffee grounds. If you wish, add sugar and milk to the coffee and serve immediately.
Throw away the paper filter and coffee grounds immediately. Rinse the dripper to remove residue and keep it efficient and clean
Method 5 of 6: Prepare the Coffee without the Coffee Maker
Step 1. Spread a napkin over a cup
Push it a few centimeters into the cup to create a small bag that can accommodate the coffee. You can also use a bandana, cotton handkerchief, or muslin cloth, as long as they are clean.
- If you want to serve coffee to more people, use a large glass jar instead of a cup and increase the amount of water and ground.
- If the napkin or cloth is not tightly woven, fold it in 4 before spreading it over the cup.
Step 2. Secure the napkin to the edge of the cup
You can use clothes pegs or paperweight pegs. You will need at least two, one on each side, but to be safe it is best to use 4.
Alternatively, you can wrap a rubber band around the rim of the cup by tightening it around the napkin
Step 3. Pour medium-ground coffee into the notch of the napkin
You can buy coffee already ground, but for an ideal result it is best to buy it in beans and grind it on the spot. You will need 1 to 2 tablespoons (7-14 g) per person. The greater the quantity of ground coffee, the stronger the coffee will be.
- Do not use the finely ground coffee otherwise it will seep through the texture of the napkin and fall into the cup.
- Do not use coarse ground coffee or it will get trapped within the texture of the napkin.
Step 4. Heat the water
Ideally you should bring it to a temperature between 91 and 97 ° C. If you don't have a thermometer that allows you to measure the exact temperature, simply put the water on the stove, wait for it to boil, then turn off the stove, take the saucepan away from the heat, and wait thirty seconds before pouring in. water in the cup.
The water must not exceed 97 ° C, otherwise it will ruin the aroma of the coffee
Step 5. Pour the water into the cup gradually
Initially add only the water needed to submerge the coffee. Wait 30 seconds, then add half of the remaining water. After another 30 seconds, add the rest of the water in four steps.
Do not add all the water at once or it will not be able to seep through the coffee and will come out of the cup
Step 6. Wait for the water to flow down and run into the cup, then serve the coffee
After a couple of minutes, the water will pour into the cup and you can remove the napkin with the coffee grounds. Add sugar and milk to taste and serve the coffee immediately.
Throw away the coffee grounds immediately and rinse the napkin thoroughly to prevent it from getting stained
Method 6 of 6: Making Great Coffee
Step 1. Purchase good quality, freshly roasted coffee beans
There are different types of coffee beans, depending on the origin. Some regions produce higher quality coffee than others, for example the Arabica variety is far better than the Robusta variety.
- You can buy pre-ground coffee, but if you want to make great coffee, you have to grind it yourself.
- Grind only the beans you need at the moment to prepare the coffee, as once ground they will lose their freshness even more quickly.
Step 2. Store the coffee beans properly and use within a week
Pour it into an airtight container, possibly glass or ceramic, and store it at room temperature. Do not put it in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent it from absorbing moisture and odors from other foods.
- If you need to store coffee beans in the freezer, use them within 3-5 months at the latest.
- Don't let the coffee beans go to waste. If they lose their aroma, use them to make a body scrub.
Step 3. Use a good quality filter
Those in oxygen-bleached or dioxin-free paper work well. You can also use a gold-plated permanent filter. Do not use a cheap filter as it will affect the taste of the coffee.
Paper filters can slightly alter the taste of coffee. To avoid this, rinse them with boiling water before use
Step 4. Use bottled or filtered water
Do not use tap water unless you are sure it is of excellent quality. If you are going to use tap water, let it run for a few seconds before filling the pot to make sure it is cold.
Never use distilled water or water treated with the softener, otherwise you will get a coffee with little taste
Step 5. Make sure the water is hot enough
It must reach a temperature between 91 and 97 ° C. If it's too hot or too cold, you won't be able to get good coffee.
If you are not using the coffee maker, let the water come to a full boil, then wait 30-60 seconds before pouring it over the ground coffee
Step 6. Serve the coffee as soon as it is ready
The more you wait, the less aroma it will have. If you intend to store it in a thermos, try to drink it within an hour.
Over time, the coffee will gradually lose its qualities
Step 7. Keep the coffee maker clean
Rinse all the components with boiling water, dry them with a clean kitchen towel and reassemble the coffee machine. Washing it immediately will prevent oils or coffee powder from accumulating on the surfaces and making future coffees bitter.
Once a month, clean the coffee machine with vinegar, then rinse it thoroughly
Advice
- If you have a passion for sweet flavors, you can add some sugar or cocoa to the ground coffee.
- The aroma of coffee depends on many factors, including the variety, the place where it is grown, the altitude and the process of harvesting, drying and roasting.
- Ask your trusted barista what kind of coffee he recommends and write down his recommendations.
- If possible, buy coffee beans from a local roaster and grind it before each use to enjoy great coffee.
- Run the water through the empty filter to remove residues from previous extractions that could give the coffee a bitter taste.
- Coffee beans can quickly lose their qualities if you don't store them properly. Search online and purchase an airtight container that protects them from air and light.
- You can also make a flavored coffee syrup at home to give it a special taste.
