If you are the kind of person who needs a good cup of coffee before they feel fully human each morning, you are not alone. In the UK, it is estimated that over 98 million cups of coffee are drunk each day. We drink coffee when we wake up, as a mid-morning pick-me-up, after lunch, and even after dinner. It’s fair to say that as a nation when it comes to coffee, we’re hooked. As it is National Coffee Week from the 14th - the 20th of October, there has never been a better time to learn how to make good coffee, and we’ve got all the best tips to ensure that when it comes to crafting the perfect cuppa, you’ll be an expert in no time.

How To Make A Good Coffee: The History

The earliest known coffee consumption was not as a drink, but rather as an edible treat. African tribes would grind coffee berries, mix them with animal fat, and roll them into energy balls for quick snacks. This was a practical way to consume the stimulating effects of caffeine though not entirely palatable. Coffee was first consumed as a drink around the 15th century in the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. The Sufi monks used coffee to stay awake during their long hours of prayer and meditation. From Yemen, the practice of drinking coffee spread to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula and eventually to the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and Europe. 

Throughout the centuries, the art of coffee making has developed, and coffee lovers around the globe are still looking for ways to perfect the art of making a good cup. While, when it comes to coffee, the perfect technique is up for debate, by following these coffee tips below, we are confident the end result will be a cup of coffee that won’t disappoint.

Coffee Beans VS Instant Coffee

We don't want to get all snobby about it, but you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who can successfully argue that instant coffee tastes better than a freshly made cup. There’s no doubt that high quality, freshly roasted beans yield the best flavour. 

Of course, there are a huge range of coffee bean varieties out there, and this is where personal taste comes in. Whether you like your coffee rich and strong, smooth and chocolatey, nutty and mild or anything in between, it might take some trial and error to discover the perfect beans to suit your taste - but when you do, it will have bean (geddit?) worth the wait.

How Hot is Too Hot?

Paying attention to your water temperature before pouring it onto your coffee grinds is crucial. You can’t just boil the kettle and pour it on like some sort of tea drinker would.

The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is, in fact, between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Too hot, and you could burn it and extract bitterness; too cool, and the coffee will be under-extracted and weak. So make like Goldilocks and ensure you find a temperature that’s jusssssttt right.

Get Your Grind On

We don’t want to be crass, but when it comes to coffee there is no getting away from the fact that grind size matters. However, there is no one size fits all approach, and all the best coffee makers know that matching your grind size to your brewing method is the way to do it. 

For example:

Coarse grind for French press
Medium grind for drip coffee makers
Fine grind for espresso
Extra-fine for Turkish coffee

So depending on how you like your coffee and what method you are using to make it, you’ll need to grind your coffee to meet the specifications for that type.

Keep it Clean

Now we know that water temperature can affect the brewing of a perfect cup of coffee, but that’s not the only part god old h2o has to play. The quality of the water matters too. Think about this way, coffee is mostly water, so using clean, filtered water free of impurities will improve the taste of your brew.

Timing is Everything

When it comes to making a delicious cup of coffee you need to time it just right. Over-extraction leads to bitterness, while under-extraction can make coffee sour. Timing varies by method, but generally, aim for:

4 minutes for French press
5 minutes for drip coffee
25-30 seconds for espresso

Invest in the Best

While we wish you could make the perfect coffee without any fancy equipment, the truth is that a lot of the hard work is made easy with the right stuff. There are many amazing gadgets and gizmos out there, from coffee presses to milk frothers to full barista style machines that are all singing and dancing. If you are willing to part with your hard earned cash to up your coffee game, doing your research is paramount. Compare makes and models, read up on what you need, and check out reviews to make a smart and informed decision.

Espresso Yourself!

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder but when it comes to food and drink, good presentation can make a difference to how much you enjoy it. In fact, studies have shown that people rate the exact same dish more favourably in terms of taste if care has been taken with how it’s presented. So if you want to go the extra mile to make your cup of coffee head and shoulders above the rest, why not learn how to do some cool coffee art, invest in some attractive mugs and get creative with your presentation?

Top Gifts For Coffee Lovers

If you know someone who can’t live without their coffee, they are sure to appreciate a coffee-based gift to pay homage to their caffeine addiction. Here are some of our favourites.

Personalised Coffee Tins

A personalised coffee tin will keep their favourite coffee blend fresh and ready to use whenever they need a caffeine hit. Choose from classy, understated designs, funny options to keep them amused whenever they need a cuppa, or even upload a photo to make them think of you whenever they reach for a brew.

Personalised Coffee Mugs

Our range of coffee mugs come in all shapes and sizes. If your loved one is more of a sophisticated coffee connoisseur, a glass coffee mug with engraved base and silver spoon is sure to tickle their fancy. For a cheeky but charming option, a classic coffee mug with a fun message or photo could be the way to go.

Personalised Travel Coffee Mugs

Need the perfect gift for someone who loves to grab their coffee on the go? Our travel coffee mugs will keep drinks hot and fresh so they taste as good as when they were first made. With a variety of sizes and styles to choose from there is something for everyone who loves to ensure they have a constant supply of caffeine wherever they go.

Personalised Coasters

While we love coffee, one thing we don’t love is when they leave stains on our furniture. That’s where the humble coffee coaster comes in. Our personalised options mean you can add a little personality to these otherwise functional items. Add a fun message, a silly picture or keep things classy with a simple name or date. Whatever you choose, the recipient is sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness in keeping their tables coffee ring free!

So now you know how to make good coffee, you can go forth and enjoy National Coffee Week armed with the knowledge you need to impress all your coffee loving family and friends, and if it’s a special someone’s birthday coming up, you’ve got the perfect gift choices for them too.