Discover the best way to make coffee at home, and make it well. We’ve got some handy tips for your coffee brewing techniques, as well as the best things to add to your coffee. You’ll even find some fantastic coffee pairings, coffee additions and coffee ideas too.
Deep Clean Your Equipment Regularly
Simple things like cleaning your coffee machine and equipment after every use can make a big difference. If you don’t, coffee oils can accumulate and can impact the quality of your brewed coffee. You can find specialist coffee cleaners to dissolve any built-up residue in an instant, and many coffee machines will let you know when to do a deep clean. Even simple things like wiping down the steam arm parts of your machine once you’ve steamed your milk can make a difference to taste and texture.
Use Filtered/Purified Water
The soluble minerals present in unfiltered water can impact the taste of your brew. A simple change like using filtered water not only improves flavour but it can also prolong the life of your coffee machine by reducing calcification. Good coffee shops do it, so you should too.
Use A Scale
Using a scale to measure both the coffee and the water by weight can go a long way to enhancing the flavour of your brew. A well-brewed coffee relies on a specific coffee-to-water ratio, and using a scale brings some precision to your at-home coffee making.
Choosing The Type Of Coffee Bean
The type of coffee bean you choose can make a big impact on the flavour of your coffee. Choose from
- Arabica
- Robusta
- Typica
- Geisha
- Bourbon
Each has their own flavour and will bring something unique to your brew, so it makes sense to research and try each to see how it can affect your homemade coffee. Just remember to always keep your coffee stored well, and make sure it’s kept away from air, light, and moisture.
Coffee Grinding Technique
Grind your coffee just before brewing. About 30 minutes after the coffee is ground, the taste and aroma normally start to deteriorate, so only grind what you need when you need it.
Additional Flavours
Spices
Nutmeg, cinnamon and even salt are all great choices to enhance your coffee drinking experience at any time of year. For something a little more festive at Christmas, consider adding star anise or pumpkin spice.
Syrups
Syrups bring a little sweetness to your brew and are ideal to add to a latte. We love vanilla, caramel, almond or hazelnut but the choice is up to you.
Add Chocolate
You can add a dusting of chocolate to your cappuccino or even mix cocoa powder into your brew for a more chocolatey taste.
Add Honey
Rather than adding processed sugar or preservatives to your coffee, good quality honey is a natural sweetener. Let your coffee cool down a little (if it’s too hot you may lose the nutritional value of the honey) and add one or two teaspoons of honey.
Add Protein Powder
If you regularly use protein powder pre- or post-workout, you can add a little protein powder to your coffee too. Just be careful of mixing flavours – vanilla is usually best to keep things simple.
Coffee Pairings
Consider pairing your coffee with:
- Fresh pastries: Coffee and sweet pastries are such a delightful combination. There’s nothing better than a buttery flaky croissant paired with a smooth latte.
- Biscotti: A bold full-bodied coffee pairs wonderfully well with biscotti. For extra decadence, dip it in to release the flavours.
Opt For Cold Or Iced
Perfect on a summer’s day – or just because – a cold or iced coffee is super refreshing and still gives you that delicious taste. Discover how to whip up an iced latte with our recipe and expert barista tips.
Affogato
This decadent Italian dessert is so simple but feels so sophisticated - and most importantly is delicious. Simply scoop out some vanilla ice cream or gelato and pour a shot of hot espresso over it. You can add a shot of amaretto, Kahlua or another liqueur, too.
Elevating Your Coffee FAQs
What are good combinations with coffee?
If you want to add some extra flavour to your coffee, consider adding vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, honey or almond to your brew. And if you’re looking for something to eat with your coffee, you can’t beat a flaky and sweet pastry. Biscotti is just perfect too.
How do you make coffee exciting?
It depends on you. We think a well-brewed coffee – whether flat white, cappuccino, latte or espresso – is always exciting. But if you want some extra flavour, consider adding some vanilla, caramel, hazelnut or almond syrup to your coffee. We also think affogato is a delicious and exciting way to use a well-brewed shot of espresso.
What can I add to my coffee?
It’s up to you. For some natural sweetness, consider a teaspoon or two of honey. Flavoured syrups or chocolate are other good ways to subtly change the taste of your coffee.
Homemade Coffee With Arla Barista
Now you know the things you can do to elevate your homemade coffee and improve your at-home experience, discover how to make the best latte, cappuccino or flat white with our recipes and expert barista tips.
