Let’s Begin

A good cup of coffee depends on the right technique. Small mistakes can ruin the flavour, making it bitter or weak. You may not realise how small changes can transform your brew.

Fresh beans, the correct water temperature, and the right grind can make all the difference. Paying attention to these details helps create a rich and satisfying coffee. Let’s go through the steps that will help you make a perfect cup every time.

9 Rules to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

1. Start with Fresh Beans

Coffee starts losing its flavour as soon as the beans are exposed to air. Using whole beans instead of pre-ground coffee keeps the taste intact. Look for beans with a recent roast date rather than an expiry date.

Store them in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid keeping them in the fridge, as moisture affects the quality. Grinding fresh before brewing ensures the best flavour. If the coffee tastes stale, the beans have likely gone bad.

2. Use Good Quality Water

• Water quality affects the overall taste. Chlorinated tap water can give a flat taste, while distilled water lacks essential minerals that help in extraction.
• Filtered or spring water works best as it retains essential minerals that enhance flavour. Temperature also impacts the brewing process. 
• Boiling water scalds the coffee, making it bitter, while cooler water under-extracts, leaving it weak. If you do not have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for about 30 seconds before pouring.
• Using the correct water-to-coffee balance ensures smooth extraction without overpowering or diluting the taste.

3. Choose the Right Grind Size

• The grind size makes a huge difference in how the coffee tastes. Too fine and it becomes bitter. Too coarse and it tastes weak.
• Match the grind to your brewing method. Espresso needs fine grounds for a strong taste.
• French press works best with a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction.
• Medium grind suits pour-over and drip coffee.
• If your coffee tastes off, adjusting the grind can fix it. Investing in a good burr grinder helps maintain consistency.

4. Measure Coffee and Water Correctly

• Eyeballing coffee measurements can lead to inconsistent brews.
• A balanced ratio ensures the right strength.
• A general guide is 15 grams of coffee per 250 ml of water.
• Using a scale makes this easier.
• If the coffee tastes too strong or weak, adjust slightly.
• Keeping the measurements consistent helps you find the ideal balance.
• Stick to the same ratio once you find what works for your taste.

5. Pick the Best Brewing Method

• The method you choose affects the flavour profile. French press delivers a rich and bold taste with its immersion process.
• our-over gives a smoother taste with clear notes.
• Espresso is strong and concentrated, perfect for those who enjoy an intense flavour. 
• AeroPress is versatile, making both strong and mild coffee.
• Experimenting with different methods helps you discover what you enjoy the most. If you like a particular style, stick with it and refine your process.

6. Control Brewing Time

• Brewing time plays a key role in how the coffee turns out. Too short and it lacks depth. Too long and it becomes too strong or bitter.
• French press needs about four minutes. Espresso should take 25 to 30 seconds. Pour-over and drip coffee takes around four to six minutes.
• Timing each step ensures you get a well-balanced flavour.
• A simple timer can help maintain consistency. If the coffee tastes off, adjusting the brew time can improve it.

7. Brew at the Right Temperature

• Brewing at the correct temperature helps extract the best flavours.
• Water that is too hot releases unwanted bitterness, while water that is too cool prevents proper extraction.
• Keeping water between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius ensures an optimal brew. Preheating (using hot water) your coffee cup or serving vessel helps maintain the drink’s temperature for longer.
• A warm cup preserves the coffee’s aroma and enhances the drinking experience.
• Experiment with different steeping methods to bring out unique tasting notes in various beans.

8. Pour with Precision

• Pouring method matters for all brewing styles.
• For pour-over coffee, a slow and steady circular pour helps saturate the grounds evenly, preventing channelling.
• Espresso requires even tamping and consistent pressure during extraction.
• In French press brewing, stirring the coffee before pressing down the plunger ensures a balanced flavour.
• For drip coffee, ensuring even water distribution over the grounds enhances extraction. Small adjustments to your pouring technique improve consistency and overall taste.
• Agitation and bloom control help maximise flavour release in immersion methods.

9. Final Touches Make a Difference

• Small habits improve the coffee experience.
• Pre-warming your cup using the hot water method helps retain heat longer. Letting the coffee settle for a few seconds smooths out the flavour.
• If it tastes too bitter, a pinch of salt can help balance it.
• Avoid using sugar or artificial creamers as they mask the true flavour.
• Instead, try milk alternatives or natural sweeteners.
• Drinking coffee fresh enhances its taste. These minor changes make a noticeable difference.

Bonus Tip: Drink at the Right Time

• Coffee tastes best within 30 minutes of brewing. Leaving it too long affects the flavour.

• Reheating makes it taste burnt. If you need to keep it warm, use an insulated flask.

• Avoid storing coffee on a hot plate, as this makes it stale. Drinking coffee at the right time ensures you enjoy its full flavour and aroma.

Levista – Crafted for Coffee Lovers, Perfected in Every Sip

Levista Coffee means something different to everyone–it’s a moment of reflection, an energy boost, or a comforting daily ritual. At Levista, we bring the finest beans from the lush plantations of Coorg, expertly roasted and packed to deliver pure, unfiltered freshness and flavour.

With a deep-rooted passion for coffee, we craft blends that balance tradition with innovation. From strong espressos to smooth filter coffee and convenient instant blends, every cup is designed for those who appreciate a well-brewed experience. The aroma, the taste, the richness–Levista ensures every sip feels just right. Because coffee isn’t just made, it’s brewed with care, precision, and an unwavering love for perfection.

Summing Up

Making a great cup of coffee is about getting the details right. Fresh beans, correct grind size, good water, and precise brewing all contribute to a satisfying taste. Following these simple steps helps you make consistently good coffee. Experiment with different methods and small adjustments to find what suits your taste best. Enjoy your coffee the way it should be.

FAQs

1. What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for brewing?

A general rule is 15 grams of coffee per 250 ml of water. Adjust based on taste preference.

2. Why does my coffee taste bitter?

Bitterness is usually caused by over-extraction, often due to too fine a grind or excessively hot water.

3. Should I store coffee beans in the fridge?

No, refrigeration introduces moisture that can degrade the flavour. Store beans in an airtight container at room temperature.

4. What is the best brewing method for a strong coffee?

Espresso provides the most concentrated flavour, while French press offers a rich, full-bodied experience.

5. What is the best way to store coffee?

Store it in an airtight container, away from moisture and heat, to maintain its freshness and preserve its rich flavour for longer.