Do you want a more flavorful cup of coffee without dragging yourself to the local cafe every morning?
What if you could enjoy flavorful, barista-inspired coffee from the comfort of your very own kitchen.
We believe there is no substitute for high-quality, delicious coffee. So we’ve compiled 10 of the best ways to make your coffee more flavorful.
How to Add More Flavor to Your Coffee
We’ll explore how you can play with brew techniques and bean types while giving you awesome ingredient suggestions to kick it up a notch! While the “perfect cup of coffee” will vary from one person to the next.
We feel confident that when you explore these options, you’ll be able to find the recipe that works for YOUR unique taste buds.
Skip the line at the coffee shop and find the recipe to create your own flavorful cup of coffee!
Better Beans
If you’re not satisfied with the flavor of your coffee, it is best to start with the quality of your coffee beans. This is a big one. That’s why it’s at the top of our list.
No amount of sweeteners, kinds of milk, or syrups can mask coffee that is just plain BAD. Here’s what to look out for:
- Choose Arabica over Robusta. Arabica beans tend to be a bit pricier but have a lot more flavor and aroma. We think the cost is worth it. You can learn more about different types of coffee beans in our article here.
- Look for the country of origin. Roasters who list bean origin and details about where they source their ingredients are paying attention to quality. You can feel confident in your purchase when you know where your coffee beans are sourced.
- Check the roast date. Good roasters will label this on the bag, so you know when the coffee is most fresh! Believe it or not, you will want to brew your beans 3-7 days after they are roasted for the best flavor and freshness. This is why buying locally roasted beans are ideal.
Bonus tip: Store your beans in an air-tight container and grind your beans just before you brew. This keeps them fresh and will give you the best flavor!
Want to know if you have junk coffee beans? Check out our article on how to tell if you have good quality coffee beans.
Water Temperature
Most people don’t even consider the water temperature when brewing! It tends to be an afterthought, but it is a significant factor when brewing flavorful coffee.
Water temperature is a bit like the Goldie Locks effect. Too hot, and it extracts oils, acids, and caffeine too quickly, leaving your coffee bitter.
Too cool, and your coffee will lack body, and it may even taste sour! (coffeebean) Ideally, water should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (ncausa). Unless you’re brewing cold brew, which is a totally different story.
If you’re interested in cold brew, then please check out our article on how to make the best cold brew coffee.
Different Brew Methods
If you haven’t been satisfied by the flavor of your drip coffeemaker, you may consider trying something new.
While traditional coffee makers offer ease and convenience, other brew methods can help you explore a wider variety of flavors.
Pour Over
It tends to be a smoother brew due to the filtration process and water-to-grounds ratio. Plus, the hand-poured process can be quite relaxing and meditative. It’s kind of fun to make coffee in the morning this way.
Experimenting with pour-over will give you a lot of control over the process, water temperature, ingredient ratios, and more so that you can find the proper ratio to brew your perfect cup.
If you’re going to get a pour-over, then just get the best one available. It’s worth the money!
French press
French press is more full-bodied, thick, and dense. That’s because the oils and flavors aren’t stripped away as they can be with paper filters. Plus, the coffee is able to steep in the water (lifehack) like tea, allowing you to reap all the benefits of the beans.
French presses are kind of all the same, but this is the one I use.
Aeropress
Aeropress can be more like an espresso. It’s intense and delicious.
It’s known for its clean taste and unique flavor resulting from the thin paper filter. This filter keeps out oils and sediment for a great cup of coffee. The best part about an Aeropress is it is really portable, so you can enjoy flavorful coffee wherever you are!
If you haven’t tried an Aeropress, I strongly encourage you to take a look. It’s one of the best ways of making coffee.
You can see if the Aeropress is still available here.
Moka Pot
If you don’t have an espresso machine, this stovetop espresso maker is a great substitute.
It has many names, including an Italian coffee pot. A stovetop espresso maker, A Moka pot (which is what I always call it), or Moka Express… There are many names for the same thing, but they all refer to the same thing.
A two-piece, inconspicuous kettle that is placed on the stove to make essential, aromatic coffee in a matter of minutes. You can brew coffee that delights everyone if you select the right model, add fresh beans and follow a few simple rules.
This is the Moka pot that I use.
Salt
It may sound weird, but adding salt can enhance the flavor of your coffee! Toss a pinch of salt into your coffee grounds before brewing.
Salt actually acts as a neutralizer which can help keep your coffee from tasting bitter.
Syrups
Ever wonder how your local coffee shop manages to create such unique flavors and drink options? Are you dazzled by their pumpkin spice lattes or mocha mint macchiatos?
You can achieve similar flavors right at home with premium coffee syrups.
Depending on the season, this can be a fun way to switch up your morning brew. Add a bit of peppermint or gingerbread around the holidays or a pump of caramel syrup any time of the year, just because!
Sweeteners
Sweetener options go far beyond plain-old sugar these days. Exploring different sweeteners like honey, stevia, and agave can be fun.
Honey tastes divine; as a bonus, it’s great for your immune system. Stevia is a calorie-free option, and a little goes a long way.
It’s an ideal no-calorie sugar-free alternative without the disgusting artificial taste. Last but not least, agave is a natural sweetener that has a unique flavor. This might be worth exploring if you aren’t a fan of honey or other traditional sweeteners!
Vanilla
Most people only think of extracts when it comes to baking, but extracts like vanilla can be really fun to play with in your coffee.
You probably already have vanilla extract in your kitchen cabinet, and adding a teaspoon to your cup of coffee might be the flavor fix you’ve been looking for! Other extracts like almonds can pair well with your favorite brew.
Furthermore, you can add the vanilla flavor differently. You can buy whole vanilla bean and add it to the coffee grounds before brewing. The longer you leave the vanilla with the grounds, the more intense the flavor.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a simple way to jazz up your cup of coffee. This spice is jam-packed with health benefits and smells fantastic, adding a wonderful aroma to any hot beverage.
Milk Alternatives
There are so many dairy alternatives nowadays it’s almost hard to keep up! While you may enjoy traditional milk or cream, exploring different milk options and the flavors they provide can be fun.
Almond and soy milk are staples at any coffee shop, and milks like coconut and oat milk are becoming more and more popular!
Butter and Coconut Oil
With the rise of “Bulletproof” coffee (bulletproofcoffee), adding fats like butter and coconut oil to coffee has become increasingly popular.
Something that would have sounded gross to people even just a few years ago is becoming more mainstream. Lots of coffee shops even offer these coffee concoctions on their menu.
Many people choose to add fats to their coffee to curb their appetite or stick to a diet, but they keep drinking it because it tastes surprisingly delicious.
Blend the coffee, butter, and coconut oil to get a more consistent mixture. This is highly filling and creamy– you’ll be so satisfied you may not even feel hungry until lunchtime!
Wrapping Up
Creating your most flavorful cup of coffee may take patience, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Enjoy the process of experimenting with new methods, trying a different kind of milk alternative, or adding premium syrups.
Approach making your coffee more flavorful with curiosity. Have some fun, and enjoy! Plus, if you’re like us, all of this trial and error is just an extra excuse to drink more coffee (not that any of us NEED a reason!).
Do you want to make the coffee at home? Then follow our guide to making the best coffee at home. No expensive equipment is required if you follow our plan.
