For some people coffee is more than just a quick pick me up or a social event. Coffee lovers take pride in learning about the practice of perfecting a cup. While it may seem intimidating, becoming a coffee expert is relatively simple if you follow these steps.
1. Identify Brewing Methods
The most basic distinction you must learn before anything else to do with coffee is the different brewing methods. The 3 most basic methods you should be familiar with are drip coffee, espresso machines, and the french press. Each style of making coffee requires different machines and produces a distinct taste.
- Drip coffee is the traditional style of production. It can either be a machine or done by hand by pouring hot water over coffee grounds and catching the coffee underneath
- Espresso is a heavily concentrated shot of coffee that is made by espresso machines with a lower grounds to water ratio
- Using a french press involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water and using pressure to press the grounds out to release the coffee
2. Learn the types of drinks
The next step to impressing others with your coffee knowledge is learning all the types of drinks. While it may seem basic, many people do not know what they are ordering at coffee shops or what they want. Below are five basic hot and iced drinks to familiarize yourself with some iconic beverages.
- Black coffee- brewed drip coffee
- Cappuccino- espresso, steamed milk, foam
- Latte- espresso, steamed milk, light foam
- Americano- espresso, filtered water
- Flat white- espresso, steamed milk
Most of these drinks can be ordered either iced or hot depending on preference. Typically coffee shops do not include sugar or flavored syrups unless specifically stated on the menu or requested. And if you only remember one thing, please do not order an americano with milk!
3. Learn about your beans
This step is what truly takes you from a coffee fan to expert. Becoming an expert requires you to gain some knowledge that the general public doesn’t have, and for coffee experts, that includes where the beans you are using come from. Most coffee beans grow along the coffee belt which includes India, SouthEast Asia, Central & South America, and the biggest producer, Brazil. Based on location there are many different types of coffee plants that grow and produce the beans we know and love. The differences in climate, temperature, and humidity all influence the taste of the beans and many people can pinpoint where their coffee is sourced based on that taste.
In becoming a coffee expert you should not only taste different types of beans from different regions, but you should also research how the beans are secured. Part of being in the expert club means setting the example of getting beans that are ethically sourced and support the agriculture and people in the region where the coffee beans are being grown.
4. Secure the equipment
Once you get the taste of becoming a coffee expert, you will be sure that nobody can produce a better cup than you. This will require you to purchase some equipment to perfect your craft. Depending on the drinks and flavors you are looking for, the machines you could purchase vary greatly. You can find cheap espresso machines such as this one on amazon or other retailers. If you want to move up another level you could also purchase a more expensive machine like this one from Breville that allows you to grind your own beans fresh. A French press is a cheaper machine that still produces great coffee. Finally, the drip coffee machine can be purchased almost anywhere for a relatively low price and consistently good coffee.
5. Tell everyone you are a coffee expert
It is true, those of us that love coffee want to make it known to any and everyone. So after becoming a coffee expert make sure you mention where the beans are roasted and the perfect temperature for frothing milk, your local barista will love you! Whether you want to learn more about coffee because you really enjoy it or because you just want to impress your coffee shop date, the coffee community will welcome you with open arms. While it might seem like there is a lot to learn in order to immerse yourself in the coffee community, joining the world of coffee experts and lovers is well worth it. You will find a community of fun, creative, and heavily caffeinated individuals.
