Brewing the perfect cup of black coffee is an art. Drinking coffee without sugar, milk, or cream can make the taste stand out more and you can focus on the aroma of freshly roasted whole beans. Black coffee is generally made in a kettle, although modern coffee connoisseurs insist on mastering the pour over method for the best taste.
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Method 1 of 2: Making Pour-Over Black Coffee
Step 1. Purchase freshly roasted whole coffee beans
If you can't buy coffee that's been roasted in less than a week, just buy coffee that's packaged in airtight bags from a reputable coffee manufacturer.
Step 2. Purchase a coffee grinder or coffee grinder at the store
If possible, choose a burr grinder (circular blade) instead of a blade grinder (straight blade). For better results, grind the coffee right before brewing each day.
- Experiment with different grinds. While finely ground coffee tends to be preferable, it will generally taste more bitter than coarser ground coffee.
- Many people suggest grinding coffee to the size of white sugar.
Step 3. Use good water
If you like the taste of tap water, chances are it will make your coffee taste good. Distilled water is strongly discouraged, but you can use carbon-filtered tap water to reduce the chemical taste.
Minerals in water are important factors for the brewing process
Step 4. Purchase an unbleached kettle, funnel and filter for pour-over coffee
Most coffee lovers believe that the pour-over method will give you the best and richest black coffee ever.
Step 5. Place the funnel over a glass large enough to hold the entire brew of coffee
Pour about three tablespoons of ground coffee into the filter once you're ready to brew it.
Avid coffee brewers will focus on the weight of the coffee bean instead of its volume. If you prefer this method, pour 60 to 70 g per liter (4 cups) of water. Adjust based on the size of your coffee pot
Step 6. Bring water to a boil in a kettle
Wait for it to cool slightly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or turn off the kettle just before the water boils. The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is 93°C.
In general, the darker (burnt) the coffee roast is, the colder the water should be. For lighter roasts, use a maximum water temperature of 97°C. For a darker roast, use a water temperature close to 90°C
Step 7. Set the timer for four minutes
Wet the coffee with the first pour of about 4 tablespoons of water. Wait for 30 seconds, then pour water again. Repeat for four minutes until all the water is gone.
- Experiment with extraction times for 3 minutes. Be careful not to pour too much water. You may prefer coffee with a shorter brew time.
- Longer brewing times are suitable for younger coffee roasts. While the shorter brewing time is suitable for more concentrated coffee roasts.
Method 2 of 2: Making Black Coffee in a Machine
Step 1. Buy freshly roasted whole coffee beans in small packages
Coffee that has been exposed to air or sun will quickly go rancid.
Step 2. Purchase an unbleached coffee filter that fits the coffee maker
If you're unsure whether the machine has been cleaned or not, take the time to clean it so you get the best coffee taste. Turn on cleaning mode (or brewing mode) using a half-and-half ratio of distilled white vinegar and water.
- Continue with the next two steeps using water to make sure the remaining vinegar is completely rinsed off.
- For areas with poor water quality, add a higher ratio of vinegar to the amount of water. Clean the machine once a month.
Step 3. Grind the coffee beans in a burr or blade grinder just before brewing each day
A burr grinder will produce a more even ground coffee, but the machine costs a lot more than a small blade grinder. If you are using a blade grinder, grind the coffee beans several times to get a more even powder size.
Try different sizes of coffee grounds. The finer the powder, the richer the taste you will get, but the bitter the brew will be
Step 4. Use about 2¾ tablespoons of coffee grounds per 240 ml of water
Over time, you will find out how many beans it takes to get the coffee grounds you need. Adjust the amount to taste.
Step 5. Turn off the automatic heating feature on the coffee maker
Most machines are programmed to brew coffee at a precise 93°C, but this heating feature can bring the water to a boil and make the coffee taste bitter. For best results, drink freshly brewed black coffee as soon as possible.
