How To Drink Coffee Right: 5 Tips To Maximize Your Cup
If you’re someone who tends to brew a pot of coffee and drink it without thinking too much, you might be wondering why some people put so much effort into their coffee. What’s the point of grinding your own beans, measuring out grounds, and using a cappuccino cup instead of a random mug from the cupboard?
As it turns out, all of these things can actually make coffee taste better. And if you don’t think you care about good-tasting coffee, we challenge you to try a cup of well-made coffee and see if you still feel that way afterward. How do you make and drink a good cup of coffee, though? Read on for our guide on how to drink coffee the right way to enjoy every drop.
Coffee 101
First, let’s clear the air on why it’s important to fine-tune every part of the coffee-making process. Each detail influences the final cup, which might seem overwhelming at first — however, you’ll be thankful for all the ways you can customize your cuppa.
The first detail is the coffee beans themselves. Coffee beans come in two main types: Arabica and Robusta. Yes, there are actually different types of coffee beans that come from different types of coffee plants.
Arabica beans are known for their smooth, mild flavor with hints of sweetness. Meanwhile Robusta beans have a bolder, earthier taste and higher caffeine content.
The roast can also impact the flavor of the coffee, as it draws out different aromatics and flavor compounds in the coffee beans. Light roasts typically have vibrant, fruity notes, medium roasts balance acidity and body, and dark roasts are known for their rich, smoky flavors.
Grind size is another element that can have a huge effect on the final taste of your coffee. In general, you want to use coarse ground beans for French press, medium for drip coffee, and fine for espresso.
5 Tips To Drink Coffee Right
So, how can you make and drink coffee in a way that truly makes the most of your cup? Read on for some tips on how to turn your kitchen into a verifiable coffee shop.
1. Make Your Coffee the Right Way
Brewing coffee is an art, and the method you choose to make it can completely transform the taste. Drip coffee makers are a morning staple because they’re easy to use and make a consistent cup of coffee. However, if you want a richer coffee, the French press is known for making a bold, full-bodied cup.
If you like to be precise, pour-overs let you control every variable, which means you’re guaranteed the perfect cup of coffee every time. Espresso machines deliver intense, concentrated shots, while a stovetop moka pot makes a similarly concentrated cup of coffee without having to pull a shot.
You could also try cold brew. This type of coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours to create a smooth, low-acidity drink that’s perfect for summer. No matter how you make your coffee, every good cuppa starts with freshly ground beans and the perfect roast.
2. Get Your Flavor Locked In
You can take your coffee from average to extraordinary with a few simple tweaks. Start by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your grounds before brewing to adjust the flavor notes of your coffee.
You may also add a pinch of salt. It might sound crazy, but a little salt works wonders to mellow bitterness and highlight the natural sweetness in a classic medium roast. If you’re avoiding sugar, you can swap refined sugar for honey, maple syrup, or agave to keep things sweet.
For creaminess, use some heavy cream or explore plant-based options like oat milk, which pairs beautifully with coffee’s nutty undertones. Some people even mix in cocoa powder for a mocha-like indulgence. Small changes to your coffee ritual can unlock a world of flavors, making every cup feel like a luxury.
3. Drink It at the Right Time
Timing your coffee consumption just right can help you maximize the benefits of your coffee. Drinking coffee in the morning is a classic choice, but it can be a good idea to wait an hour after waking to let your body’s natural cortisol levels stabilize before your cuppa.
Mid-morning, around 9:30 to 11:30 A.M., is usually a great time to enjoy your first cup, as it aligns well with your internal biological clock. If you need a midday pick-me-up to avoid the afternoon slump, a cup in the early afternoon can boost energy without sabotaging your sleep. That being said, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking coffee after 3 P.M. to keep late-night tossing and turning at bay.
4. Opt for Low-Caf Options
“Wait,” you might be thinking. “Don’t I want to make the strongest cup of coffee possible?” And while we agree that every cup should come with a rush of flavor, packing your coffee with caffeine might not be in your best interest.
Everyone has their own caffeine tolerance, which is determined by genetics. Basically, you might be able to slightly raise or lower your caffeine tolerance depending on how much coffee you drink, but ultimately, you can’t change how your body handles caffeine.
If you’re someone who gets jittery after one large cup of coffee, that’s a sign to slow it down. However, you don’t have to cut out coffee entirely — just opt for an option that has less caffeine in it!
Our Mushroom Coffee+ is made with only 45 mg of caffeine per serving. It’s enough to help you feel focused and motivated, but not enough to make you sick and scattered. Plus, our blends contain L-theanine, which can actually help mitigate the negative side effects of caffeine.
Should you slam back eight cups of our mushroom coffee? No, but you should be able to enjoy a couple cups without getting overwhelmed by caffeine. And, if you’re someone who prefers a more caffeinated cuppa, check out our Bold Mushroom Coffee+!
5. Make It a Ritual
Another thing that can help you enjoy your coffee more is to make it into a ritual. Try setting aside 15 minutes in the morning to drink your first cup of coffee over a book or newspaper, or try sipping on your coffee while you journal to some relaxing music. You may even make a habit of calling a loved one or planning your day while you drink coffee.
You can also take cues from coffee cultures around the world. In Italy, savoring a quick shot of espresso at the bar is usually how one starts the day. Meanwhile, Ethiopian coffee ceremonies celebrate community, while Scandinavian countries embrace "fika," a daily coffee break paired with pastries and conversation.
Can Coffee Have Side Effects?
Coffee is packed with antioxidants and health benefits, but remember that moderation is key. Find your unique caffeine tolerance and try not to go beyond it, as this can cause jitters or leave you counting sheep at 3 A.M.
It’s also important to be mindful of sugary syrups and heavy creamers — these are often high in calories, fats, and empty carbs. For sensitive stomachs, opt for low-acid coffee or add a splash of milk to cut the acidity of your coffee.
The Bottom Line
For many people, coffee isn’t just an energy boost or a cup of liquid motivation — it’s one of the simple pleasures in life. To get the most out of your cup of coffee, try fine-tuning a coffee-making method, adding some interesting flavors, opting for low-caf options, and turning it into a ritual.
At Everyday Dose, we know that making the perfect cup of coffee is an art. Seriously, there are national competitions for baristas to show off their artistic genius. That’s why we made sure our mushroom coffee retains every bit of the smooth, rich flavor we look forward to in our daily cuppas. Shop all of our mushroom blends today to find one that’s right for you!
Sources:
Coffee Plant: Arabica and Robusta | CoffeeResearch.org
When Is the Best Time to Drink Coffee? | Cleveland Clinic
Caffeine & Sleep: How Long Does Caffeine Last & Keep You Awake? | Houston Methodist On Health
Fika like a Swede – 5 Swedish fika classics to try | Visit Sweden
