How to Make Coffee Like a Barista
If you are any kind of functioning adult, you likely survive and maybe even thrive off your daily dose of caffeine. While Nespresso and K-cups are just fine, perhaps you have wondered how to really get a good dose of caffeine into your system by making your coffee like a barista. After all, it is likely the only thing that you live, breathe, and die for. Go pour yourself a cup of that crappy coffee and consider it your last while you indulge yourself in the wonderful education of making coffee like a barista.
Espresso
Now don’t be one of those people that calls it expresso. Believe me, you don’t want to make this one your ex. Instead of just pouring yourself a cup of coffee, pull a shot of espresso instead. Espresso has a slightly thicker consistency than plain coffee. It is brewed with more grounds than water, adding to the flavor, caffeine content, and texture. If you want to supercharge your day, start with espresso instead of a plain old cup of joe.
Espresso Machine
If you really are the coffee addict you claim to be, it is time to invest in a well-rounded espresso machine. Some of these machines can be quite pricey, but they are an excellent option for long-term drinkers. A couple brands that truly stand out from the others are Le’Longhi, Miele, and coffee machines from Williams Sonoma. These are all excellent machines that will produce an incredible cup of coffee consistently for you every morning, afternoon, and night. As most things do, these machines require cleaning and care regularly, but the payoff is well worth it.
Sweets and Syrups
Syrups and sweeteners have been added to coffee for a very long time. The best way to add syrups or sweeteners to coffee is to try different flavors and see which one you like best. Presumably, this coffee will mostly be enjoyed by you so having your favorite flavors handy is a good thing. Unique syrup flavors are straightforward to make using equal parts sugar and water. Adding spices, herbs, or plants to the syrup and water will flavor the syrup naturally. After bringing the combined ingredients to a low boil, toss them in glass jars to use for the next couple of weeks as coffee syrup. Flavor combinations are entirely up to you. Sampling flavor variations like lavender, brown sugar bourbon, rose, and vanilla cinnamon is an excellent place to start. Try anything that seems like it would pair well with a good espresso shot and go from there. If you don’t seem to have the time to make your own form of simple syrups, purchasing them from amazon or grocery stores is your next best bet. While these flavors won’t be quite as unique as making your own, they will still bring your coffee to the next level.
Milk or Creamer
Lately, there the awareness and craving for nut-made milk, which has really gone over the top. I can’t really say much here because oat milk is my literal obsession. Adding some of these unique flavors into your coffee will create an interesting flavor dynamic. While there are the typical variations of milk such as almond, coconut, oat, and hazelnut, perhaps try giving pistachio milk a try. This variation will leave a salty taste on the tongue. While whole milk or 2% milk is helpful for latte art that can be visually stimulating on a coffee beverage, plant-based milk is far more beneficial for the planet and for most cows.
While adding milk or creamer into your coffee is traditional, there are other things you can do to make it stand out. Latte art is always a fun practice making. I find milk additives more interesting. For instance, if you have a traditional vanilla latte, when you are aerating the milk, add cinnamon into it. This will create a unique flavor in your coffee that is different than just adding cinnamon to the top of your drink. Other additives can and should be considered, such as nutmeg or clove.
End It with A Bang
Coffee can be served in seriously astounding ways. The presentation has always been the thing that sets drinks apart from being traditional to extraordinary. Whether you are serving an affogato, coffee-themed cocktail, nitro cold brew, or a simple espresso shot, the presentation can be made to awe anyone that gets the pleasure of drinking this fantastic cup of coffee. While obviously, it is understandable that this is not a daily occurrence, practice can help make a perfect cup of coffee. In many ways, coffee can be displayed as uniquely and diversely as a cocktail can. Adding sugar textures on top of a perfectly brewed espresso or hovering cotton candy over a cup to sweeten the flavor are great ways to present coffee. Taking an extra step and incorporating siphon coffee brewing into the presentation can also be an astounding and unique way to present coffee as a barista would.
Drinking Vessel
While the coffee itself is of utmost importance, the glass or mug you are drinking out of is also vital to your coffee drinking experience. Everyone is particular to their own kind of mug. Some like sassy saying on the front like, “I run on coffee and cuss words” or “Blow me I’m hot.” Others enjoy their mugs for more subtle reasons, like the feel of the handle and the weight of the mug itself. While finding a favorite mug can be an enjoyable activity and experience, presenting coffee in unique glasses can be exciting as well. Sometimes serving coffee in a mug can be overrated. Serving it in a whisky glass or wine glass can make your coffee drinking experience more exciting.
Drinking coffee alone is a beautiful experience but pairing it with food can step the presentation up a level. Coffee often has flavor notes of fruit and chocolate. Adding these ingredients around the display of your coffee will set it apart and diversify the flavor experience.
However, you decide to drink your coffee or serve your coffee, make sure it has plenty of caffeine. We have to ensure we provide the daily dose of caffeine to those who require it.
