Three in four Australians enjoy at least one cup of coffee per day according to a Mccrindle research report and would consider (like me) having a cup of Joe an essential part of their morning routine.
Whilst I have adapted to working from home and am starting to enjoy the benefits it brings, I am really missing my morning flat white on my commute to the office, perfectly brewed to perfection by a barista in Sydney CBD.
However, with these helpful tips and tricks, I have been able to master a pretty good barista-style coffee at home using only (and cheaply) a French press.
What you Need:
Good coffee beans.
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- Scales
- Grinder
- French Press
- Milk Frother (If you want to make Cappuccino/ Flat White/ Latte style coffees)
Method
- Pour hot water into your French press to preheat it, discard.
- Grind your coffee fairly course, with one scoop of coffee per cup. If you like it stronger or weaker you can experiment using different measures with scales.
- Add 125ml of boiling water (per cup) to the French press for a long black coffee. For an espresso shot to drink on it’s own or to add to milk, only add 50-60ml of boiling water.
- Stir the coffee to make sure it is all wet and all the grounds extract at the same rate.
- If you are making a long coffee or espresso, just wait 4 minutes for the coffee to brew. If you prefer a milky coffee, now is the time to use a milk frother to whisk up your milk, be it skimmed, almond or oat.
- After 4 minutes slowly push the plunger down to the bottom of the French press and use it as a strainer to pour out your coffee into a mug.
- If you wish to add milk, tap on the sides of your milk frother and pour over your espresso. The proportions for a cappuccino or flat white style coffee are about 1/3 espresso to 2/3 milk.
- Enjoy! If your coffee is too strong and bitter then, let it brew for less time. Likewise, if it’s weak or a bit sour then leave it longer or use a finer grind. You will find your perfect brew after a couple of experiments.
It is important to note that many coffee shops around Sydney are offering a takeaway service, so when your out for your daily exercise or weekend stroll to the beach make sure you stop by and support your local cafes.
“The smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the world’s greatest inventions.”
– Hugh Jackman
