This way you can make coffee at home like a real barista!

Making a good cup of coffee is an art in itself. In a café, it may seem simple: the barista grinds the beans, doses the right amount and, at the touch of a button, produces a perfect espresso. But how can you prepare the same quality at home? With the right equipment, fresh ingredients and a little practice, you can make coffee at home like a real barista. We discuss the various elements that are essential to consider when making the right cup of coffee.

Choose the right beans and grind

A good cup of coffee starts with choosing the right coffee beans. Freshly roasted, high-quality beans make a big difference. When choosing beans, pay attention to the roast: light roasted beans are often fruitier and more acidic, while dark roasted beans have a stronger, bitter taste. It is best to grind your beans yourself, just before you make coffee. The grind should be adjusted to your brewing method: coarse for a French press, medium for filter coffee and fine for espresso. A good coffee grinder with adjustable grind size is therefore a valuable investment.

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The right coffee machine and brewing method

Not all coffee machines deliver the same quality. If you want to experiment, it is not a bad idea to consider renting a coffee machine before making a big purchase. A fully automatic espresso machine is convenient and fast, but for the ultimate barista experience, choose a semi-automatic machine that allows you to determine the grind, dosage and extraction time yourself. Do you prefer a filter method? Then you can opt for a V60, Chemex or AeroPress, with which you can manually influence the extraction and discover subtle nuances of taste.

The perfect extraction, water and temperature

Water quality is essential for a good cup of coffee. Use filtered water to avoid unwanted flavors. Temperature also plays a big role: water that is too hot (above 96°C) can burn the coffee and give it a bitter taste, while water that is too cold (below 90°C) will result in an underdeveloped flavor. Experiment with different extraction times to find the right balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness. For an espresso, a flow time of 25 to 30 seconds is perfect.

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Learn how to make the perfect milk froth

For cappuccino and latte macchiato, perfect milk froth is essential. Use whole milk for a creamy and sweet result. Heat the milk with a steam wand and make sure not to make it too hot (around 65°C is ideal). A well-frothed milk has a silky texture and small bubbles. With the right technique, you can even create latte art and give your coffee a professional look.

A good cup of coffee is not just about the technique, it is also about the pleasure and the experience. Take the time to experiment with different beans, grind sizes and brewing methods. Enjoy the process, discover new flavours and develop your own style. Whether you invest in an espresso machine, rent a coffee machine first or brew filter coffee manually, with the right attention and precision you can make every cup of coffee a masterpiece.