September is here, and with it comes a feeling of getting down to brass tacks. Like a cool, bracing wind blowing through, the post-summer weeks remind us that there are things to do...and coffee to be made. Sure, New Year's resolutions are fun, but it often feels like fall is the true fresh start — whether you're stocking up on sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks or simply dusting off your favorite fall recipes.
In light of the growing to-do lists and new class schedules and syllabi, we've rounded up all of our coffee intel in one place. Feel free to take notes.
Pick — and store — your beans.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Resist the urge to freeze or refrigerate your coffee: The drastic changes in temperature can rob you of subtle aromas and flavors. Instead, store in pretty, airtight containers, safely set away from heat and humidity. You can also store it in its orginal bag; just make sure it's sealed shut.
Weigh it out. Different beans have different densities, so a scale is the best way to guard against the crushing disappointment of weak coffee.
Keep things fresh.
Grind it yourself. While the ease of pre-ground coffee is tempting, the effort of grinding your own is well worth the payoff — both in slight arm muscle toning and a fresher, more flavorful cup. If you really can't see yourself cranking your own, pick up this electric option. Just don't forget to clean it properly when you're done.
If you want your coffee hot, remember to keep your water temperature below boiling to avoid scorching it.
Whatever your method, make sure you're doing it right. Master your aeropress, get your pourover just right, perfect your Chemextechnique, or become a French Press pro. If you're using a filter, rinse it first. You'll get less paper on your palate and more coffee.
For hot coffee, remember to heat up all your equipment before you brew. Bonus points for a pre-warmed mug.
Now that you have the perfect cup:
When the coffee's this good, you don't want to dilute it with anything but the best. Make your own coffee creamer and almond milk, and add some tonic or syrups for added flavor and depth.
Have leftover coffee? You're in luck; it's the perfect secret weapon in the kitchen. Brine your chicken in it. Add it to your cheesecake. The possibilities are endless, especially when you're caffeinated.
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
register for free
Already have an account? Sign in
Subscribe to The Week
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Subscribe & Save
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Unlimited website access is included with Digital and Print + Digital subscriptions. Create an accountwith the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us
'Good riddance to the televised presidential debate'
Caitlin Clark the No. 1 pick in bullish WNBA Draft
Today's political cartoons - April 16, 2024
