How to Up Your At-Home Barista Game in 5 Simple Steps

Published on Oct 23, 2020 at 9:33 AM

Partner Content From

Folgers® Coffee

Folgers® Coffee

As much fun as it can be to pop down the street to your local cafe, the ability to make a top-notch cup of coffee at home can be game-changing. There's no need to wait in line, spend an extra five bucks, or even put on real clothes.

You don't need a fancy espresso machine or special training, either — a few simple upgrades to your usual routine can make a huge difference. Follow these five easy steps to take your next cup of coffee from just OK to on-point.

Choose Coffee With a Bold Flavor

The number one key to brewing your ideal cup of coffee is finding a roast you really love. For bold, smooth flavor, opt for a dark roast, like Folgers Black Silk® or Noir® True Dark. The flavor will be stronger and more intense than lighter roasts, giving you more of the taste you love in every cup.

Use Filtered Water

Better quality water means better tasting coffee. If you don't typically drink water right out of the tap, don't brew coffee with it, either. For optimal results, opt to use filtered water to brew your morning coffee.

Experiment With Different Brew Methods

Coffee aficionados know that different brew methods extract a slightly different flavor, even from the exact same ground coffee. If you want your coffee to taste as strong as possible, a French press might be the way to go. Prefer a smoother flavor? Try the pour over method. And there's no doubt that K-Cup® pods for Keurig brewers yield the fastest cup of coffee in the game. Test out a few different methods to find your favorite.

Invest in Helpful Gadgets

You can't compete with the long menu at your local cafe if you don't have the same gadgets at your disposal. Adding a few tools to your arsenal can really up your game. Latte lovers might want to invest in a handheld milk frother, while a glass pitcher might come in handy for iced coffee fans.

Don't Forget the Finishing Touches

Fill your cupboards with anything and everything you need to craft the ultimate drink. We're talking flavored syrups, alternative milks, various sweeteners, complementary spices — the works! Some biscotti or wafer cookies to enjoy with your homemade beverage wouldn't be a bad idea, either.