They say no two people are the same. I know this to be fact, because we all like our coffee a certain way, and what we like might not be the same as what our friends or family prefer. Luckily, there are several ways to make a cuppa coffee, and one of these is sure to fit your liking just perfectly.
Moka Pot/ Stovetop Coffee Maker
The Moka Pot was named after the Yemenite port city of Mocha and is the preferred method in many places around the world. To use the Moka Pot, add water to the bottom chamber almost to the top (some will have a fill line etched on the inside), fill the metal filter completely with finely ground Yemen Mocha coffee beans, and screw on the lid. Place this onto a heat source, such as a stove, until you start to hear a bubbling sound; this will signify it is finished. Brewing this way will produce espresso which can easily be transformed into a classic, and strong, cup of coffee by adding hot water.
Drip Coffee Machine
This may be the easiest method to brewing coffee, but also produces, arguably, the weakest cup. However, as with most methods, you can use either pre or fresh ground beans and add more or less depending on the strength and flavor that you prefer. Generally, you will want to use 2 tablespoons of Yemeni grounds per every 12 ounces of water. This means, assuming a standard cup is 4 ounces, you will want 2 TEAspoons of grounds. Scoop the grounds into the filter, fill the water chamber with your desired amount, close the lid, and hit “Start.” See, pretty simple.
French Press
Another extremely popular method around the world, the French Press, or plunger, is also fairly simple to use. For this option, you will want to add 2-3 tablespoon of Yemeni grounds to the pitcher, pour in hot water, and cover with the plunger. Remember to let the plunger sit on top of the water for the next 5-10 minutes and then, only after the coffee has had time to steep, press the plunger down slowly. And the last step? Pour a cup and enjoy!
Cold Brew
With the popularity of iced coffee currently skyrocketing, people are ever curious as to how to make the perfect glass. The secret is out and it’s cold brew coffee. Unlike everything else on the list, this is a method of brewing coffee that uses no hot water at all. Instead you’ll get 12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) coarsely ground Yemeni coffee and put it in a large pitcher or other container, pour in 32 ounces (4 cups) cold water, stir and cover. Allow this to sit and steep for 12-24 hours. After these grueling hours pass, place a mesh strainer over a different container and pour in the cold brew. You will need to then strain it again, through a paper filter, when pouring back into the (now rinsed) original container. And you, my friend, are now a master cold brewer.
Side note: you can alternately use a cheesecloth or something similar as opposed to the mesh and paper filters.
Brewing Coffee Without A Coffee Maker
Not everyone has a fancy coffee machine, we get it. Maybe you’re just getting into the coffee scene, or possibly have been addicted to the little cafe down the street but your budget just won’t allow it any longer. Whatever your reason, don’t worry we’re here for you during this time of transition.
Brewing a delicious cup sans coffee maker isn’t as difficult as you may think. Similarly to the drip machine method mentioned above, you will need medium ground Yemeni beans. Place 1 tablespoon of the grounds into a stovetop pot and turn the burner on low. In a separate pot, or kettle, bring some water to a boil. Add 4-6 ounces of boiling water to the warm grounds and stir until all of the foam is gone and most of the grounds have sunken to the bottom of the pot. Turn the burner off and allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes. Any longer than this and it may cause a bitter taste. Place a strainer over your mug, pour in your coffee and drink up.
Pro tip: You can use your mug to measure the amount of boiling water to add to the warm grounds.
Drinking coffee should be more than just another thing on your to-do list for the day. It should be a moment you can look forward to, an enjoyable way to begin each morning, or anytime of the day as far as we’re concerned. All of these measurements can easily be altered to your exact liking, so don’t be afraid to play around with it and find what you like best!