Most people drink coffee just to get through the day. But coffee is more than just caffeine—it’s an experience. Done right, it can be a rich, flavorful, soul-warming ritual. Done wrong? Well, let’s just say there’s one way you should absolutely avoid.
If you’re ready to upgrade your coffee game, let’s dive into the best ways to drink coffee—and the one mistake that could ruin your cup.
1. The Classic Pour-Over – The Purest Flavor Experience
If you want to taste every intricate note in your coffee beans, the pour-over method is king. It’s not just about making coffee—it’s about extracting the purest, smoothest flavors your beans have to offer.
How It Works
Hot water is poured slowly over ground coffee in a filter, allowing it to drip down into a carafe or mug. This method gives you complete control over brewing time, water temperature, and extraction.
Why It’s Amazing
- Full Flavor Control – Unlike automatic coffee makers, a pour-over allows you to adjust every variable.
- Clean & Bright Taste – The filter removes oils and sediment, resulting in a crisp, refined taste.
- Perfect for Single-Origin Beans – If you’re drinking high-quality beans, this is the best way to bring out their full potential.
Best Equipment
- Hario V60 or Chemex
- Gooseneck kettle (for precise pouring)
- Freshly ground coffee (medium-coarse grind)
If you’re after the purest coffee experience, a pour-over setup is a must.
Want to upgrade your coffee? check out our pro-level beans.
2. The French Press – The Bold & Smooth Brew
For those who love a richer, fuller-bodied cup, the French press is unbeatable. Unlike the pour-over, it doesn’t use a paper filter, so you get all the natural coffee oils that give your brew depth and texture.
How It Works
Ground coffee steeps in hot water for 4 minutes, then a plunger with a metal filter is pressed down, separating the grounds from the liquid.
Why It’s Amazing
- Deep, Bold Flavor – The lack of a paper filter means all the coffee’s natural oils and flavors stay in the cup.
- Thicker Texture – If you love coffee with body, this method is for you.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just a press, hot water, and coffee.
Best Equipment
- Bodum French Press
- Coarse-ground coffee (prevents grit in your cup)
- A burr grinder for fresh grounds
3. The Espresso Shot – The Power Move
Espresso isn’t just coffee—it’s a concentrated shot of pure energy. Whether you take it straight, make an Americano, or use it as a base for lattes, espresso is the foundation of some of the best coffee drinks in the world.
How It Works
Pressurized hot water is forced through finely ground coffee, producing a small but incredibly rich shot of coffee.
Why It’s Amazing
- Intense & Complex – The high-pressure extraction pulls out every nuance in the coffee beans.
- Quick & Powerful – Need a jolt of caffeine in seconds? Espresso has your back.
- Versatile – Can be enjoyed as-is or transformed into a variety of drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
Best Equipment
- Breville Barista Express or a simple stovetop Moka pot
- Fresh espresso beans, finely ground
- A good tamping technique (for even extraction)
Mastering espresso takes some practice, but once you do, it’s a game-changer.
4. The Cold Brew – The Smooth & Refreshing Choice
Cold brew isn’t just “iced coffee”—it’s an entirely different process that results in a smoother, naturally sweeter cup with less acidity. If you find hot coffee too harsh on your stomach, cold brew might be your new best friend.
How It Works
Coarse coffee grounds steep in cold water for 12-24 hours, then are filtered out, leaving behind a smooth concentrate.
Why It’s Amazing
- Less Acidity – The slow brewing process reduces bitterness.
- Naturally Sweet – Without high heat, the coffee retains more of its natural sugars.
- Stronger Caffeine Kick – Since it’s brewed as a concentrate, it’s more potent.
Best Equipment
- A mason jar or a cold brew pitcher
- Coarse-ground coffee (prevents over-extraction)
- A fine-mesh filter or cheesecloth
Want to make perfect cold brew at home? Check out our top-notch blends.
5. The Turkish Coffee – The Ancient, Rich Tradition
If you want to experience coffee the way it’s been made for centuries, try Turkish coffee. It’s thick, strong, and full of tradition.
How It Works
Finely ground coffee is simmered with water (and often sugar) in a special pot called a cezve until it froths. It’s then poured, unfiltered, into a small cup.
Why It’s Amazing
- Strong & Rich – Turkish coffee has an intense, syrupy body.
- Unique Flavor Experience – The grounds settle at the bottom, giving the last sip a bold punch.
- A Cultural Ritual – In Turkey and the Middle East, coffee is about connection and conversation.
Best Equipment
- A cezve (small long-handled pot)
- Super fine ground coffee (finer than espresso)
- Cardamom (optional, but traditional)
If you love rich, strong coffee, this is one method you have to try at least once.
And The One You Should Avoid: Instant Coffee
Look, we get it. Sometimes you’re in a rush. But instant coffee? It’s just not it.
Why It’s Terrible
- Flat & Lifeless Flavor – Instant coffee lacks the depth and complexity of freshly brewed coffee.
- Harsh Aftertaste – Most instant coffee is made from low-quality beans that are over-roasted.
- No Freshness – Once coffee is dried into powder, it loses most of its aromatic compounds.
If you must use instant, opt for a high-quality freeze-dried version. But seriously—if you love coffee, take the extra few minutes to brew it right.
Final Thoughts
Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Whether you love a clean pour-over, a rich French press, or a smooth cold brew, there’s a method to match your taste.
Ditch the instant coffee, invest in quality beans, and experiment with different brewing styles. Once you taste coffee made right, you’ll never go back.
Want the best coffee gear? Check out our recommended beans and level up your morning routine.
All images shown in this blog are sourced from pexels.com.