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How to Drink Strong Coffee?

Published in Coffee Brewing 3 mins read

To drink strong coffee that's potent but not unbearably bitter, focus on achieving the correct coffee-to-water ratio.

Here's a breakdown of how to approach drinking strong coffee:

Understanding "Strong" Coffee

"Strong" coffee can mean a couple of things:

  • High Caffeine Content: Coffee that delivers a significant energy boost.
  • Intense Flavor: A bold, robust taste that stands out.
  • Both: Ideally, you want both high caffeine and intense flavor without excessive bitterness.

Key Factors for Making & Drinking Strong Coffee

  1. Coffee-to-Water Ratio: This is crucial. The referenced short answer suggests experimenting between a 1:15 and 1:17 ratio (grams of coffee to milliliters of water).

    • Lower Ratio = Stronger Coffee: Using a ratio closer to 1:15 will yield a more concentrated and potent brew. For example, 30 grams of coffee to 450 ml of water.
    • Experiment: Start with 1:17 and gradually move towards 1:15 to find your preferred strength.

  2. Coffee Bean Selection:

    • Robusta Beans: These beans typically have higher caffeine content than Arabica beans. Consider a blend that incorporates Robusta for an extra kick.
    • Dark Roasts: Dark roasts tend to have a bolder, more intense flavor. However, they can also be more bitter if not brewed properly.

  3. Brewing Method:

    • French Press: Produces a full-bodied and strong cup due to the immersion brewing method, which allows for greater extraction.
    • AeroPress: Versatile and allows for precise control over brewing parameters, resulting in a concentrated and flavorful cup.
    • Espresso: The most concentrated form of coffee, delivering a powerful shot of caffeine and intense flavor. This can be the base for many strong coffee drinks.

  4. Grind Size: The grind size should be appropriate for the chosen brewing method.

    • Coarse Grind: Suitable for French Press to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
    • Fine Grind: Suitable for Espresso to maximize extraction and flavor.

  5. Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C and 96°C). Too hot water can cause bitterness.

  6. Brew Time: Avoid over-extraction, which can lead to a bitter taste. Follow the recommended brew time for your chosen method.

  7. Drinking It:

    • Start Small: If you're not used to strong coffee, begin with a smaller cup or dilute it slightly with hot water or milk.
    • Pair with Food: Enjoying strong coffee with a pastry, biscuit, or other food can help balance the intensity.
    • Hydrate: Drink water alongside to stay hydrated, as coffee is a diuretic.

Example Recipe for Strong Coffee (French Press)

  • Coffee: 30 grams of coarsely ground dark roast or a Robusta blend.
  • Water: 450 ml of water heated to 200°F (93°C).
  • Instructions:
    1. Add coffee grounds to the French Press.
    2. Pour in the hot water, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
    3. Let it bloom for 30 seconds.
    4. Stir gently.
    5. Brew for 4 minutes.
    6. Slowly press the plunger down.
    7. Pour and enjoy!

By carefully controlling these factors, you can create and drink strong coffee that is both potent and enjoyable. Remember to experiment to find your personal preferences!

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