Want to brew your own coffee at home? Mumbaikars, experts share an easy guide

Sipping on coffee is an absolute delight and one that can be enjoyed only if it is made to perfection. So, it's no surprise that most people are quite fussy about the preparation of their coffee not only at home but also outside, where they will drink it from only specific diners in Mumbai or anywhere around the world. Many coffee lovers have taken this a step further and have deep-dived into brewing their own coffee at home, and will not settle for anything other than the perfect cup of brew.

Mumbaikar Ananya Utkarsh is one of the many who has jumped on the bandwagon in the last few years. Utkarsh started brewing her own coffee in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world because she felt there was a dearth of good coffee, and instant coffee didn't work its charm on her like commercial coffee did. She shares, "Till then I wasn't aware of the difference between the two. In search of good coffee within the four walls of my house, I stumbled upon specialty coffee on one of my friend's social media profiles. I enquired more about it with him, started researching myself a bit and haven't looked back after that."

Over the years, it is this very love for the beverage, which competes with tea in India, that has made coffee drinkers create a special day to celebrate it. Every year, International Coffee Day is observed on October 1 around the world to celebrate and promote the beverage.
Interestingly, India boasts of many coffee variations, of which the best is debatable because it totally depends on the preferences of the drinker. At the same time, there is a sub-culture of coffee drinkers who are simmering as they take the effort to brew their own coffee at home. Since they are thoroughly invested in every part of the process, every other person may even call them ‘coffee snobs' and rightfully so. Imagine enjoying a cup of coffee while having to deal with words like filter, aero press, French press and grades of coffee beans being thrown at you.

As much as it may all seem a bit overwhelming, one must admit that curiosity can get the better of you. For those who have been itching to get on the coffee brewing bandwagon, there is a lot to explore and with that the search for the perfect cup of coffee is never-ending. As lovers of the beverage themselves, mid-day.com spoke to experts to share their handy tips and a full-proof guide to help you brew coffee at home and enjoy every sip of it.

For Utkarsh, it has been nothing short of learning experience, which she enjoys with every passing minute. The 29-year-old adds, "My learning is to keep experimenting and stay hungry for any of the minutest details specialty coffee has to offer. It is important to research well before buying manual brewing equipment because they are expensive investments. Manual brewing is to be approached step by step."

But, what is Manual Brewing? Don't fret. Bengaluru-based Amulya Jayanth, senior coffee quality manager at Third Wave Coffee Roasters, which has popularised coffee drinking in India in the last few years, and Vibhor Mishra - regional director, operations, Starbucks in India, break it down for beginners. They not only delve into the terms and devices and but also shares hacks to brew the perfect cup of coffee at home, leisurely or just before you are rushing to work.

What are the devices that people who brew their coffee at home need to know about?

Jayanth: There are varied assortment of equipment and devices available, each graciously contributing its own unique charm of coffee preparation. Among the essential tools and instruments that shall undoubtedly grace your coffee-crafting adventure are:

1. Grinder: The cornerstone of your coffee crafting arsenal, the grinder transforms coffee beans into grounds of your desired coarseness, unlocking the potential of flavour extraction.

2. Brewing equipment: A dazzling array of brewing devices are available, each offering a distinct experience. The venerable French press, known for its bold and robust brews, tantalises those who seek a richer texture. The Chemex, with its filter paper invites clarity, allowing you to focus on the intrinsic flavours.

3. Kettle with temperature control: A precision instrument that ensures the water temperature is just right, playing a crucial role in the art of coffee extraction.

4. Server: The graceful companion of your brewing ritual, a server aids in the seamless transfer of your crafted elixir, ready to be savoured.
Embarking on your journey as a home coffee artisan, these are the instruments that shall evolve into your steadfast comrades, facilitating your exploration and refinement of the brew, with each contributing a unique harmony to your coffee symphony.

Mishra: The two-coffee equipment that people can use to brew their coffee at home are the French press and Pour Over.

1. French Press: One of the simplest ways to brew coffee is also one of the most flavourful. Brewing with a French Press retains the precious natural oils that paper filters absorb and extracts the coffee's full flavour while giving it a thick and rich consistency.

2. Pour-Over: Pour-Over is another quick and simple way to brew a single cup of coffee with a clean and fully developed flavour and body.

How long does it take to brew your own coffee?

Jayanth: The time you invest in the pursuit of perfecting your own coffee craft unfolds as a truly unique sensory experience. This dedicated period of time represents a heartfelt endeavor, a relatively short yet profoundly engaging journey during which you wholeheartedly immerse yourself in the cherished ritual of meticulously crafting something genuinely extraordinary.

The duration varies, dependent on the method chosen:

Manual brewing: For methods like Chemex or pour-over, from the initial grinding of the beans to the final pour, you can expect to invest approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This deliberate pace allows for precision and mindfulness in your brewing.

French Press: The French press, with its bold and robust results takes 5-6 minutes ensuring that the extraction process is just right to deliver that full-bodied experience.

Mishra: The time for brewing coffee depends on the method you use. For example, the ‘French Press' and ‘Pour Over' take around 3 - 4 minutes to brew, whereas the ‘Without Brewing Method' takes around 4 minutes to brew. In a French Press, you plunge after four minutes and enjoy within the next 20 minutes. This is because the French Press allows the coffee grounds to steep in the hot water for an extended period, which results in a more robust and flavourful cup of coffee.

What are the basic ingredients and equipment that people need to keep handy to brew their own coffee?
Jayanth: With these basic ingredients and tools at your disposal, you are poised to transform coffee-making into an art form within the comfort of your own home.

1. Coffee Beans: The heart and soul of your brew, choose high-quality coffee beans, and grind them to your preferred consistency.

2. Filter paper: Essential for methods like pour-over or Chemex, the filter paper ensures clarity and purity in your brew.

3. Brewing equipment: Depending on your chosen method, have your trusty French press or pour-over setup at the ready.

4. Kettle with temperature control: A precision kettle that allows you to control the water temperature, ensuring optimal extraction.

5. Server: A vessel to collect and serve your freshly brewed coffee.

Mishra: Some of the basic ingredients that people need to keep handy are:

1. Brewing method
2. Grinder/hand grinder or ground coffee which is done at Starbucks
3. Strainer / Filter to sieve grounds or pour carefully once the ground settles
4. Measuring spoon

For people in Mumbai, who are always busy, what are some of the hacks they can use to make their own coffee quickly?
Jayanth: In the bustling Mumbai, where time is a precious commodity, mastering the art of crafting coffee swiftly is a valuable skill. Fear not, for there are ingenious hacks to ensure you can enjoy a rich, home-brewed cup even amidst the fast-paced urban chaos:

1. Easy pour bags: Opt for convenient coffee sachets that require nothing more than adding hot water. These handy packets, when opened and poured, yield a steaming cup of coffee within a mere 30 to 40 seconds.

2. Instant coffee: Keep a supply of high-quality instant coffee at hand. All it takes is a scoop, hot water, and a quick stir to conjure up a delightful brew in seconds.

3. Cold brew concentrate: Prepare a batch of cold brew concentrate in advance. When the need arises, simply dilute it with hot water for an instant coffee fix that's rich in flavour.

4. Single-serve brewers: Consider investing in single-serve coffee makers that are designed for speed and convenience, ensuring a quick caffeine boost on demand.

Mishra: People can use two hacks which are the 'Full Immersion Method' or the 'Quick Infusion Method'.

Full immersion method for a balanced cup of coffee:
1. Add 10 grams of coffee powder to a mug or small pot.
2. Pour a small amount of boiling water to wet the grounds and let it sit for 30 seconds.
3. Add 180 ml of boiling water and wait for 4 minutes for the coffee to brew.
4. Strain the coffee and enjoy.

Quick infusion method for a strong cup of coffee:
1. Add water and coffee grounds to a saucepan. We recommend 10 grams ground coffee for 180 ml of water for proper extraction.
2. Bring to a boil on a medium- high flame and stir occasionally and boil for 2 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 4 minutes.
4. Strain the coffee and enjoy.

Coffee enthusiasts who want to brew their own coffee often encounter a variety of terms. What are some of these terms?
Jayanth: When you start your journey into making your own coffee, you will come across some specific terms to get familiar with, which will enhance your overall coffee experience. To truly enjoy this journey, it is essential to grasp the language used by coffee enthusiasts. These terms are like keys that unlock the diverse world of coffee flavours and textures:

1. Aroma: It is the aromatic essence that tantalises your senses as you approach a freshly brewed cup. It is the beckoning perfume of coffee that whispers promise of delightful taste.

2. Flavour: The very essence of the brew, the myriad of taste notes that dance upon your palate. From fruity to nutty, chocolaty to floral, each flavour note contributes to the symphony of your coffee experience.

3. Tactile: This refers to the sensory delight of coffee, where you encounter a harmonious blend of weight and texture. Does it feel light and airy like a morning breeze, or perhaps it's velvety, akin to a creamy indulgence? The tactile experience elevates coffee to an art form.

4. Finish: The grand finale of your coffee journey, the lingering sensations that grace your taste buds after each sip. It can be brisk and fleeting or long and indulgent, adorned with flavour notes like sweet, bitter, or sour.

Mastering these terms is a gateway to appreciating coffee on various different levels.

Mishra: The two terms that people who brew their coffee should know are ‘Home Brewer' and ‘Home Barista'. They can start by reading more about it before they delve deeper into brewing at home.

As you set out to get started, Utkarsh, who has enjoyed the process till now, says one can keep it simple. "I would suggest that anyone who wants to brew their own coffee at home, can start with a Pour Over. Brewing is an art. Each one of us acquired the skill along the journey. I assure you that you will be amazed at how intricate coffee is as a commodity," Utkarsh concludes.