Coffee

1. The Basics: What Makes Coffee Taste Good?

This section demystifies the simple things that affect flavour.

• Freshness is Key: Emphasize buying freshly roasted beans (or pre-ground if they prefer simple!) and storing them correctly (airtight container, away from heat).

• The Water Temperature: Just like tea, boiling water can "burn" the coffee. Advise using water that has cooled for about 30 seconds after boiling (around 90∘C or 195∘F).

The Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a small scrape of nutmeg to the grounds before brewing for a warm, delicious flavour.

A Pinch of Salt: This sounds weird, but a tiny pinch of salt in the grounds can actually cut the bitterness in a cheaper or darker roast.

Make it "Fancy": Instead of pre-made syrup, mix a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup into your milk before frothing, or simply drop a square of high-quality dark chocolate into your hot coffee to melt.

Recipe Number 1

Ingredients

• For the Strong Coffee Shot:

  • 50ml (2 shots) of strong, hot coffee (use a Moka Pot, a French Press, or even instant coffee mixed extra strong).

• For the Spice:

  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon (or a pinch of Nutmeg).

• For the Sweetener (Optional):

  • 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup.

• For the Drink:

  • 150ml to 200ml (≈6−7fl oz) Milk (Dairy or non-dairy: Oat milk works great!).

  • A handful of Ice Cubes (or even better: Coffee Ice Cubes! See the Coffee Page tip).

Method

1. The Quick Infusion: Brew your strong coffee. While it is still hot, stir in the cinnamon (and the honey/maple syrup if you are using it). The heat will help the spice flavour infuse.

2. The Cool Down: Let the coffee mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Pro Tip: Pouring hot coffee over ice makes it melt too fast and water it down!

3. Assemble the Glass: Fill a tall glass with your ice cubes (or coffee cubes).

4. Add the Milk: Pour in your 150−200ml of milk.

5. The Grand Finale: Gently pour the spiced, slightly cooled coffee over the milk and ice. It will create a cool layered effect as it mixes.

6. Serve: Stir and enjoy! You can garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Recipe Number 2

Ingredients

• Coffee: 25g (≈3 to 4 tablespoons) of coarsely ground coffee beans.

• Water: 350ml of filtered water.

• Optional: Milk or cream, and a sweetener of your choice.

Equipment

• French Press (Cafetière)

• Kettle

• Measuring spoons/jug (or a kitchen scale for best results!)

Method: The 4-Minute Brew

1. Pre-Warm (The Pro Trick): Boil your water. Pour a little bit of the hot water into your French Press pot, swirl it around, and then pour it out. This keeps your coffee hotter for longer!

2. Add the Grounds: Put your 25g of coarse coffee grounds into the bottom of the warmed pot.

3. The Bloom: Pour about 50ml of the hot water (let it cool for 30 seconds after boiling!) over the grounds. Wait for 30 seconds. You will see the coffee "bloom" (bubble up)—this releases carbon dioxide and makes the final flavour better!

4. Pour and Wait: Pour the remaining 300ml of hot water into the pot. Gently stir once. Place the plunger unit on top, but don't press it down yet.

5. Steep: Let the coffee brew for exactly 4 minutes.

6. Plunge and Serve: Slowly and steadily push the plunger straight down to separate the grounds from the coffee. Pour immediately into your mug and enjoy!

 The Zion Upgrade Tip

• No French Press? Use this same ratio and water temperature to make a great hot cup with a simple pour-over cone or a filter machine. The keys are always good grounds and water that isn't boiling.