Black coffee is a delightful and invigorating way to jumpstart your day. Without any added milk or sweeteners, it’s the purest form of coffee and can be delicious in its simplicity. Ready to try your hand at making black coffee? Follow these 13 steps for a full-flavored, aromatic cup.

1. Choose high-quality beans: When making black coffee, using high-quality beans is essential, as they affect the taste. Look for freshly roasted whole beans from a reputable source to ensure a great flavor profile.

2. Pick the right roast: Different roasts produce different flavors in your coffee. Experiment with light, medium, and dark roasts to find the one that suits your taste.

3. Store your beans properly: Keep your whole beans in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture to preserve their freshness.

4. Invest in a quality grinder: Grinding your own beans just before brewing ensures the most flavorful cup of black coffee. A burr grinder is recommended to provide even particle size for optimal extraction.

5. Measure accurately: Use a scale when measuring your coffee grounds and water to achieve consistent results. A standard ratio is 15 grams of coffee for every 250 milliliters of water.

6. Choose your brewing method: There are several methods to make black coffee, including drip machines, pour-over (like Chemex or Hario V60), AeroPress, or French press. Select one based on your preference and convenience.

7. Use filtered water: Water plays an essential role in bringing out the best flavor in your coffee. Use filtered water instead of tap water for optimal taste.

8. Heat the water properly: The ideal brewing temperature is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C–96°C). Too hot or too cold water can result in under- or over-extraction of the coffee, affecting the taste.

9. Pre-wet the coffee filter if using a paper filter: Rinsing the paper filter removes any papery taste and warms up your equipment for better heat retention during brewing.

10. Bloom your coffee: When adding hot water to the grounds, start by pouring just enough to wet them. This process, called blooming, releases carbon dioxide from the coffee and improves extraction. Wait 30 seconds before continuing to pour the rest of the water.

11. Pour water evenly and slowly: If using a manual brewing method like pour-over or French press, pour water steadily and consistently in a circular motion to ensure even extraction.

12. Allow proper brew time: Each brewing method has a specific brew time; follow it for the best results, which is usually around 3-4 minutes for most methods.

13. Enjoy promptly: Black coffee is best enjoyed fresh and hot. So, once brewed, pour it into your favorite cup and savor its velvety taste without delay.

Now you have it – making black coffee is an art that can be mastered with practice and patience. So enjoy experimenting with different beans, roasts, and brewing methods until you find that perfect cup of black magic!