Haymaker Tips & Tricks

Mastering the Art of Brewing the Perfect Espresso at Home: A 7-Step Guide

2023-05-17T14:32:56-05:00

Welcome, coffee enthusiasts, to the wonderful world of espresso! For many, espresso embodies the essence of a strong, bold, and smooth coffee experience. While espresso machines are commonly associated with crafting this delightful elixir, fear not! Today, we embark on an exciting journey of making espresso at home, even without a fancy machine. So grab your favorite espresso beans, roll up your sleeves, and let's dive in!

1 Choose the Beans

The Bean Hunt: The key to a remarkable espresso starts with the perfect bean. Seek out dark-roasted beans labeled specifically for espresso. These beauties are carefully roasted to unlock rich flavors, oils, and a distinct boldness that will shine in your homemade espresso. Haymaker’s Cruiserweight Cuban Roasted Espresso coffee is rich, bold, and full-bodied. Our beans can be ordered pre-ground for convenience, or as whole beans ready to grind just before brewing.

2 Use Your Stovetop

The Moka Pot Magic: If you’ve ever asked, can you make an espresso without a machine? Yes you can, allow us to introduce you to your espresso's new best friend the Moka pot. This elegant stovetop device has been the unsung hero for espresso enthusiasts across the globe. Its simple yet effective design creates pressure channeling hot water through the coffee grounds and producing a rich, concentrated shot. It's almost like having a mini espresso machine in your kitchen!

3 Grind Your Beans

The Perfect Grind: When it comes to making espresso without an espresso machine, getting the grind just right is crucial. Unlike the fine grind needed for traditional espresso machines, the Moka pot requires a slightly coarser grind. Aim for a texture that resembles granulated sugar or table salt. This adjustment ensures proper extraction, preventing over-extraction and the dreaded bitter taste. So, adjust your grinder accordingly.

4 Decide Your Water-to-Coffee Ratio

The Water-Ratio Tango: Ah, the heart and soul of espresso-making—finding the perfect water-to-coffee ratio. A general guideline for an espresso-like result is a ratio of 1:12. Start by filling the lower chamber of your Moka pot with filtered water, ensuring it doesn't exceed the safety valve. Place the funnel-like filter basket on top, filling it with your finely ground coffee. Remember, don't pack it too tightly. Screw on the top chamber securely and place the Moka pot on low to medium heat.

How much espresso is too much? The FDA recommends a max of 6 espresso shots for one day. So go forth, experiment, and unlock the wonders of this magical elixir that brings joy with every sip.

5 Brew Your Coffee

The Ritual: As the water simmers, anticipation builds, and the heavenly aroma of espresso fills the air. Stay close and keep an eye on the magic happening inside the pot. Once you hear a gentle gurgling sound, it's time to remove the Moka pot from the heat. Run the bottom chamber under cold water to halt the brewing process and prevent over-extraction.

6 Pour the Espresso

The Art of Serving: Finally, the moment you've been waiting for. Grab your favorite espresso cup and pour your freshly brewed shot, relishing in the beautiful caramel-colored liquid. Sip slowly, allowing the bold flavors to envelop your palate. For a touch of indulgence, top it off with a dollop of foamed milk or enjoy it straight-up for the purest espresso experience.

7 Make it Iced

Chilled Delights: As the weather warms up, you can explore refreshing iced coffee creations. From iced lattes to shaken espresso drinks, the options are endless. A favorite of ours is the brown sugar oat shaken iced latte (great with a touch of cinnamon) or the white chocolate raspberry iced latte.

Conclusion: Congratulations, my fellow coffee adventurer! You have mastered the art of making espresso at home without an espresso machine. Armed with the right beans, a Moka pot, and a little love, you can revel in the pleasures of a strong, bold, and smooth espresso whenever your heart desires. So go forth, experiment, and unlock the wonders of this magical elixir that brings joy with every sip. Your journey to coffee nirvana starts now!

How to make cold brew step by step + video

2022-09-22T12:50:06-05:00

When it comes to brewing your favorite cup of coffee, there are so many ways it can be done. Cold brew has become a very famous way to brew coffee as it extracts the flavor and caffeine directly from the beans, allowing for a rich, more flavorful and smoother brew.

Why Cold Brew?

Cold brew is simply the bolder and stronger version of iced coffee. If you are looking to step up your coffee game and fall in love with the process and taste, cold brew is for you. Cold Brew offers a better taste than iced coffee as iced coffee tends to become watered down. The process of cold brew eliminates the bitterness as sometimes tasted in regular brewed coffee. This process also eliminates the acidity which can be easier on your body. This guarantees a smoother brew. Below is the Haymakers team process for making our famous Cold Brew.

Make sure you have the right ratio of coffee to water for the best Cold Brew

The ratio of coffee to water is one of the most important parts of brewing cold brew. A good starting point for cold brew is a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio (or even 1:6 if you’re using a full immersion method like French press). You can make it stronger or weaker depending on your taste.

It’s not an exact science and different grind levels will require slightly different ratios, but as long as you have more water than coffee, you’re in business!

Grind your coffee beans to the right size.

The next step in brewing your own cold brew is the size of your grind. The grind size depends on the type of coffee you want to make, which affects how much surface area of the beans ends up in contact with water throughout the extraction process (and therefore how flavorful your finished brew will be). For cold brew, you’ll want a coarse grind.

Use filtered water.

Filtered water is always a better choice than water from the tap.

Brewing Cold Brew

The next step is to add the grounds to a container that is lined with a cheesecloth, coffee filter or fine-mesh strainer. Containers preferably should be airtight with a sealable lid. Add the grounds right to the filter and begin to pour the filtered water on top of the grounds. Seal off the filter so the contents do not get mixed and place in the fridge!

Cold Brew takes time.

Cold brew is known for its smooth taste, but it is also a slow process. The coffee needs anywhere from 12-24 hours to steep. This means that planning ahead is essential—you don't want to start the process at 7 am if you need it by 8 am!

The amount of time your cold brew will take depends on many factors, including how coarse or fine the beans are ground and how much coffee you use. To make a standard concentrate of cold brew (which yields 2 cups), we recommend steeping your coffee grounds in water for 14-18 hours in order to extract as much flavor as possible.

Once the cold brew batch is taken out of the fridge, you've now got your first batch of cold brew! It's ready to be iced or mixed with milk (or even hot water for people who like it slightly warm). Cold brew is also delicious when used in place of water when making cocktails. Enjoy!

Add some extras to your Cold Brew, if you're into that.

Now that you've got the cold brew basics down, you're free to experiment with different flavors. Try adding some of your favorite extras to your morning cup, such as:

Milk (dairy or alternative)
Sugar or sweetener
Honey (especially in the summer)
A spoonful of cocoa powder for a mocha flavor
Whipped cream and mint for a chilly treat
Caramel with half and half are one of our top sellers in our Haymaker coffee truck!

Tips and Tricks for the best Cold Brew

Use high quality beans (aka Haymaker Coffee)
Use ‘drinking water’ instead of spring water for a smoother taste
Experiment brewing with different ratios to find the best ratio for you
You CAN heat up cold brew, it won’t change the acidity or flavor!
Use an airtight container

Why Specialty Coffee Beans Are Better

2022-02-24T16:49:00-06:00

If you didn’t already know, Haymaker is a specialty coffee brand. Because guess what? There are different types of coffee: specialty coffee and normal (commercial) coffee. That’s right—the standard, old-fashioned coffee grounds found at any supermarket are completely different from the specialty whole-bean variety you may find at specific retailers, local coffee shops, or online storefronts. From where the beans are harvested to which roasting methods are used, specialty coffee offers a more refined and balanced brew, appreciated by coffee connoisseurs everywhere. And that’s exactly why we sell it. Ready to ditch the stuff and enjoy the best of the best? We’re breaking down what sets specialty coffee apart, why we prefer specialty beans, and what it all means for you and your morning brew.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee beans receive a level of individual care and attention that commercial coffee just doesn’t. In areas like Ethiopia, Kenya, Columbia—and even Panama, specialty coffee farmers grow their beans at higher altitudes, during the most ideal time of year, in the best soil, and hand-pick the coffee beans only when they’re perfectly ready. The high-grade coffee processing is an art and requires a revered skill that not everyone can or will do. This is also why the beans are sold at a premium price to coffee traders and roasters around the globe.

But even with all the care that goes into cultivating the perfect bean, how does it garner the “specialty” title? Let us introduce you to the scale. Certified coffee tasters from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grade coffee on a scale from 1 to 100. A coffee is deemed “specialty” if it scores above 80 points. However, between 80 and 100 are a few more distinctions: 80-84.9 is “very good,” 85-89.9 is “excellent” and 90-100 is considered “outstanding.”

GRADE	SCORE	SPECIALTY OR NOT
Outstanding	90-100	Specialty
Excellent	85-89.9	Specialty
Very Good	80-84.9	Specialty
Below Quality	Below 80	Not Specialty

90-100 Specialty Excellent 85-89.9 Specialty Very Good 80-84.9 Specialty Below Quality Below 80 Not Specialty

Grab a cup of Haymaker specialty coffee and read the following where we break down the types of specialty coffee beans and how best to prepare them.

Types of Specialty Coffee

Before going further, it’s important to note that only Arabica beans are considered a “specialty” coffee bean. If you see “Robusta” beans as the ingredient of any coffee packaging, you're probably about to sip a pretty bitter tasting cup of coffee. And while not all Arabica beans are considered specialty (as there are still low-grade varieties floating around), Haymaker exclusively uses 100% specialty-grade Arabic beans in each of our blends.

Okay—back to the process. When a roaster receives specialty beans, they create a custom profile for each variety. Meaning, after inspecting each bean for color and quality, they’ll sample roast each batch to draw out and enhance the bean’s natural flavors. Only a master roaster has the education and experience to create a roast that highlights specific flavors and aromas, which is why a commercial coffee blend will never stand up to the taste of specialty.

Once the flavor has been determined, the full beans are packaged and ready to buy so you can grind them right before drinking. This not only ensures freshness, but it also gives you the flexibility to grind your beans to match the type of coffee you want to enjoy.

So, when you’re looking to buy specialty coffee beans, look no further than the coffee selection from Haymaker for whole-packaged Arabica beans grown in a high-altitude climate, and you’ll be on the fast track to coffee nirvana.

Overall: Is It Worth It?

Dating back to the early 1900s, coffee-drinking consumers have been seeking out specialty coffee (whether they called it that or not). Over the years, we’ve seen improvements across agricultural practices and roasting technology so coffee lovers can enjoy a higher-quality brew. However, the biggest barrier to entering the specialty-coffee world seems to be the price. We get it—a 1-lb bag of grocery store brand coffee grounds will be much cheaper than a bag of beans harvested by hand. But it’s the price difference that offers you a consistently aromatic, rich flavored coffee, compared to a bland and bitter taste from the supermarket varieties.

If the cost is the only thing holding you back, you can buy Haymaker’s specialty coffee and get FREE shipping on any order over $35. Save more on our Bundles! With a bag of beans and an insulated mug, you’re ready to enjoy everything that’s special about specialty coffee. Shop today and enjoy it hot, iced—any way you like.

The Golden Coffee to Water Ratio for Each Brew Method?

2021-12-23T13:19:00-06:00

When making a kickass cup of coffee at home, water can be just as important as the beans you use. So, what’s the right coffee to water ratio? While there is a standard water ratio to work from, it can change depending on the type of coffee you pick and the brewing method you use. Learn the key to making a perfect cup of joe with these answers to common coffee making questions.

What coffee to water ratio should I use?

It can be easy to mess up a perfectly good cup of coffee if you don’t know how much water to add. Thankfully, coffee experts around the world have figured out a tried-and-true, gold standard ratio: 1:17. It stands for 1 gram of coffee for every 17 grams of water. If you want a “stronger” cup of coffee, adding more coffee beans may not actually help. Instead, opt for a darker roast for more full-bodied flavor. And if you’re looking for more caffeine , consider a light roast blend. But there are exceptions to the golden rule. More on that later.

How many scoops of coffee make one cup? Or twelve?

We realize not everyone is weighing their coffee or water by the gram. Instead, the average Joe uses the scoop method. When considering volume, the ratio ends up more like 1-2 tablespoons of grinded coffee for every six ounces of water in your drip coffee maker (and adjust as needed). For multiple cups, simply multiply the ratio. So, if you want 12 cups of coffee, use 12-24 tablespoons and 72 ounces of water.

How do coffee brewing methods differ?

Here’s where it gets tricky. The golden standard will deliver if you like drip coffee or a manual pour-over. However, other brewing methods require some tweaking. For example, an espresso uses a ratio of 1:2, an Aeropress’ ratio is 1:6, a French Press is best with 1:12, and cold brew is at its prime with a 9:40 ratio. At the end of the day, everyone is different. You still may need to adjust your ratio to taste. Use this handy calculator to find a good starting place.

How does the water I use impact my coffee?

When added to ground coffee beans, water extracts the flavor and caffeine from ground coffee beans. Your coffee may be weak if you use too much water or if the water you use isn’t at the right temperature. The flavor can also be impacted by the type of water you use. While tap water makes your coffee taste its best, it can differ depending on if your area has hard or soft water.

How to make the perfect cup of Haymaker?

Whether you buy our Heavyweight , Middleweight or other Haymaker roast, you’re guaranteed to get coffee packed with flavor. And a little goes a long way, you only need one tablespoon for every eight ounces of water to make a killer cup of Haymaker in your coffee maker. To learn how to brew Haymaker with different methods, check out our simple guide .

How Much Caffeine Is In Coffee?

2021-12-23T11:33:00-06:00

Ah, coffee. It’s the juice of the gods, the fuel to our hustle and the reason we wake up in the morning – thanks to good old caffeine. So how much caffeine is in coffee anyway? The caffeine content in a cup of coffee can vary depending on the beans used, the brewing method, and the grind texture. Today, we’re going to discuss the caffeine content in coffee products, why some coffee has more than others, and how you can make sure you get the perfect hit of caffeine every time.

Caffeine Content Differs By Bean Variety

There are four types of coffee beans in the world: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Robusta beans have the highest caffeine content of them all but is often considered a lower quality bean. (Some coffee products may contain added caffeine that put them way higher than the Robusta, but we’re just talking about au natural beans today.) If you’re looking for the highest hit of caffeine possible, consider a Robusta espresso. But if you’re looking for a higher-quality coffee with the perfect amount of caffeine, we recommend Arabica beans all the way.

Bean variety	Caffeine per bean	Caffeine per 100 grams	Caffeine per ounce
Arabica	1.9mg	1.2-1.5g	340-430mg
Robusta	2.9 mg	2.2-2.7g	630-770mg

Caffeine Content Differs By Brewing Method

You can get different amounts of caffeine in your morning joe simply by using different brewing methods. That’s because the amount of caffeine extracted changes depending on the time, temperature, and amount of beans you use. For example, an espresso has the highest amount of caffeine per ounce because it essentially makes a concentrate from a large amount of coffee grounds. However, a cup of drip coffee actually contains more caffeine because it’s simply more volume. If you want less caffeine from your beans, use a French press. It will result in lower caffeine content than drip coffee because it brews the coffee faster. If you want more, choose a method like cold brew that extracts for longer.

Brewing Method	Caffeine Content Per 8 oz. Cup
Drip Coffee	95-165 mg
French Press	80-107 mg
Cold Brew	102-159 mg
AeroPress®	80-100 mg
Pour-over	175 mg
Espresso	47-75 mg (per 1 oz. shot)
Decaf	0-7 mg

Caffeine Content Differs By Grind Texture

First things first: it’s important to note that some brewing methods require certain grind sizes for optimal coffee. But, at Haymaker, we’re rule-breakers. If you’re willing to do some experimenting, another way to manage your coffee’s caffeine content is by changing grind size. The finer the grind, the more caffeine you’ll be able to extract. The downside is that the smaller surface area of finely ground coffee also means it will lose its taste and freshness faster than coarser grounds or whole beans. This is a good time to talk about the benefits of grinding your own beans at home. By grinding your own, you can get that high voltage hit you need, without sacrificing freshness. Learn more about grinding your own beans here.

Grind Size to Use By Texture

Brewing Method	Grind Size	Grind Qualities
Espresso	Fine	Looks like fine salt
AeroPress®	Medium-fine	Gritty like beach sand
Pour-over	Medium	Crumbly like moss
Drip Coffee	Medium-coarse	Looks like rocky sand
French Press	Coarse	Looks like flaky sea salt
Cold Brew	Extra Coarse	Looks like ground peppercorns

Caffeine Content Does NOT Differ By Roast

Well, that depends on who you’re asking.

https://www.haymakercoffeeco.c...

Roast Type	Caffeine Content
Light Roast
Medium Roast
Dark Roast

How Haymaker Compares

When it comes to beans, we’ve got you covered. At Haymaker, we use 100% Arabica beans, which have less caffeine than Robusta beans but provide a stronger, bolder flavor and better drinking experience – because you can’t get your caffeine fix if you can’t drink it. We also provide whole bean versions of many of our blends so you can get the best texture for your preferred brewing method. And how you brew it is up to you! Whether you want drip, French press, cold brew or otherwise, Haymaker will give you the right amount of caffeine to fuel your hustle.

If you want to get technical, we had our dark roast tested by an independent laboratory to determine caffeine content. Our Haymaker dark roast produces a strong and balanced caffeine content that measures in at 20.4 mg/fl oz and also has low acidity to keep your stomach feeling great, even after several cups! To put that into perspective, the coffee from one of the largest fast-food chains in America contains only 9.1 mg/fl. oz. of caffeine. So it’s safe to say, Haymaker will put some hair on your chest.

We’re Giving Thanks (And Coffee) to Teachers!

2021-10-20T10:08:00-05:00

We’re Giving Thanks (And Coffee) to Teachers!

We know every day is a hustle, whether you’re making deals in an office or serving meals behind a counter. And no one hustles harder than teachers. Our founders have a big heart for education and those working hard every day to help shape the minds of our kids. This week we had the opportunity to show our support by kicking off our partnership with Jacksonville, FL area schools.

Why Teachers?

Our founders, Eun, Sang and Simon, have the utmost respect for all educators and know the importance and significance of the positive impact teachers can have on a community and its children. They witnessed this firsthand while growing up in the Duval County Public School System in Jacksonville, Florida. There, they received a solid foundation that helped them go on to achieve future successes in their careers – and it was attributed to the dedication and support of their teachers.

“We really wanted to give back to the school system that molded us into the people we are now. We had great teachers and administrators who were the mentors that guided us when we needed it. Donating this coffee provides the extra boost of energy to shape the next group of leaders, who we hope will give back in kind or more in the future,” said Eun Cho, Co-Founder of Haymaker.

Going Back to School

The first five schools to benefit from our partnership are close to our Founders’ hearts: Charger Academy, Chimney Lakes Elementary, Hyde Park Elementary, Westside Middle School, and Westside High School. These are the schools they attended as kids and where they gained the skills they needed to succeed.

Eun, Sang and Simon were honored to make their alma maters the first stops in our journey. Recently, we delivered several bags of Haymaker coffee and K-cup® Pods to these schools to help give teachers the energy they need. We hope it helps them to keep up the hard work as they continue to inspire growth in the lives of their students.

"We were amazed at the reception we received at each of the schools we visited! It was truly an honor to spend time reconnecting with our former elementary, middle, and high schools on the west side of Jacksonville. We could not be more thankful for the partnership with DCPS and we look forward to building upon this foundation of giving back to our community," said Simon Bitar, Co-Founder of Haymaker.

The First Drop Is Not the Last

As part of our ongoing partnership with DCPS, Haymaker will be donating additional bags of coffee and K-cup® Pods over the next several months to schools throughout the district. We plan to contribute thousands of cups of coffee to our local educators to help them power through the day and inspire our country’s future leaders!

Follow us on social media to learn more about our future drop-offs! Want to celebrate the teachers in your life? Consider sending them a bag of Haymaker coffee to keep them swinging for the fences.

Debunking Myths: Light Roast Vs. Dark Roast Caffeine Levels

2021-08-06T12:20:00-05:00

Light Vs. Dark Roast Coffee

As a coffee drinker, you probably know what type of roast you prefer. Heck, you probably refuse to drink anything else. We get that. That’s why we’ve developed different roast profiles for different coffee drinkers. All our coffee products are made from a proprietary blend of premium beans from Central and South America. Whichever Haymaker roast you choose, you’ll enjoy 100% Arabica beans roasted right here in the U.S.A. But if they are all cut from the same cloth, what makes Haymaker roasts taste different?

Light Roast Coffee

Light roast coffees are a lighter option for coffee drinkers looking for something simple but flavorful. Often called Half City or New England, light roasts have high acidity and a brighter flavor profile. At Haymaker, our Featherweight Roast has a sweet and simple flavor that's perfect for waking you up. In fact, it’s specially crafted to provide a smooth but bold taste that doesn’t need any fancy stuff (unless you prefer some add-ons).

Dark Roast Coffee

Dark roasts are made from beans that have either been roasted at a higher temperature, for a longer time, or both. These beans typically have less acidity – but they also can have a deeper, richer flavor. You may hear them referred to as French or Italian roasts because of the origin of the specific roasting method used. Some brands’ dark roasts can taste bitter due to roast temperature, but we were able to remove the bitterness and keep the low acidity in our full-bodied Haymaker Heavyweight. Our dark roast also doubles as a mean cold brew if that's your thing!

Debunking Caffeine Myths

Is dark roast coffee stronger than a light roast? While dark roast usually gets associated with higher caffeine levels, light roasted coffee beans actually have higher levels of caffeine, if ever so slightly. Many brands rely on supplementing their Arabica beans with Robusta beans which contain twice the caffeine content but also produce a bitter taste profile. A simple fact to keep in mind: more coffee beans mean more caffeine. If you want to enjoy any roast but need more of a caffeine hit, consider increasing the size of your scoop. Just don’t go overboard!

Before buying light or dark roast, here’s what you should know:

Now the big question: should you buy light or dark roast? That all depends on your taste and brewing style preferences as well as the type of coffee machine you use. When it comes to flavor, light roasted beans tend to produce a more nuanced flavor, while dark roasted beans usually produce more pronounced or bold notes.

Now, let’s consider your brewing method. If you’re a fan of drip or espresso, there is a distinct difference in the beans you should use. Drip or pour over can support any roast profile but highlights the aromas and fragrance of light roast extremely well, while espresso roasts are generally on the dark end of the roast spectrum. For cold brew, the process will mute the natural acidity of light roast beans and affect the flavor. Instead, opt for a darker roast to obtain a rich flavor. Make sure to check the settings on your coffee machine to determine the optimal strength level when preparing your delicious cup of coffee.

Different people like different roasts – whichever you pick, it should taste smooth and rich – and definitely not stale. At Haymaker Coffee, we pride ourselves on a very selective process to ensure all of our roasts are made with specialty grade Arabica beans, mixed in with American grit and a lot of hustle. Our roasters have more than 40 years of combined coffee experience, resulting in some seriously good coffee. Our high-quality Haymaker roasts will fuel you day-in and day-out, with no excuses!

5 Best Ways to Make Coffee at Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

2021-07-29T17:38:00-05:00

5 Best Coffee Brewing Methods for People Who Hustle:

A good cup of coffee doesn't have to be complicated. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a fancy brew made by a barista, but the barista isn’t at your house when you need coffee the most – at the crack of dawn. There are many ways to brew coffee at home that are easy to do and make a damn good cup. Learn about different coffee brewing methods and experiment to find the best one for you!

1. The Classic Drip Coffee Maker
2. Pour-Over Coffee Maker (AKA V60 or Chemex)
3. French Press
4. AeroPress® Coffee Maker
5. Cold Brew

1. The Classic Drip Coffee Maker

Brewing coffee isn’t bean surgery. Do you need a kick ass cup of joe to get you going in the morning or what? For a simple, but powerful cup of coffee, just make it with your trusty drip coffee maker.

Step 1: Start with 1 Tbsp (5g) of ground beans per 1 cup (8 fl oz or 240mL) of filtered water (add an additional Tbsp of coffee per cup of water to increase the strength and caffeine content).

Step 2: Select the appropriate strength or brew size settings on your coffee maker. Hit BREW and you’ve got what you need to take on the day.

2. Pour-Over Coffee Maker (AKA V60 or Chemex)

Want to make coffee without a standard coffee brewer? Pour over coffee typically involves manually pouring water over your coffee grounds using a filter in a specialized cone-shaped component that fits into a lower base. Sure, this isn’t as hands-free as using your standard coffee maker, but it can produce a rich and more flavorful cup – especially if you like drinking your coffee black. It’s also a great option for people with a little more time in the morning or those who have trust issues with their drip coffee maker.

Step 1: Boil water in a slow-pouring tea kettle (or whatever you have laying around) and wait two to four minutes after you turn off the heat (the ideal temperature is 195°F–205°F).

Step 2: Find a good burr grinder and work those beans to a medium grind.

Step 3: Rinse your filter with hot water and discard the water inside the base. Place 4 Tbsps (20 grams) of ground coffee beans into the top cone and slowly pour hot water in a circular motion from inside out evenly across all the coffee grounds. To determine your preferred strength, vary the volume of water starting with 8 ounces.

3. French Press

The French Press may seem out of the norm, but it has been around for centuries and can make amazingly good coffee. Since the French press doesn’t use a paper filter, you’ll be able to taste a more rich, deep flavor.

Step 1: Start with your favorite French press.

Step 2: Remove the top, add 1 Tbsp (5g) coffee grounds and 1 cup (8 fl oz or 240mL) of not-quite boiling water, then gently stir.

Step 3: Put the plunger back in but stop it before it gets to the water.

Step 4: Hang out for four minutes while the coffee steeps.

Step 5: Now, you’re ready to rumble. Press the plunger down slowly (if you press too fast, be prepared for some coffee grit) and watch the magic happen.

4. AeroPress® Coffee Maker

If you want the flavor of a French press enhanced with pressure, give the AeroPress® a try. This is a newer method that works like a French press but requires you to press the coffee through a pressure chamber. It includes a paper filter, so the only grit you’ll experience is from your own internal strength and fortitude. The AeroPress is also a good option if you’re brewing a single cup, rather than a full pot.

Step 1: Acquire an AeroPress (this is a good thing to put on your Christmas list).

Step 2: Follow the instructions that came with your AeroPress, using your preferred ratio of coffee grounds to boiling water in order to fill the chamber.

Step 3: Stir for 10 seconds.

Step 4: Press down the plunger.

Step 4: Drink it straight for espresso-like coffee or dilute with water for drip coffee. Either way, you just made yourself some amazing coffee in seconds.

5. Cold Brew

Let’s be real. We know you don’t have a whole lot of time on your hands. But if you’re willing to wait, cold brew is a really great way to make refreshing cup of coffee. Make a large batch at the start of the week and you’ll have bold-flavored cold brew ready every morning.

Step 1: Use equal parts course-ground coffee to fresh, cold water in a large pitcher.

Step 2: Give it a stir, cover it, and sit it at room temperature for up to 12-24 hours. This will produce a concentrate that you can dilute to taste or preference.

Step 3: Once your concentrate is ready, filter the coffee through a paper filter (unless you like the crunch of coffee grounds in your teeth).

Step 4: Drink over ice or dilute with cold water – or both. Add cream or sugar as desired, but it’s not necessary due to the smoothness of our Haymaker Heavyweight Dark Roast. .

Which way is best for you?

There you have it! Five ways to make coffee at home. Each of these methods is a great option and choosing one really comes down to preference. For those looking for a silky, more natural flavor, try the pour over. Want a full-bodied flavor that’s more consistent, then opt for the French press. For a bold, strong flavor, give cold brew a try. We recommend trying them all to determine which is best for you.

At Haymaker, we developed our coffee to taste great straight out of the pot, whether you use a coffee maker, press, or other contraption. Made with specialty-grade 100% Arabica beans, Haymaker will hit you with a bold, smooth flavor. With ass-kicking dark, medium and bourbon-infused roasts, Haymaker is sure to give you the boost you need to make hay all day.