Welcome, coffee lovers! If you thought you knew everything about your favorite morning sip, think again. We’ve scoured social media and searched through scientific breakthroughs to bring you more hacks for your coffee. Get your pens and papers ready, as we’re here to make your favorite morning ritual even better. Here are the 13 viral coffee trends you’re missing out on.
13. Salted Coffee
Bitter coffee is not everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee). But by adding salt, you’ll get to have an unexpected mix. This isn’t new at all, as the traditional Vietnamese brewing method called Ca Phe Muoi does this. It’s really just simple science, as salt is known to be effective in neutralizing bitter flavors. You’d be surprised that it can do more wonders for your dark roast than sugar.
12. Waste-Freezing Coffee Ice Ball Hack
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver popularized a solution that not only prevents waste but also ensures your iced coffee never gets weakened. Simply freeze leftover coffee in spherical ice ball molds. These large, slow-melting spheres keep your drink chilled for longer without watering it down. Also, it preserves the flavor of your coffee that you enjoy. This method is an upgrade from using regular ice cubes, which melt quickly and make your drink taste like water.
11. Scallion Latte
The scallion or spring onion latte came from China, but hear us out before judging the bizarre ingredient. It features muddying fresh scallions in a cup, adding ice, milk, and a shot of espresso. After, you get to garnish it with more chopped scallions. The result? A pungent drink that people claimed to be refreshing. If you’re adventurous enough, then this coffee trend is worth trying.
10. Kinder Bueno Latte
Kinder Bueno goes with everything, even in your lattes! It involves blending a shot of espresso with a Kinder Bueno chocolate bar until smooth, then topping it with steamed milk and a sprinkle of cocoa. The result gives you a creamy and nutty drink that tastes like dessert in a mug. It’s a perfect drink if you want to mix your hot chocolate with coffee for the perfect fall drink.
9. Cracking Latte
Imagine your latte cased in a hard chocolate shell that cracks open while melting into your drink. Good thing it doesn’t only exist in our fantasies, as the cracking latte does exist! It’s a Korean-inspired creation which features coating the inside of the glass with melted chocolate to harden and putting the cold latte. As you squeeze the cup, the shell shatters. Now isn’t that a work of art?
8. The Perfect Temperature For Your Brew
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a water temperature between 195-205°F (90-96°C) for optimal extraction. This range is hot enough to extract the flavor compounds (like sugars and acids) but not so hot that it extracts the bitterness. Lighter roasts do best at the higher end of this range, while darker roasts are better at the lower end. By using a variable temperature kettle and an instant-read thermometer, you can gain control over your brew.
7. The Espresso Temperature Myth
When it comes to espresso, a common misconception is that hotter is better. In reality, the opposite is true. Since espresso is brewed under intense pressure, using water that is too hot can easily lead to over-extraction. It results in a bitter and unpleasant shot. The ideal temperature range for espresso is actually lower than for other brewing methods, typically between 190-196°F (88-91°C). This lower temperature allows for a more controlled extraction, preserving aromatic compounds that give espresso its flavor.
6. Cold Brew Time-and-Temperature Secret
Cold brew is famous for its smooth, low-acid flavor, but did you know that its taste is the result of a completely different extraction process? By steeping coffee grounds in room temperature water (around 68-72°F) for an extended period (12-24 hours), you can extract the sweet, chocolatey, and fruity compounds while leaving the bitter ones behind. This is because the compounds that cause bitterness and acidity are less soluble at lower temperatures.
5. The Right Way to Brew for Your Roast
Are you brewing your light roast and dark roast coffee the same way? If so, you’re missing out on flavor. Take note of this: Light roasts require a higher temperature (around 200-205°F) to properly extract their complex flavors. Dark roasts, on the other hand, benefit from a slightly lower temperature (around 190-200°F). By tailoring your brewing temperature to your specific roast, you can unlock its proper flavors.
4. French Press Temperature Trick
The key to a perfect French press is the temperature. Since the coffee grounds are fully immersed in water for several minutes, using water that is too hot can easily lead to over-extraction and a bitter cup. The ideal temperature for a French press is slightly lower than for pour-over, around 195-200°F (90-93°C). This temperature is hot enough to extract the desirable flavors and oils, but not so hot that it scorches the grounds and creates an unpleasant taste.
3. Scandinavian Egg Coffee Secret
This trick is a time-tested tradition in Scandinavia for a reason. Adding a raw egg to your coffee grounds before brewing is a secret for creating an incredibly smooth and low-acid coffee. The eggshells help to clear the coffee by attracting and binding to the fine particles. Meanwhile, the egg white and yolk add a rich and velvety texture. It’s a traditional method that has been passed down through generations and is now being rediscovered by coffee enthusiasts who want a smoother brew.
2. Pour-Over Temperature Gradient
There’s a pro-level technique that can take your pour-over to the next level: temperature profiling. Instead of using a single temperature throughout the brewing process, this method involves starting with a higher temperature and allowing it to naturally decrease as you pour. This creates a temperature gradient that extracts different flavor compounds at different stages of the brew. A hotter initial pour (around 205°F) helps to release the notes, while a slightly cooler final pour (around 195°F) prevents the extraction of bitter compounds.
1. The Coffee-Heart Health Connection
Let’s talk about the coffee and health hack. One landmark study found that drinking two to three cups of coffee per day is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and early death. But the surprises don’t stop there. For those concerned about an irregular heartbeat, the study found that the lowest risk was actually among those who drank four to five cups a day. This suggests that coffee’s protective effects are even more powerful than previously thought.