Are you struggling to enjoy black coffee? You’re not alone!
The bold, rich, and complex flavors of black coffee can be an acquired taste — but once you adjust, you’ll never want to go back.
This guide breaks down how to make the transition to drinking black coffee smoothly so you can enjoy a bold brew and the many benefits that come along with it:
- Low-calorie
- Antioxidant-rich
- Clean energy boost
- Simple, organic ingredients
Black coffee is strong. When there’s no milk, cream, or sugar to mellow things out, you may find it less enjoyable at first.
Brewing your black coffee correctly with high-quality beans is the best place to start.
Method #1: The Slow, Methodical Approach
Getting used to black coffee can take time, especially if you like a sweet, creamy latte or iced mocha.
But slowly decreasing the amount of additives you add to your cup makes the transition to black coffee easier.
Sugar and cream make things taste delicious, but they also take away from the flavor of the coffee. Additives like these also add extra calories, which isn’t good news if you’re monitoring your intake.
Method #2: The Fast, Immersive Approach
If you prefer diving straight into new experiences, the fast approach to drinking black coffee might be for you.
This method involves fully committing to black coffee without gradually reducing additives.
By immersing yourself in the pure, unadulterated flavors of high-quality coffee, you might find it easier to appreciate the nuanced taste profiles.
The key to succeeding through this method is to start with very high-quality coffee and learn to brew it properly (check out our brew guides below).
Try visiting an artisanal cafe to get a feel for what it should taste like. Cafés that serve specialty pour-over coffee are the best place to start.
Black Coffee Food Pairings
Understanding how to enjoy black coffee with delicious pairings enhances the coffee-drinking experience and is a great fit for social situations.
Coffee has a recognizable acidity and bitterness, which is combatted well with salty, spicy, rich foods like cheese, smoked meat, and fish.
Best Foods to Pair with Black Coffee:
- Cheese
- Bacon/salty meat
- Bread
- Chocolate
- Sweet pastries
- Roasted nuts
Choosing the Right Black Coffee
Not all coffee beans are suitable for preparing black coffee. Poor-quality beans can produce overly acidic, bitter, or even funky or moldy flavors that need to be balanced using sugars and other sweeteners.
The Importance of Quality
Selecting beans for brewing black coffee involves finding a company that prioritizes quality over quantity. For every batch of coffee harvested, only about 15% typically meet the criteria for “high-grade.”
Origin & Flavor
The other factor to select from is the types of flavors you want in your cup. The soil makeup, climate conditions, farming and harvesting techniques, and variety used all influence the final taste of the coffee.
This is why coffee from Vietnam, Colombia, Brazil, and Ethiopia all have such diverse flavors to offer.
→ Take Cafely’s Coffee Quiz to Find Your Perfect Brew
Best Roast Level For Black Coffee
Different origins and roasts can have a huge impact on the taste of coffee.
Light to medium varieties are less bitter, resulting in a lower intensity that eases you in. For beginner black coffee consumers, it’s wise to opt for a light roast bean to avoid being put off by the intensity of darker roasts.
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Complex flavors, subtly sweet, fruity |
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Well-rounded, balanced, chocolatey |
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Rich, bold, earthy |
Black Coffee Brewing Techniques
Various brewing techniques exist to make the perfect cuppa — but how should black coffee be made?
Proper brewing enhances the flavor of black coffee by extracting all the flavors you want and leaving behind the ones you don’t.
Every brewing method is a little bit different — here are the 6 most popular methods used to craft delicious black coffee at home.
1. French Press
French press or press pot is a popular brewing technique for black coffee lovers. It’s a simple technique requiring quality coffee, a French press, a coffee grinder (if using whole beans), and hot water — that’s it!
Advantages: Quick and convenient, adjustable flavors, cheap equipment, great for producing stronger black coffees, no paper or plastic waste.
French Press Brewing Instructions:
- Step 1: Measure and coarsely grind the coffee, using the right amount for your French press and serving size.
- Step 2: Add the ground coffee to the French press and top with water. Place the plunger in position and allow 4 minutes for optimal extraction and desirable flavors.
- Step 3: Either leave the plunger for the full brewing time or push the plunger a couple of times (such as at the beginning and 2 minutes in) to encourage even extraction.
- Step 4: Once the time is up, push the plunger down and pour the coffee-infused liquid into your cup.
Related: What’s the Best Coffee to Use in a French Press?
2. Pour-Over Coffee
Pour-over coffee is a classic method for brewing artisanal-grade black coffee. Most coffee experts rely on this method for their morning cup.
There are many different kinds of pour-over coffee brew systems, but the most popular are either the Hario V60 or the Chemex brew.
The paper filter used in most pour-over devices removes unwanted oils and residues so the resulting coffee is balanced and smooth. This is ideal for black coffee as the bitterness is significantly cut — leaving behind a well-rounded, lighter flavor.
Advantages: Cleaner taste, easy to control brewing variables, adjustable flavor and intensity, great for producing a lighter coffee.
Pour-Over Brewing Instructions:
- Step 1: Add the correct filter to the top of the cone and use some hot water to prepare the filter. Tip away any water that collects inside the brewer.
- Step 2: Measure and grind the coffee, or if you’re using ground beans, there’s no need to worry about grinding! Use the right amount of coffee for your Chemex and the serving size you want to make.
- Step 3: Cover the grounds slightly in hot water, softly shaking the Chemex before letting the grounds sit in the water for around 45 seconds. This is known as the “bloom stage.”
- Step 4: Slowly pour the rest of the hot water into the Chemex, avoiding disrupting the wet coffee grounds below.
- Step 5: The entire process takes around 4 minutes. Once complete, remove the filter and grounds and give the coffee a gentle swirl before pouring it into a cup and serving.
3. AeroPress
The AeroPress is a piston-style brewing method where fine-ground coffee is steeped in hot water and forced through a paper filter into your cup. This clever design merges the rich flavor of immersion brewing with the speedy extraction of espresso.
It’s a simple way of brewing coffee, especially for travelers since it’s compact and only brews a single serving.
Advantages: Quick, easy to clean, versatile, portable, travel-friendly brewing tool.
AeroPress Brewing Instructions:
- Step 1: Measure and grind your beans to a medium-fine consistency, or use ground coffee to make the brewing process even quicker! Use the right amount of coffee depending on the model and size of your AeroPress.
- Step 2: Remove the plunger from the bottom of your AeroPress, followed by the filter cap. Insert the filter inside and reattach the cap.
- Step 3: Fill the chamber with your prepared coffee and place the unit above your mug.
- Step 4: Use the stirring tool to stir the coffee for around 10 seconds before letting it stand for 30 seconds.
- Step 5: Attach the plunger to the Aeropress and push it down until coffee runs through the filter. The entire process should only take a minute or so to complete.
4. Moka Pot
A Moka pot is a traditional brewing method that uses a stovetop to create enough heat and pressure for a strong coffee. Moka pots are available in a range of sizes, and this will affect the amount of water and coffee you use.
Advantages: Strong coffee, affordable, durable, easy to use, and versatile.
Moka Pot Brewing Instructions:
- Step 1: Measure and grind your coffee to a fine grind, using the right amount for your pot and the serving of coffee you want to make.
- Step 2: Unscrew the pot and fill the bottom chamber with water until the fill line.
- Step 3: Place the basket on top of the lower chamber and evenly fill it with the prepared coffee grounds.
- Step 4: Screw the upper section of the pot onto the lower part and place it on the stovetop. Allow the water to heat until the Moka pot starts making gurgling sounds.
- Step 5: Once you hear gurgling sounds, turn the heat down and patiently wait for the coffee to start filtering into the upper section of the pot.
- Step 6: The coffee can take a couple of minutes to finish brewing and enter the top chamber. Once complete, pour into your mug and add additional hot water if desired.
5. Phin Filter
A phin filter is a traditional Vietnamese coffee brewing device, ideal for producing strong and bold coffee. This small, metal drip-style brewer is simple, inexpensive, and requires no paper filters or electricity.
Advantages: Simple to use, cost-effective, environmentally friendly.
Phin Filter Brewing Instructions:
- Step 1: Measure and grind your coffee to a fine consistency, similar to sand. Use about 21 grams (3 tablespoons) for a 6 oz phin filter.
- Step 2: Assemble the phin filter by placing the filter plate on top of a heat-resistant mug or glass cup and adding the brew chamber.
- Step 3: Add the ground coffee to the chamber, then lightly shake to level it. Place the gravity press on top and gently press to distribute the coffee evenly.
- Step 4: Start with the bloom stage by adding just enough hot water (200ºF/93ºC) to cover the coffee grounds. Wait 45 seconds, then fill the chamber with hot water to just below the brim. Place the lid on and let it brew for about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 5: Once brewing is complete, add sweetened condensed milk (about two tablespoons or 30 mL) to your coffee. Stir well and enjoy hot, or add ice for traditional Vietnamese iced coffee.
6. Drip Coffee
The drip coffee machine epitomizes convenience and quality in coffee brewing. These straightforward, function-first coffeemakers are a staple in North American homes. They use an automated pour-over method to produce a clean, consistent, and flavorful brew with minimal effort.
Advantages: Easy to use, consistent results, customizable, suitable for large batches.
Drip Coffee Brewing Instructions:
- Step 1: Prepare the coffee machine by ensuring it is clean and free of old grounds. Place a filter in the basket and fill the water reservoir to the fill line.
- Step 2: Measure and grind your coffee. Use a medium grind similar to sea salt and a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:16. For example, use four tablespoons (28 grams) of coffee for a 2-cup coffee maker.
- Step 3: Add the ground coffee to the filter and start the machine. The brewing process will take 5–10 minutes, depending on the model.
- Step 4: Serve immediately for the best taste.
Expert Tips For Brewing Delicious Black Coffee Every Time
Drinking black coffee means avoiding the use of cream or sugar. These flavorings help hide "off" tastes in the final brew. This means it's especially important to get the brewing process dialed in if you want to actually enjoy your coffee.
Optimal coffee extraction means creating a balanced coffee that isn't too bitter, acidic, or watery.
1. Get The Grind Right
Different styles of brewing require various grinds of coffee. Larger coffee particles are well-suited to cold brews as the extraction process is lengthy, while finer ground beans are ideal for espressos and Turkish coffee. Using the right grind for your brewing method means you can extract your coffee perfectly, avoiding acidic, bitter, or weak coffee.
Here’s a look at the correct grind size for various coffee brewing methods:
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Grind Size |
Brewing Method |
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Coarse (sea salt) |
Cold brew coffee, French press, coffee percolators |
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Medium-coarse (rough sand) |
Pour-over coffee, Chemex |
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Medium (sand) |
Aeropress, drip coffee |
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Medium-fine (smooth sand) |
Aeropress, drip coffee (reduce brewing time) |
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Fine (table salt) |
Espresso machines, Moka pots, phin filters |
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Extra-fine (powdered sugar) |
Turkish coffee, espresso |
2. Pay Attention to Water Temperature
Water used for brewing coffee should stay between 195–205ºF (90–96ºC). The temperature of your coffee plays a crucial role in the brewing process and impacts its overall flavor profile. Cold water typically leads to under-extraction and weak, watery brew (unless you’re making a cold brew). Water that’s too hot also affects coffee by reducing overall taste and key flavors. It’s wise to use filtered water to minimize the risk of any strong tastes or odors affecting the final brew.
3. Use a Timer
Various coffee brewing methods have specific timing guidelines to follow. Sticking to the correct time avoids over or under-extraction, leaving you with an aromatic, balanced brew. Most methods take a maximum of a few minutes from start to finish, and since there aren’t any additions to black coffee, it’s important to get the brewing time right.
Health & Lifestyle Benefits of Black Coffee
Black coffee is simple and quick to make, containing negligible calories and intense flavors. When discovering how to start drinking black coffee, a good motivator is the potential benefits of avoiding additional ingredients. Black coffee can fit into a healthy lifestyle as it contains minimal calories and carbs but maximum flavor.
So, what are some benefits of drinking black coffee?
Low in Calories
Black coffee contains no hidden ingredients or calories. It’s simply coffee at its finest, with no additives to steal the show.
Black coffee is a great option if you're monitoring your calorie intake or want to shave easy calories off your daily intake.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.5 billion adults aged 18+ were overweight in 2022, with 890 million living with obesity.
These statistics show the need for implementing dietary and lifestyle changes. Cutting back calories is a simple but effective way of reducing daily intake, and opting for black coffee is an easy switch.
Related: How Many Calories Are in Vietnamese Coffee?
Antioxidant Properties
Coffee has a wealth of potential health benefits, and one of those is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are vital for human health, allowing us to thrive with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects [1].
Brewed coffee contains a wide array of powerful antioxidants ready to tackle harmful free radicals permeating the air we breath and the food we eat [2].
Improved Mood & Cognition
A study looking at the effects of black coffee found ratings of alertness and mood higher, while mental fatigue was lower [3].
Black coffee is more than just an energizing way to start the day. It’s a lifestyle addition that seems to have countless effects on both mental and physical health when consumed in proportion.
Switching out your morning coffee is one way how black coffee can be part of a balanced diet – you may even have more energy and alertness!
FAQs: How to Drink Black Coffee
Still wondering how to drink coffee black? Below are some FAQs to answer any final questions you may have:
1. Is black coffee an acquired taste?
Many people find it takes a little time to get used to drinking black coffee and enjoy it. Gradually introducing black coffee into your routine can help you adapt.
2. What are the best coffee beans for black coffee?
Light to medium roast coffee beans are perfect for black coffee as they are less bitter and have more complex flavors than dark roast.
3. How can I make black coffee less bitter?
Use fresh coffee beans, correct brewing techniques, and consider a lighter roast to make your brew less bitter.
4. Can black coffee help improve my health?
Black coffee is virtually calorie-free and contains antioxidants, which can contribute to a healthy lifestyle when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
5. How long does it take to get used to black coffee?
Getting used to black coffee can take time, but slowly reducing additives can ease the transition. Gradually reduce the amount of milk, cream, and sugar you use, and you’ll be drinking black coffee in no time.
6. What is the best method to brew black coffee?
Pour-over and French press are popular brewing methods as they enhance the natural flavors of the coffee and maintain balance when brewed correctly.
7. Can I drink black coffee at any time of day?
Black coffee can be enjoyed at any time of day, but according to the best time to drink coffee, it’s important to listen to your caffeine tolerance and how it may affect your sleep.
Related: How Long Does Caffeine Last? (Duration of Effects)
8. Are there any specific foods that pair well with black coffee?
Dark chocolate and almonds complement the rich flavors of black coffee, pairing well with a late-morning brew.
9. How do I store coffee beans for the best flavor?
Store coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This will keep them fresh so you can continue brewing delicious black coffee.
10. Is black coffee suitable for everyone?
Black coffee is widely consumed, but it isn’t for everyone! Individual preference affects how people enjoy a brew, but black coffee remains a popular choice.
References
- Zehiroglu, C., & Ozturk Sarikaya, S. B. (2019). The importance of antioxidants and their place in today's scientific and technological studies. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56(11), 4757-4774.
- Liang, N., & Kitts, D. D. (2014). Antioxidant Property of Coffee Components: Assessment of Methods that Define Mechanisms of Action. Molecules, 19(11), 19180-19208.
- Haskell-Ramsay, C. F., Jackson, P. A., Forster, J. S., Dodd, F. L., Bowerbank, S. L., & Kennedy, D. O. (2018). The Acute Effects of Caffeinated Black Coffee on Cognition and Mood in Healthy Young and Older Adults. Nutrients, 10(10).
