Best Coffee for Beginners: Smooth and Easy Brews to Start With

Exploring the world of coffee is exciting, especially for beginners — but it can also be overwhelming.

Choosing the right coffee and knowing how to brew it will make a significant difference in your experience. 

Many factors come into play when selecting the best coffee. You have to consider the bean, where it comes from, how it's roasted, and the coarseness of the grind. 

But don't worry!

We'll cover everything you need to know, including our top picks, how to choose coffee, and how to brew it for a smooth introduction to coffee.

What’s the Best Coffee for Beginners?

If you’re new to the world of coffee and aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our top recommendations for coffee beans to try, whether you want a mild cup with low acidity or a full-bodied, bold coffee. 

Top Recommendations

• Vietnamese Coffee 2.0: A delicious blend of strong robusta coffee with natural sweeteners and dairy-free creamer. 
• DaLat: 100% arabica, offering a smooth and mild flavor, perfect for those new to coffee.
• DaNang: A balanced blend of 50% robusta and 50% arabica, providing a rich but approachable flavor.
• SaiGon OG: Strong and flavorful, yet well-rounded, making it an ideal choice for beginners looking to explore bolder tastes.

Coffee Roasts For Beginners

In addition to ground size, you also have to choose the right roast. The formation of coffee’s flavor, aroma, and color happens during roasting, which involves drying, roasting, and cooling the beans.

Coffee comes in light, medium, and dark roast: 

1. Light roast coffee: less bitter, with some acidity, marked by a softer aroma and flavor.
2. Medium roast coffee: more pronounced acidity and more full-bodied than light roast, with a balanced flavor profile.
3. Dark roast coffee: lower acidity, more bitter, and results in a darker beverage that’s bold and smoky.

In the case of dark roasting, for instance, beans are exposed to a high temperature for an extended period. That increases the oil content and decreases the moisture, and the oil gives the coffee a thicker consistency and a stronger, full-bodied flavor.

As a beginner, it’s best to start with the more balanced taste of a light to medium roast coffee.

Coffee Bean Varieties For Beginners

Just like many other plants, there are different varieties of coffee beans, and each provides a different flavor and strength. 

There are two main types of coffee used for brewing:

• Arabica: The most popular; it produces a sweet, smooth taste, making it ideal for beginners.
• Robusta: Strong, somewhat bitter, “more traditional” coffee taste; contains more caffeine than arabica.

You can also get blends, including a blend of arabica and robusta. For instance, Cafely’s DaNang coffee is made with 50% Robusta and 50% Arabica beans, providing a balanced introduction to both types.

Single-Origin Coffees For Beginners

Many countries around the world produce coffee, and with varied climates and soil conditions, it’s no surprise that there are regional differences when it comes to selecting coffee.

Brazil leads the way in total coffee production, followed by Vietnam and then Colombia, then Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Uganda. You can see how coffee production spans the globe!

South America’s coffee is somewhat sweeter than others, although Brazil produces a variety of species that can include chocolate undertones. East African coffeeis fruity, while Asian varietiesare full and rich, with a smoky flavor. Vietnamese coffee is mainly made with robusta beans, which have a higher caffeine content and, therefore, a somewhat stronger flavor. 

How Soil Impacts Coffee 

All coffee grows in tropical climates, but soil and elevation create variety in the flavor of the beans. Temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes, so growth is slower, and the beans take longer to develop. A slow-maturing bean has deeper and more complex flavors. 

How Elevation Impacts Coffee

High elevation also creates better drainage, and coffee plants grow best in moist, but not wet, soil. A slower maturation process also makes for a harder and denser coffee bean, which preserves the unique flavors.

Much of Cafely’s coffee comes from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, which produces mostly rich robusta beans. Coffea robusta has twice the caffeine, three times the antioxidants, and 60% less sugar than conventional arabica coffee. 

Cafely also offers blends, like Saigon OG, a combination of premium single-origin robusta, peaberry, and arabica beans. DaNang is a blend of 50% robusta and 50% arabica, a good choice for beginners.

Coffee Grinds For Beginners

Whether you’re buying whole beans to grind at home or you plan to purchase pre-ground beans, the coarseness of the grind heavily impacts the cup of coffee. 

Here’s why.

Coffee is made by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans to extract the flavor. The flow rate is the speed at which the water travels through the grounds — essentially, the total extraction time. Extraction also includes the time the water “interacts” with the grounds, known as contact time. 

A finer grind size provides more surface area for the water to come into contact with the beans. That means a longer contact time and a stronger cup of coffee. You should use a fine grind with quick brewing methods like an espresso machine, a moka pot, or a phin filter. A coarse grind with these brewing methods will result in over-extraction. 

Coarser grinds are best for brewing methods that require the beans to sit in the water, like cold brew or French press coffee.

If you’re a coffee beginner, we suggest a medium grind because you’ll get:

1. Balanced taste: A medium grind gives you a balanced flavor — not too strong to start. You can then experiment with slightly finer or coarser grinds to find what you like best.
2. Ease of Use: Medium grind is versatile and works well with common coffee brewing techniques, like drip coffee makers and French presses.

Choosing Your Coffee: Factors to Consider

There’s a lot of information to consider when you’re choosing your first coffee. To summarize, here are the important factors:

Flavor preferences	Most coffee producers will highlight the main notes of their beans, from fruity to chocolatey to nutty.
Roast levels	Light roast coffee has a softer aroma and flavor, making it a good start for beginners. You can advance to a more full-bodied medium and, finally, a smoky dark roast.
Regional differences	Colombian coffee has sweeter notes, Ethiopian is fruity, and Vietnamese highlights the extra caffeine and bold flavor of the robusta bean.
Coffee species	Arabica is common and has a lighter flavor than the bolder robusta.
Grind size	Start with a medium grind and experiment with finer types for stronger coffee.

The Best Brewing Methods for Beginners

If you’re a coffee beginner, you don't have to purchase expensive equipment or follow complicated instructions to make a good cup of coffee at home. The simplest technique is to use a drip coffee maker or a French press.

Drip Coffee Maker

This is an automated pour-over method to make coffee by slowly dripping hot water over ground coffee. It's easy and automatic, but you can still customize the taste by adjusting the grind size and ratio of coffee to water.

Here's how to brew the perfect cup using an automatic drip coffee maker:

• Brew Time: 5–10 minutes (varies by model)
• Coffee/Water Ratio: 1:16
• Grind: Medium (like sea salt)

Steps to Brew Drip Coffee:

1. Load your drip coffee machine with a fresh filter.
2. Fill your water tank to the fill line.
3. Measure and grind your coffee.
4. Start the machine.
5. Pour and enjoy.

French Press

A press pot or plunger pot is simple and versatile, as you can easily adjust the strength of your brew by changing the amount of coffee. A French press fully immerses your coffee grounds in water, which extracts the flavor. 

Here's how to brew the perfect cup using a French press:

• Brew Time: 4 minutes
• Coffee/Water Ratio: 1:12
• Grind: Coarse 

Steps to Brew French Press Coffee:

1. Measure and grind your coffee.
2. Add coffee grounds and water.
3. Wait 4–5 minutes for your coffee to brew.
4. Plunge, pour, and enjoy.

Instant Coffee

If you don’t have the equipment or don’t have the time to brew a cup of coffee using one of these brewing methods, instant coffee is an option. 

You might think of instant coffee as a way to “cheat,” giving you a quick cup with the simple addition of hot water. Gone are the days of bitter or tasteless instant coffee. There are some excellent ready-to-drink options for you to get a delicious cup of coffee in seconds. 

Cafely’s Instant Espresso Vietnamese Coffee is crafted with robusta beans and comes in single-serve packets. It’s available in black, milk-flavored, or coconut-flavored, so you don’t even need to add anything to enjoy a cup. 

Common Coffee Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re not enjoying your cup of coffee, there are some common problems that could be impacting quality. Don’t feel bad — we all make these mistakes.

1. Your beans are old — Good quality coffee is the key to a good cup of java, so make sure your beans are fresh. If you buy pre-ground coffee, make sure you don't keep it too long. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Don't put them in the fridge or freezer! Moisture will ruin the quality.
2. You need better water — Use filtered, distilled, or bottled water, especially if your tap water has a high mineral content.
3. You’re using the incorrect coffee-to-water ratio — If your coffee is too strong, you may not be using enough water. If it’s too weak, maybe you need to add more coffee grounds. 
4. You let it sit too long — Don’t keep your coffee in the pot on the coffee machine warmer for too long, or it will taste burnt. Use a French press to make a fresh cup to enjoy in the moment, or experiment with a Vietnamese phin filter.

How To Enhance Your Coffee 

If you’re new to drinking coffee, drinking it black may be too much to handle. Here are some suggestions to enhance the flavor.

Sweeteners

Sugar is an obvious choice, but other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or flavored syrup can soften the bitterness of the beans. Other options include agave — derived from cacti — or the plant derivative stevia.

Milk or Milk Substitutes

Milk or cream is a common addition to coffee, adding creaminess and lightening the color and flavor of the brew. Baristas prefer whole milk for its extra-rich texture, but you can experiment by using the type of milk you typically buy.

Sweetened condensed milk is common in Vietnamese coffee, prized for its rich and bold flavor. Sweetened condensed milk will give you the sweetness of sugar and extra creamy milk, combining the two additives into one convenient can. 

There are non-dairy options available, you can make your own coffee creamer, and it’s even possible to make your own vegan condensed milk. 

You can also steam or froth your milk for a coffee shop flavor.

If you want to enjoy the true taste of coffee, gradually reduce the milk and sweetener you add so you can eventually drink black coffee. 

Ready to Sip 

You’ve got all you need to know to start sipping coffee in style. Choose your first coffee based on our recommendations, and be sure to sample others to add variety to your coffee enjoyment. 

FAQs: Coffee For Beginners

1. What Is the Best Coffee for Someone Who Doesn’t Like Bitter Tastes?

The best coffee for someone who doesn’t like bitter tastes is a light roast or a medium roast. Check the flavor description to find coffee beans with smooth and sweet flavor profiles.

2. How Much Coffee Should a Beginner Drink?

Since everyone’s tolerance for caffeine is different, start with one cup to gauge your individual reaction to caffeine.

3. Can I Make Good Coffee at Home Without Expensive Equipment?

Yes, there are several affordable ways to make great coffee. For instance, a French press is an inexpensive option that’s also a simple method to brew an excellent cup of coffee.

4. What Are the Easiest Coffee Drinks to Make at Home?

Americano, French press coffee, and drip coffee are easy to make at home, and they don’t require expensive equipment.

5. How Do I Know if I’m Brewing My Coffee Correctly?

You may be brewing your coffee wrong if it tastes overly bitter or sour, or it tastes like hot water. Instead, look for a balanced taste.

6. Is It Necessary to Grind My Own Coffee Beans?

You’ll get the best results from freshly ground coffee, but that requires more equipment in the form of a quality coffee grinder. Pre-ground coffee is more convenient and still produces great results.

7. What Does “Stonefruit” Mean in Coffee Tasting Notes?

In coffee tasting notes, “stonefruit” means the coffee will have flavors reminiscent of fruits such as peaches, plums, and cherries — fruits with stones in them.

8. How Can I Make My Coffee Less Acidic?

Check for beans that are marked as low-acidity, or try cold brewing. This involves steeping coarse-ground coffee in water for several hours, resulting in a concentrated but smooth coffee with a rich, full-bodied flavor.

9. What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee?

Besides the good feeling of a boost of caffeine in an enjoyable beverage, coffee is rich in antioxidants, molecules that fight harmful free radicals. Some research suggests coffee may help decrease your risk of depression, help with weight loss, and possibly lower the risk of Parkinson's disease, strokes, and dementia.

10. Where Can I Buy Good Quality Coffee Beans?

You can buy good quality coffee beans at specialty coffee shops and online coffee retailers, which offer a wide selection.