If you haven’t jumped in the coffee aesthetic yet, what are you even doing?
The Philippines has been swarming with coffee shops in the past few years. Whether it’s a large and well-known café or a new and local coffee shop, coffee lovers always find the time and means to visit for a sip.
Truly, caffeine does something to our bodies and the rise of consumption of iced coffee is justifiable. But it would be a crime to overlook the role of coffee aesthetic in the plunge of our collective fondness towards coffee, wouldn’t it? Frankly, it has become somewhat of a tradition: a cup of good old coffee and a cozy place to relax in.
But what if, on some days, you don’t feel the need to go somewhere and instead realize that you want yourself to just be basking in the comfort of your own home? And that what was missing was just the coffee.
Alternatively, since possibilities are endless, what if your love for coffee itself drives you to the decision of opening your own cafe?
Well, you’ve found yourself in a convenient place. Here, we will teach you how to become your own barista at home, along with other coffee aesthetic essentials you wouldn’t want to miss.
Let’s begin, shall we?
On your mark, get set, and brew!
Table of Contents
- What is a Home Barista?
- Home Barista Essentials
- How to Become a Barista at Home
- How to Make Coffee Jelly
- Tips for Making the Best Coffee Jelly
- How to Store Coffee Jelly
- How Many Ounces are in a Cup of Coffee?
- How Much is a Starbucks Coffee?
What is a Home Barista?
Firstly, let’s start at the basics and know what it means to be an at-home barista.
Becoming an at-home barista resembles the work of a professional at a coffeehouse, where you should pour the same dedication into every cup as if someone were paying for it. Unlike a coffeehouse, there’s no uniform or paycheck involved. Nevertheless, your skills as an at-home barista will yield numerous rewards.
Home Barista Essentials
Every artisan understands the importance of having the correct tools to craft a masterpiece. To begin, here’s a fundamental list of barista essentials from EspressoWorks.
Coffee Maker – Coffee machines offer a broad range of choices, from manual devices to more complex machinery. Since you’re aiming to be an at-home barista for your own fulfillment, it’s better to find several budget-friendly options to consider.
Grinder – Using whole coffee beans is essential, so you’ll have to grind them before brewing. Coffee grinders come in two main types: those with blades and those with burrs. Blades chop the beans, while burrs crush them between two surfaces.
Thermometer – The temperature of the water or milk you use can significantly affect the flavor of your coffee. You must employ a thermometer to ensure that the water falls within the range of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kettle – To heat water for your coffee, you’ll require a kettle equipped with a spout for smoother pouring. For novice baristas, this spout will aid in improving your pouring control.
Steam Wand – If you wish to create a latte or add a frothy layer of milk to your coffee aesthetic, a steam wand is the ideal tool to elevate your milk to an exciting new level.
How To Become a Barista at Home
Here are the steps to achieve becoming a barista at home:
- Use Whole Coffee Beans
Image Source: EspressoWorks
Your tasty coffee begins with the beans, so it’s a good idea to check out the options and figure out which roast you like. Different roasts have their own distinct flavors and smells, so you can either stick with the one you love or give them all a try. It’s up to you to decide.
- Grind Your Own Beans
Image Source: EspressoWorks
Coffee beans tend to lose their flavor shortly after being ground, usually within around thirty minutes. If you’re just starting as a barista, it’s a good practice to select the finest, most fresh beans and grind them at home to ensure the freshest coffee.
- Use Filtered Water
Image Source: EspressoWorks
To enhance the flavor of your coffee, opt for filtered water when brewing your coffee grounds. Using tap water can result in unpredictable flavors and potentially compromise the taste of your coffee. Utilizing filtered water not only improves the taste but also ensures purity, which is beneficial for your health.
- Learn The Art of Steaming Milk
Image Source: EspressoWorks
Steaming milk involves heating it while introducing air to create foam. When you utilize a steam wand, it emits streams of steam through its tip, infusing the milk with air. After properly steaming the milk, you can pour it into the coffee, allowing even beginner baristas to experiment with latte art.
- Have Patience
Image Source: EspressoWorks
Patience is key to coffee, especially when it comes to Latte Art. Learning how to become a beginner barista at home takes practice, so don’t get frustrated if your first few cups don’t taste exactly how you want or if your coffee beans aren’t ground as perfectly as you’d hope.
Also, don’t rush your coffee-making process. No matter how badly you think you need coffee right away. Take the time to craft your coffee with care, and you’ll soon develop a passion that won’t let you settle for anything less. Of course, never forget the coffee aesthetic as well!
How to Make Coffee Jelly
Well, it is no secret that Filipinos love Coffee Jelly, so we wouldn’t risk not including the steps on how to make it.
While coffee jelly recipes may vary depending on who makes, the basic procedure remains the same:
- First, the gelatin is flavored with sugar and coffee powder or espresso.
- Then, the flavored gelatin is allowed to set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once the gelatin is firm, it can be sliced into cubes.
- Meanwhile, the cream is prepared by mixing all-purpose milk, more coffee, and condensed milk.
Tips for Making the Best Coffee Jelly
Furthermore, here are the tips on how to make the best coffee jelly:
- You can adjust how firm or soft your jelly is.
You can make your coffee jelly firmer or softer by adding more or less gelatin powder. If you want it even firmer, you can add up to two more teaspoons!
- Dissolve the coffee powder and sugar before adding in the gelatin powder.
This is important because when you add the gelatin powder, the mixture starts to thicken. If the mixture is too thick, it can be challenging to dissolve the coffee powder and sugar. So, it’s essential to be patient and stir the coffee, sugar, and water mixture carefully to ensure smooth coffee jelly.
How to Store Coffee Jelly
- You can make the jelly ahead of time.
Gelatin lasts a long time and can be made in advance before assembling your coffee jelly dessert. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
- Store the cream and the jelly separately.
The coffee jelly can be stored for a long time, but the cream might not last as long. Only put the coffee jelly together when you’re ready to eat it, and store any leftover cream mixture separately in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate, don’t freeze.
Don’t freeze either the jelly or the cream! Freezing alters their texture. The best way to store your coffee jelly is in the fridge, unless you devour it first!
How Many Ounces are in a Cup of Coffee?
The question of how many ounces are in a cup of coffee may seem straightforward, as ounces and cups are typically well-defined measurements that shouldn’t change. However, when it comes to coffee, there’s a discrepancy.
While the standard conversion for a cup is eight ounces, a cup of coffee is typically only 4 ounces. To complicate matters further, brewing coffee requires slightly more water by volume than the amount of coffee you end up with, meaning that brewing a 4-ounce cup of coffee actually requires about 5 ounces of water.
How Much is a Starbucks Coffee?
Ever wondered about the origins of the iced coffee craze? Well, it probably won’t surprise you that Starbucks, one of the most well-known coffee chains, had a significant role to play in it.
But just how much is a star Starbucks coffee, and why does it often feel like a luxury and therapy for those who indulge?
Starbucks Philippines is renowned for its wide range of coffee options, including frappuccinos and various beverages, as well as a delectable selection of food items. It has grown into a highly popular coffee shop chain in the Philippines, offering a delightful coffee experience for its patrons.
In the Philippines, a cup of Starbucks coffee typically ranges from PHP 85.00 to PHP 140.00, varying based on the size and type of coffee. For instance, a Tall-sized brewed coffee at Starbucks is priced at P105 pesos, while a single sachet of coffee can be purchased for P6 pesos.
We hope that this beginner’s guide on how to become a home barista gives you some pointers on making coffee that might be better than anything that a chain coffee shop could have made for you.
Here’s to more delightful coffee aesthetic and caffeinated adventures for all the coffee enthusiasts out there! Cheers, and may you palpitate responsibly!
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