With these 5 tips you will become the favorite barista of your group of friends

Specialty coffee isn't just something to enjoy yourself. It's even more fun to introduce your friends to the rich flavors hidden in good Arabica beans. Imagine: making a cappuccino or filter coffee at home that tastes so good that your friends will now call you their personal barista.

The secret? A few simple habits and a little attention. With these 5 tips, you'll be making coffee at home that you'll be proud to share—and that your friends will be talking about for weeks to come.

1. Fresh beans are the basis

Good coffee always starts with freshly roasted beans. Only then can you taste the full aromas and unique character of specialty coffee.

👉 Here's how to do it at home:

• Please note the roasting date (always clearly stated with us).
• Buy smaller quantities, more often.
• Store the beans in an airtight container in a dark place.

Pro tip: Try making a cup with beans that are two weeks old and one with beans that are three months old. You'll immediately see why freshness is crucial.

 

2. Always grind fresh

Grinding just before brewing is the key to flavor. A coffee grinder is therefore a smart investment.

👉 Here's how to do it at home:

• A hand mill is a great start (and often affordable).
• Adjust the grind size to suit your brewing method: coarser for filter, finer for espresso.
• Weigh your beans – a simple kitchen scale works perfectly.

Pro tip: Place three cups side by side, each with the same bean but different grind sizes. Taste and compare. This is the perfect way to explore flavors with friends.

 

3. Don't forget the water

Since coffee is mostly water, quality makes a huge difference.

👉 Here's how to do it at home:

• Use filtered water or mineral water (Spa Reine and Bar-le-Duc are safe choices).
• Avoid tap water that is too hard or too soft.
• Extra fun: test how hard or soft your water is with strips.

Pro tip: The ideal range is 70–100 ppm. Want to impress? Make coffee with both regular tap water and filtered water. Let your friends guess which one tastes better.

 

4. Time is taste

The extraction time determines how your coffee tastes. Too short? It becomes acidic and watery. Too long? It tastes bitter and heavy.

👉 Here's how to do it at home:

• Set a timer on your phone.
• Espresso: Aim for 25–30 seconds.
• Filter: Usually between 2:30 and 3:30 minutes.

Pro tip: Make it a mini tasting: brew one espresso too short, one just right, and one too long. Taste together—your friends will never drink coffee casually again.

 

5. Make it an experience

Coffee is more than just caffeine. It's a moment to share. Invite friends over and compare different brewing methods or beans. This way, you can experience the diversity of specialty coffee together.

👉 Here's how to do it at home:

• Brew the same bean with a V60, a French Press, and an espresso.
• Ask everyone what they taste – there are no wrong answers.
• Share your tasting online to inspire others.

Pro tip: Organize a small cupping session. Make three cups of coffee, sip (yes, that's how it's supposed to be!), and discover new flavors together. It's educational and fun.

 

Time to surprise your friends

With these tips, you'll become the barista everyone wants to invite to coffee time at home. You'll not only discover more flavors yourself, but you'll also give your friends an experience they won't soon forget.

👉 Bring the tastiest specialty Arabica beans into your home and show that good coffee starts at home.
Slick Coffee Roasters – view our coffees