Coffee has become something of an art these days, something more than just a source of caffeine. When you have a jar full of coffee beans, what you are holding in your hands are just raw materials.

Converting those raw materials into something aromatic, delicious and strong is what the real challenge is. It is really up to you which method you select to make the best kind of coffee.

7 Great Ways You Can Brew Coffee

Believe it or not, there are more ways to brew coffee than you could have imagined, and this is where all the confusion starts; what method is the best one, which one should you choose.

While there isn’t an answer to whether or not one method of brewing coffee can be preferred over the other, it all boils down to your preference and sense of taste.

In light of this, mentioned below are some of the most widely used and effective methods of brewing coffee:

1. Instant Mix

An instant mix is exactly what it sounds like. Just add a teaspoon of coffee ground power into a cup of hot water, and voila, instant coffee. However, what is important to understand is the fact that you cannot exactly call this instant-mix proper coffee.

Why? Well, the mix you use isn’t a raw material, it actually an extract that has either been frozen or spray-dried, which means you miss out on the fresh flavor.

But according to a scientific study posted in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism back in 2012, it was revealed that instant-coffee is full of antioxidants that can significantly reduce your chances of developing Type-2 diabetes.

2. Chemex

Chemex is another method of brewing coffee that was invented back in the 40s. The slow and gradual process requires patience, but it is worth it, which is why it has been brought to life again in the 21^st century. Similar to the traditional coffee drip-machine, Chemex consists of pouring hot water on fresh coffee grounds; it is unique in the sense that the Chemex machine is fitted with a filter, which is significantly thicker.

The outcome? You get to drink a cup of smooth, textured, delicious and pure coffee, which by the way has reduced fatty oils compared to brewing coffee in your everyday coffee drip-machine. On top of that, the Chemex brewer also helps keep the water consistently heated over 180 to 200 degrees.

3. ‘Cowboy’ Brewing

This method of brewing coffee has become widely popular these days, all thanks to foodie communities all over the world. The Cowboy brewing method to make coffee was once used by hardcore backpackers and adventurers.

Cowboy brewing involves heating water and coffee beans over a slow-burning flame, as soon as you see the water boiling take a half a cup of cold water and sprinkle it over the pot and immediately starting serving the coffee.

Although this style of brewing coffee is cost-effective and convenient, especially if you are camping outdoors, it also provides you with a powerful hit of flavor, primarily because the method does not involve straining or filtering the coffee beans. But because there is no filtration, expect to drink all the oils and acids.

4. Cold Brewing

Cold brewing more or less mimics the French Press brewing method and has become trendy amongst coffee lovers and advocates. Cold brewing involves the use of cold water and the coffee grounds remain soaked in the water for up to 12 hours. The final product provides a crispier aroma, sweeter taste of coffee compared to the traditional dark roast everybody is used to.

There is a boost in flavor because of the cold water releases all the trapped natural flavors inside the natural oil present in coffee beans. Plus, the cold water also helps reduce the potency of natural acids found in coffee grounds.

It is the perfect method of people suffering from cardiovascular issues or acid reflux complications.

5. French Press

The French Press method is perfect for people who love to get a strong buzz in the morning, especially if you’re running late for work or a class. All you have to do is put in some coffee grounds inside the machine, add hot water and leave it to steep for 5 to 7 minutes.

When you’re out of the shower, just press the strainer and welcome the sight of fresh, strong coffee. The longer you leave the coffee ground soaked in hot water the stronger the caffeine hit. This is recommended for college students who want cram for an exam or people working the graveyard shift.

However, it is important to understand that the stronger the caffeine, the higher the amount of Cafestol, which is a molecule naturally present in coffee beans – which is also responsible for increasing your cholesterol levels. So, try not to binge too much on the French Press method.

6. Single Serve

The best solution for people who sleep late at night and wake up the next morning feeling like as if they have had been hit by a truck. The single-serve method involves using a traditional coffee drip-machine. However, in this method, the coffee ground you use is already pre-portioned.

All you have to do is select the best coffee pod, most people prefer dark-roast because it contains cancer-combating nutrients and antioxidants; drop the pod inside the machine and voila, you’ll have a cup ready in less than 5 minutes.

7. Standard Drip

The standard drip method is considered as the father of all methods of coffee brewing. The machine does everything; it heats and pours the water on the beans, making the process efficient and effective.

A majority of Americans prefer this method because of the sheer convenience it offers. Plus, this method is also a really healthy way of consuming coffee. Why? Well, that is because the machine is fitted with a filter that completely absorbs all the oils naturally present in coffee beans, lowering your cholesterol intake.