Is there anything better than brewing the perfect cuppa joe right from the comfort of your own home? Discovering new techniques and achieving that “a-HA!” moment when you get your brew juuust right is an experience that’s worth its weight in beans.
But where to begin? The world of coffee can be a teensy bit intimidating, however — our very own coffee aficionado and at-home barista extraordinaire, Cosette (AKA @CosetteCutie), is here to help. Whether you’re just starting your at-home coffee journey or a seasoned at-home barista ready to take your setup to the next level, we’ve got some (caffeinated) tips for you.
Cosette, take it away!
Level 1: Brewing Basics
“Starting your coffee journey at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive! For beginners, I always recommend a simple, budget-friendly setup that lets you explore the world of coffee in an affordable way. In fact, the beginner setup might just be my favourite of all the options!
First and foremost, you’ll need a way to brew your coffee. My top recommendation is the AeroPress, a non-electric, portable coffee maker perfect for first timers. The AeroPress uses air pressure to extract a smooth, rich coffee flavour, filtering out grinds and bitter oils through a micro paper filter.
The result? An espresso-like brew that you can use to make lattes, macchiatos, americanos, cappuccinos and shaken espressos! You can make everything from cold brew to hot coffee with the AeroPress. It’s affordable and incredibly versatile. Pair it with fresh beans, and you won’t be able to tell the difference between this and a real coffee machine.
Next, you’ll want a handheld milk frother. While small and simple, this tool is a game-changer for creating café-style drinks at home. If you’re craving a hot drink, just heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave before frothing. I love using Earth’s Own Oat Barista, which froths beautifully and tastes incredible when frothed for lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
If you don’t have a variety of syrups on hand, a good creamer can be a game-changer. I love adding a splash of Earth’s Own Oat Coffee Creamers like Cinnamon Cookie Dough or Salted Caramel to my drinks to add a touch of sweetness and exciting flavours. It’s an easy way to try different flavours without the need for multiple syrups!”
TLTR
- Use a non-electric, portable coffee maker for that profesh espresso-like brew!
- Pick up a handheld milk frother and use Earth’s Own Oat Barista (or Soy Barista) for an oh-so foamy latte, cappuccino, and more.
- Grab an Oat Coffee Creamer and add a splash of flavour to your drinks!
Level 2: Heating Things Up
“Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to upgrade to an intermediate coffee setup. For this stage, I recommend investing in a small, affordable espresso machine. These machines give you that authentic espresso experience and open up the possibilities for a wide range of drinks from lattes to cappuccinos, and even americanos.
To complement your espresso machine, a standing milk frother is an excellent addition. Unlike handheld frothers, standing frothers are a bit more advanced; they froth and heat your milk simultaneously. Perfect for creamy lattes or cappuccinos!
While many smaller espresso machines don’t come with built-in grinders, you can still get great results with pre-ground coffee. However, if you want to elevate your experience further, I recommend adding a coffee grinder to your setup. Freshly ground beans make a noticeable difference in flavour, aroma, and overall coffee quality, taking your espresso to the next level.
What’s great about the intermediate stage is that you can continue using tools from your beginner setup. For example, the AeroPress is still a fantastic tool for brewing drinks that an espresso machine can’t make, like cold brew. Incorporating these tools into your upgraded setup allows you to expand your options and experiment with different techniques.
When I began my coffee journey, I gradually added new tools and equipment to my collection, a method I highly recommend. Start with what you have, and slowly build your perfect coffee setup.”
TLTR
- Invest in a small, affordable espresso machine to open the door to even better lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos!
- Treat yourself to a standing milk frother which heats and froths your Oat and Soy Barista in one oh-so convenient device!
- Pick up a coffee grinder to elevate the flavour, aroma, and quality of your beans.
Level 3: Brew Like A Pro
“As you advance in your coffee journey, having the right tools makes all the difference. My espresso machine is a personal favourite because it handles nearly everything for you. It tamps the espresso for you and uses advanced technology to grind and measure the right amount of beans to make the most perfect shot of espresso.
However, if you prefer more control over the process, precision tools can make a huge difference. I recommend getting a scale to measure the exact weight of your beans and a standalone grinder for adjusting the grind size. Did you know that different beans require different grind sizes and weights to get the best flavour extraction? With these tools, you’ll have full control, allowing you to experiment with beans.
Many high-end espresso machines come with built-in steamers that create silky microfoam, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. What I love about my machine is that it has specialized settings for different types of plant-based milks. Whether you’re using Earth’s Own Oat Barista or Soy Barista, these settings ensure you get the best froth and temperature for each milk.
At this advanced stage, I also started building a collection of coffee syrups, sauces, and toppings. I love being able to create any flavour combination I can imagine, from classics like vanilla and caramel to seasonal flavours. These additions allow you to fully customize your coffee and take your home café experience to the next level.”
TLTR
- An advanced espresso machine with a built-in grinder, tamper, and multi-setting steamer can take your at-home barista experience to a whole new level of quality and convenience!
- To achieve espresso perfection, weigh your beans with a scale and use a standalone grinder to achieve the perfect grind size for every type of bean.
- Collect ‘em all! Build up your collection of syrups, sauces, and toppings to add customizations (and a lil’ fun) to your mug.
Espresso Dreams Do Come True
Now you know how to brew, froth, and steam like a pro!
Whether you’re gearin’ up to advance your at-home barista experience or happy to chill with a simpler setup, we hope you’ve bean inspired.
A BIG thank you to Cosette for all the rad coffee tips! If you’re thirsty for more info to help you on your barista journey, be sure to check out Cosette on TikTok and Instagram.
