Home coffee bars, coffee parties, and cafécore trends are more popular than ever. Coffee lovers are bringing the coffee-shop experience into their homes, with cosy café vibes, curated bar set-ups, and a bean selection any barista would die for.
Whether you’re hosting a casual catch-up or your own coffee tasting party, your home can be transformed into a café-inspired haven with just a few key elements.
1. Choosing the right space for your coffee bar
Home coffee bars don’t need to be big to make an impact. A nook in the corner of your kitchen, a side table close to your TV set-up, or a sunny nook on your stoep can be the perfect start.
Just make sure you’ve got a power supply for essential coffee machines and gadgets, and you’re halfway there!
2. Must-have essentials for your home coffee bar
A home coffee bar isn’t complete without:
- A coffee machine (your pick of an espresso machine, pod machine, pour-over or French press)
- Coffee grinder (your pick of a manual, burr, or blade grinder)
- Milk frother and thermometer (for that café-quality foam)
- Digital scales (to perfect your brew ratios)
- Stylish storage: jars, shelves, and trays
- And of course, cups, stirrers, and spoons
3. Brewing 101
The perfect brew depends on your taste and your tools. Choose a method (or more) that fits your flavour preference and lifestyle. Here are the most popular brews:
- Espresso: Loved by Italians, this strong and concentrated coffee is produced by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. A must for a morning kick, and the perfect base for lattés and cappuccinos.
- French press: Also known as a coffee plunger, this rich and full-bodied coffee produces the perfect Americano. This method uses coarse grounds, recently boiled water, and a simple plunge.
- Aero press: A unique brewing method that’s loved by solo coffee lovers and travellers, it produces a truly unique cup of coffee. This method immerses coffee grounds in hot water and uses pressure for filtration. It’s portable, compact, and great for experimenting with pressure-based brewing.
- Cold brew: Perfect for laid-back coffee enthusiasts, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in water at cool temperatures (your fridge is ideal) for 12 to 24 hours. Pair this with ice and your favourite milk, or milk alternative, for a refreshing caffeine kick on a hot day.
- Pour-over: A classic and clean method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds held in a filter. Great for highlighting floral or fruity bean notes.
4. How to select the right coffee beans for you
Arabica vs Robusta
Find out which bean variety you prefer:
- Arabica beans are known for their smoother, sweeter taste, with notes of berries or citrus.
- Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter flavour, with earthy and nutty notes.
Roast levels
Next up, find the roasting level that’s best for your favourite cup:
- Light roast: Bright and acidic, with fruity or floral notes. Often less bitter, sweeter, and tea-like, they also have the highest acidity. Great for pour-over and cold brew coffees.
- Medium roast: This in-between roast is a great choice for well-rounded, bright notes that remind us of chocolate, roasted nuts, red fruits, and baking spices. This roast is perfect for making espresso, French press, and cold brew coffee.
- Dark roast: The most bitter roast, usually accompanied with milks and creams, offers an intense chocolate and nutty brew. Perfect for espressos and pour-over brews.
Whether you’re a double-shot enthusiast or lover of iced coffee, setting up a home coffee bar is the perfect way to enjoy café-quality moments, without leaving the house. With the right space, tools, machines, and beans, you’ll be smelling brewing coffee in no time.
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Feature image credit: Pexels
