How do you like your coffee?

Rich, bold, smooth, with an extra punch that lasts you through the day? Sounds like you like your coffee strong. (High five!)

But wait - what does strong even mean? How do you make it? How do you keep your strong coffee fresh?

This article will show you through the answers to these very important questions many java lovers ask.

What makes a strong coffee?

It’s easy to think that strong coffee means strong-tasting coffee.

Not necessarily.

Just because coffee is bitter or highly-caffeinated doesn’t mean you’ve got a strong one.

In fact, bitter coffee may mean it’s burnt or over-roasted. That’s not what we’re looking for here.

Here’s a rule of thumb: Strong coffee is like George Clooney - bold, rich, suave.

You’ll know you’ve got strong coffee when your cup’s dense, thick, full-bodied and has an extra kick. 

Similarly, highly-caffeinated coffee is NOT necessarily strong coffee. 

Caffeine level and strength are not one and the same. The latter boils down to flavours and that kick.

If you’re curious about caffeine levels in your coffee, read the article How much caffeine is in your favourite coffee brand.

How do you pick strong coffee?

Making yourself a strong coffee all starts with picking the right beans.

There are two types of coffee beans: arabica and robusta.

While robusta has more caffeine, arabica is the right choice if you’re gunning for that flavourful, vibrant cup.

Remember, too much caffeine doesn’t necessarily mean extra strong. We’re looking for that rich, weighty and punchy flavour here.

PRO TIP: go for the dark-roasted beans.

 So when buying beans, ask for dark-roasted arabica.

To know more about coffee beans, watch the video below:

How to make coffee taste good 

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time for you to know some top tips for making a strong, good-tasting coffee:

Buy strong, high-quality coffee beans

Strong coffee starts with the strong beans. Pick arabica for that rich, dense, weighty cup. The longer you roast it, the richer your coffee will be. Also, veer away from low-quality beans. Smell them and have a chat with the barista to find out if they're the right beans for you.

Use fresh coffee and grind it yourself

To ensure freshness, use your newly-bought beans within the next two weeks. If you can, grind the beans yourself - just right before brewing your cup. You can grind it based on your personal preference. The finer the grind is, the more flavour you get out of it. Make sure you have the right equipment for it though! Sometimes, a French press won’t be able to get your grind as fine as you like.

Then enjoy the smell of your fresh, roasted, vibrant and rich cup of joe! 

Make sure you have the correct coffee to water ratios

Making your own freshly brewed coffee can be both a science and art. Especially when aiming for the strong, the coffee-water ratio is very important. According to Driftaway Coffee, “to make a stronger brew, just increase the amount of grounds used without altering the quantity of water you use. This will alter the ratio and produce a stronger cup.” [1]

Here’s another pro tip according to Driftaway Coffee:

Most brew methods use a coffee-water ratio that falls between 1:18 and 1:16 (1 part coffee and 18 to 16 parts water). To find the strength you prefer, start out with a 1:18 ratio and slowly increase it until you find the perfect balance.

Make sure water temperature is correct

Getting the temperature right one of the keys that will unlock coffee heaven. Make sure that your water’s not too hot and not too cold. The ideal temperature is anywhere between 195 - 205 °F (90.6 - 96.1 °C). And if you’re a hard core coffee lover, you may as well just invest in a kitchen thermometer.

Store your coffee properly

The more love you give to your coffee, the more love you get. So keep it away from harm’s way - oxygen, air, light and humidity. Seal it safely in airtight canisters, placed in a cool, dark and dry place.

How to make the best coffee in the world?

And if you're keen to know more about how you can keep making the best coffee in the world for the caffeine-lover in you, then check out this video below for some tips and tricks!