I grew up in a house where coffee was king. My dad drank it black, my mom drank it with cream and sugar, and I knew better than to ask for either of their cups. So, I started stealing sips of my mom’s coffee when she wasn’t looking.
My mother’s coffee was deliciously sweet, and I loved it. But I often got caught. My mom fussed and told me to leave it alone. So, I tried stealing sips of my dad’s coffee instead, but it was bitter and gross.
For the next decade and a half, I thought the only way to make coffee taste delicious was to load it up with sugar and cream. That was until I met a coworker who changed my entire perspective.
He introduced me to specialty, third-wave coffee. He showed me that there is an art to making a great cup of coffee and that the key is using high-quality beans.
Since then, I’ve been on a journey to learn everything I can about coffee. I’ve experimented with different brewing methods, roasts, and grinds. And you know what? I have come to truly appreciate black coffee.
If you want to learn how to get used to black coffee and even learn to love it, keep reading.
Why you should drink black coffee
You might think all black coffee is bitter and gross. But the truth is, that’s probably because you’ve been drinking bad coffee. Based on firsthand experience, I know that to be true. But not to worry, great coffee is possible!
Coffee beans are naturally sweet, and when roasted properly, it brings out complex flavors that get lost when covered up with cream and sugar. A well-made cup of black coffee will be sweet, smooth, and rich.
Benefits of drinking black coffee
It’s basically calorie-free: One of the main reasons people avoid black coffee is because they’re worried about the calories. And 8-ounce cup of black coffee has two calories. So, if you’re watching your weight, it’s a great option.
It’s low in acid: Another common misconception about black coffee is that it’s super acidic and bad for your stomach. Contrary to popular belief, coffee actually has lower acidity levels compared to other commonly consumed beverages. In fact, it is less acidic than orange juice, tomato juice, and soda.
It’s good for your health: Black coffee is packed with antioxidants and is linked to a host of health benefits, including a reduced risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
It gives you energy: If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels, black coffee is a great option. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help you feel more alert and focused.
It improves your physical performance: If you’re an athlete, black coffee can be a helpful pre-workout tool. Caffeine has been shown to improve physical performance by increasing power output and endurance.
Great for fasting: Black coffee is also a great option if you’re doing intermittent fasting. Caffeine can help suppress your appetite and make it easier to fast for more extended periods of time.
How to enjoy black coffee
If you’re ready to give black coffee a try, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Find a brand you love: Not all coffees are created equal. So, if you’re having trouble adjusting to the taste of black coffee, it might be because you’re not fond of the brand you’re drinking. Experiment with different brands and varieties until you find one that you love.
Grind your beans fresh: If you really want to take your coffee game to the next level, grind your own beans each day. A good rule of thumb is to grind them right before you brew your coffee. This will help ensure that they’re fresh and flavorful.
Experiment with different brewing methods: There are a variety of ways to brew coffee, and each one will produce a different flavor. So, if you’re not sure how you like your coffee, it’s worth experimenting with other brewing methods. Some popular options include drip coffee, pour-over, French press, and cold brew.
Don’t be afraid to add a little milk: If you find that black coffee is too bitter for your taste, don’t be afraid to add a little milk or cream as you transition. This will help balance out the flavors and make the coffee a bit smoother.
Drink it slowly: One of the best ways to enjoy black coffee is to savor it slowly. Sipping your coffee slowly will help you fully appreciate the flavor and aroma. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to savor the experience. Ethiopian coffees and others have nuanced flavors that are often lost when gulped.
Try it iced: If you’re not a fan of hot coffee, don’t worry – black coffee is delicious iced as well. Simply brew a pot of coffee using your favorite method and let it cool. Then, pour it over ice and enjoy it as a great summer treat.
Add some spice: Adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to your coffee can help enhance the flavor and make it more enjoyable. Natural spices can showcase flavors that might otherwise be buried under milk or sugar.
Make it part of your routine: If you want to transition to drinking black coffee, make it part of your daily routine. Start by replacing one cup of coffee with black coffee each day. Then, gradually increase the proportion of black coffee until you’re drinking it exclusively.
Get used to the taste: It takes time to get used to the taste of black coffee. So, don’t give up if you’re not a fan at first. Keep trying it, and eventually, you’ll develop a love for it.
What coffee roast should I try first?
Medium roast coffee is a balanced and versatile option perfect for beginners. It’s light enough to still have acidity and brightness, but it’s also rich and flavorful. If you’re unsure what to try first, a medium roast is always a safe bet.
How do I make black coffee?
There are various ways to make black coffee, but the most important thing is to start with fresh, quality beans. Once you have your beans, you can choose any brewing method you like. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend trying a pour-over coffee maker or a French press.
When it comes to how much coffee to use, a good rule of thumb is to start with two tablespoons of ground coffee per cup of water. From there, you can adjust the ratio to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
With these tips in mind and a bag of gourmet beans in hand, you’re ready to start transitioning to black coffee. Just remember to take it slow, experiment with different brewing methods, and find a brand you love. In no time, you’ll be sipping on delicious black coffee – and reaping all the health benefits that come with it!
