Last Updated on February 3, 2023
Do you enjoy a good cup of black coffee? If not, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people find the taste of black coffee to be bitter and unappetizing.
However, there are many reasons why drinking coffee black can be beneficial for your health and your overall well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss how to drink black coffee, including the benefits of drinking your java black, and give you 5 tips to help make the switch from cream and sugar to pure black coffee!
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- Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee
- Drinking Your Coffee Black is a Mindset
- How to Drink Black Coffee – 5 Best Tips to Get You There
- 1 | Buy whole-bean coffee and grind it fresh right before brewing
- 2 | Use filtered water
- 3 | Try a new brewing method
- 4 | Use the right coffee-to-water ratio
- 5 | keep equipment clean
- Transitioning from Sweetened or Lightened Coffee to Drinking it Black
- Conclusion: How to Drink Black Coffee
Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee
Drinking black coffee is an incredibly rewarding experience. As a black-only coffee drinker for more than 40 years, there is nothing better than the fresh, rich taste of a cup of freshly brewed coffee with absolutely nothing added to it.
It may surprise current coffee drinkers (you know who you are…you add stuff to your coffee to make it “taste better”) to learn that their favorite bean can taste even better when brewed black. You’ll get maximum flavor out of each sip and appreciate subtle notes of roasted hazelnut, smoky cocoa, or sweet caramel that can often be masked by additives like cream, sugar, or other flavors.
Experiencing the nuances of each brew means you can find just the perfect cup for your palate! Furthermore, compared to caffeinated beverages loaded with added sugars, consuming black coffee gives you a powerful hit of healthy antioxidants to kick-start your day or give you an afternoon boost.
Health benefits of consuming your cup of coffee black
Drinking your coffee black can offer several health benefits. It helps to control weight, promote an energy boost, and improve overall heart health.
Caffeine is packed with antioxidants that protect us from oxidative damage, and these health-boosting substances remain in our cups even without the added temptations of sugar or cream.
Speaking of sugar, without it in our cup we’ll enjoy a lower glycemic index; meaning, it won’t spike your blood sugar as considerably as more sugary coffees. Drinking black coffee can also help you to become more productive and alert while working or studying.
Drinking Your Coffee Black is a Mindset
If you’re already a coffee drinker, you may have relied on a generous amount of milk, sugar, or other creamers to take the edge off the flavor. But when you drink coffee black, it enables you to taste the quality of the bean for what it is.
Drinking black coffee is about recognizing the flavor notes that come through in different beans and in different roasts – something you won’t be able to appreciate if coffee is heavily doctored with milk or sugar.
Change your mindset, and recognize that drinking black can be enjoyable! Your brain needs to learn that black coffee is not going to taste sweet or creamy. Eventually, you (and your brain) will begin to crave the unique and individual flavors that only black coffee can bring.
How to Drink Black Coffee – 5 Best Tips to Get You There
Whether you are a seasoned coffee drinker or a newbie who wants to know how to make black coffee taste nice, there are some fundamentals that will make any cup of coffee taste better.
First, though, remember that brain mindset we discussed earlier? My opinion is, that is the most important factor in learning how to drink black coffee. You want to be prepared for a taste that is not sweet (although some coffee is naturally sweet in it’s own “coffee-like” way), but pleasant and satisfying.
So, how to you get there? It comes down to the coffee selection and the brewing process, my friend. And yes, you’ll need to put in a bit of effort but it will be so worth it.
TIP: a light roast may not be the way to start drinking your coffee black. Use a medium roast or medium/dark roast for more flavor and richness.
1 | Buy whole-bean coffee and grind it fresh right before brewing
If you want to learn to enjoy black coffee in the same way that experienced coffee drinkers do, then buying whole beans and grinding them fresh for every brewing is an essential starting point.
There are a few reasons why freshly ground coffee makes such a difference in flavor. First, the oils, and aromas that develop when ground are what bring out the rich flavor profile of your favorite blend.
It also allows you to customize the coarseness of your ground beans so that they’re suited precisely to your individual needs.
Finally, using freshly ground beans will help curb bitter notes which can otherwise overpower plain black coffee. With a finely balanced brew refreshment provided by freshly ground coffee beans, you’ll soon be enjoying your fresh coffee black, just like it’s supposed to be.
2 | Use filtered water
An essential step to experiencing the full flavor of your coffee is using filtered water. The texture and taste of coffee vary dramatically depending on the quality and purity of the water used.
Filtered water removes any particulate matter, as well as decolorizing agents like chlorine and other dissolved contaminants that can diminish a coffee’s aroma.
Additionally, filtered water creates a better extraction process, producing an incredibly smooth cup of coffee with maximum flavor. Your refrigerator may offer a filtration system, one can be added to your kitchen faucet, or you can purchase filtered water from the grocery store.
How you obtain it is up to you, but know that filtered water WILL make a difference in helping you enjoy black coffee.
3 | Try a new brewing method
Gaining the full experience of the complex and interesting flavors of a cup of coffee doesn’t always happen with milk or sugar added. Trying out different ways of brewing your coffee can help you discover these unique notes, find which type of roast suits you best and enjoy your cup black.
Try using a French press, pour-over system, or any other method to unlock the full flavor potential in your morning cup. Experimenting with different brewing techniques is an easy way to learn how to appreciate coffee without adding anything extra.
Embrace each step in the process as a learning experience and remember there’s no wrong way—this is how your taste buds become enhanced.
4 | Use the right coffee-to-water ratio
As you start drinking your coffee black, it is important to get the right coffee-to-water ratio. This will ensure that the final cup of coffee meets your taste and strength requirements.
Start with two tablespoons of ground coffee for six ounces of water, typically used for a single cup. If you find this too strong or bitter, reduce the amount of ground coffee in proportion to the amount of water.
Once you figure out the amount is right for you, it will become easier and more enjoyable to drink your black coffee each time. This process takes experimentation – keep adjusting until it’s just right.
5 | keep equipment clean
If you’re learning to drink black coffee, keeping your brewing equipment clean is an important step. Keeping the coffee maker, pour-over coffee dripper, or French press clean on the outside and inside will ensure that you get a pure cup of black coffee without any additional flavors or contamination.
Also, as you become a more experienced black coffee drinker, regular cleaning of your equipment will help maximize the flavor of your brews. Make sure to check the manual or online resources for tips specific to the type of equipment you own.
With some diligence and adjustments to the brewing technique, such as grind size or water temperature, you’ll be able to make a delicious cup of black coffee every time!
Transitioning from Sweetened or Lightened Coffee to Drinking it Black
If you’re a current coffee drinker trying to get used to enjoying black coffee, don’t worry – it’s not impossible!
The transition can often be made more easily with small steps. Start by reducing the amount of sugar you add with each cup. Over time, your palate will adjust and less sweetness will be needed for satisfaction.
To make it easier, you can also cut back on the cream – try using only half of what you normally use until it becomes too ‘weak’ for your taste. Finally, gradually increase the times when you make and enjoy a cup of coffee without any additions.
With patience and practice, you can get used to drinking coffee black and learn to love it as much as millions of other coffee lovers.
Conclusion: How to Drink Black Coffee
Drinking black coffee can be a great way to start your day, and taking the time to experiment with brewing techniques and ratio adjustments can help you learn how to appreciate its unique flavors.
From using filtered water for extraction, trying out different brewing methods, getting the right ratio of coffee-to-water, and keeping equipment clean – these tips can help you become an expert in no time.
With a bit of practice and experimentation, you can learn how to enjoy black coffee and make it part of your daily routine!
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You’ll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions. ☕
