The Well Equipped Guide to Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Obviously the quality of the cup of coffee you make will depend on the quality of the beans you start with. To put things simply, fresh beans make the best coffee. Get into the habit of checking the roast date when you buy, if only to notice how drastically different the shelf life is between brands. Ideally, you want beans that were roasted in the past two weeks, which might be harder to find in a regular supermarket. (You'll have more success finding fresh beans at good coffee shops.) Store beans in an airtight container in cool, dry area—not in the freezer, where they absorb moisture and odors.

Choosing the right beans starts with identifying what you like. Do you like a dark roast or a light? Do you like fruity flavor profiles or nutty ones? It's also fun to experiment with coffees from different roasters, especially since many of them ship nationally or are available through coffee clubs with rotating selections. Coffee beans have different flavor profiles based on where they come from, so you can learn and explore by tasting beans sourced from around the world.

While the rise of third-wave coffee culture created a taste for lighter roasts, most craft roasters offer a range of different styles. Darker beans pick up more flavors from the roasting process than light roasts, and in the process delicate floral and fruitier flavors are lost in favor of cocoa and caramel notes. Some coffee drinkers, especially those who take their cup with milk and sugar, are opposed to more acidic coffees. If you prefer a dark roast for your drip, but want to branch out and try a trendy light roast vibe, try the espresso beans from a producer known for light roasts for your regular brewing method.

Read our guide to selecting the best artisan coffee roasters here.

Read our guide to the best coffees you can find at the regular grocery store here.