My perfect cup of coffee is made in a French press. It’s decadent to serve it this way. In this post I explain how to make coffee with half and half so that it perfectly blends.
I love a good cup of coffee. Love!
I love the flavor and adore the ritual of it. Coffee is a big part of my day . . . and not just because it helps wake me up, either. I actually sometimes look forward to my morning coffee the night before.
What’s your perfect cup of coffee?
Is it at home? At a café?
Is if full of cream? Sugar? Both?
Is it hot? On ice?
Is it in a ceramic mug? Or do you fill a thermos with it and take it on-the-go?
I want to know! Really, I do.
My perfect cup of coffee
Let’s start with the basics. . . it’s caffeinated.
The coffee beans are high quality, dark roast, and freshly ground.
The coffee is brewed in a French press.
I like it strong. I never measure, but I use roughly 1-1/2 tablespoons coffee grounds per 6-ounces of water.
No sugar and never any artificial sweeteners.
It must be very hot.
My perfect cup of coffee comes in a pretty ceramic mug with a fairly thick, smooth lip. This really makes a difference to me.
Learning how to make coffee with half and half is crucial to my perfect cup. You will see . . .
How to Make Coffee with Half and Half
You probably think this is a no-brainer, and that it doesn’t require directions. Well it’s true, everyone can certainly mix half and half with their coffee — however, in my experience the following is the best way to do it.
- Pour the desired amount half and half into the mug you’ll be drinking your coffee in before you make the coffee.
- Heat it in the microwave to take the chill out, maybe 20 seconds.
- Once the coffee is ready, pour it directly into the warmed half and half. Don’t use a spoon! The pour mixes it perfectly, and it’s a lovely process.
One morning while I was attending Culinary school, I just happened to be standing next to one of the head chefs as he was making his coffee. There was no discussion about it, but I watched him add the half and half to his cup and pour the coffee into it. I’ve never done it another way since. 🙂
It’s not just for breakfast or brunch. My perfect cup of coffee can be from morning through the afternoon.
When to Have a Perfect Cup of Coffee
This really needs no explanation. There’s never a wrong time!
While I think I make a mean, super yummy cup of coffee, sometimes my perfect cup is while I’m out and about. Ideally with a good friend, on their sofa, chatting.
Coffee is also lovely while sitting on an outside deck with a pretty view on a cool day. Oh, and while I’m drinking it, I’m wearing a super warm, soft sweater. Just like the commercial. You’ve seen that one, right? 😉
One more thing, my perfect cup of coffee is accompanied by a cookie. Breakfast Coffee Cookies with Oats or Cafe´Con Leche Chocolate Chunk!
Now let’s learn how to make coffee in a French press.
My perfect cup of coffee is made in a French press. It feels so decadent to serve it this way. How to Make Coffee in a French Press
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Lana says
I have to have a cup of strong, unsweetened Turkish coffee in the morning to wake up. But I take my American coffee the same way you do, half&half, no sugar, no sweeteners, in a beautiful mug (I have a few my oldest daughter brought from her trips, and a few my younger two made for me:)
Now I’ll have to make a pot after we return from our morning walk (unfortunately, we don’t have French press – it will arrive once we move:)
Love your photos!
valentina says
Thank you, Lana. I LOVE Turkish coffee. What a treat to wake up to!
K says
I prefer my coffee black and strong with 2 sugars and no cream. My favorite way of making it is with the stovetop espresso maker!
Donna says
My favorite cup of coffee is after my three-mile walk outside every morning! It must be very hot, strong and good quality coffee, a little half and half, no sugar or sweeteners and must be in a nice heavy mug! And, tomorrow morning, I am going to try putting the half and half in my mug first and then pour the coffee in; never heard of doing that, Valentina, but can’t wait to try it and see if it makes a difference; improvements are always welcome; thanks!
Neil says
Valentina, my wife knows her breads, but I know my coffee. I also like it strong, and yours looks wonderful. I go the espresso route and use a Pasquini espresso machine. I steam 2 % milk and get the bubbles as small as I can. I use Danessi Dopio beans which I find to be the richest taste for me. I usually use a double basket/ cup which makes the late nice and strong.
Stefani says
I love a good doppio espresso, straight up, first thing in the morning (Illy is among my faves). Otherwise, I take my coffee with milk and a sprinkle of sugar.
valentina says
I am so enjoying hearing about everyone’s perfect cup of coffee! Thank you all!
Stove top espresso makers, Pasquini machines, nice heavy mugs . . . I love all of it!!!
sippitysup says
I am not a coffee drinker… does that make me a bad guy? GREG
valentina says
Greg — tea? 😉
Valerie says
I’m with you all the way when it comes to coffee. Once I had my first sip of coffee made with a French press, life changed. The sky was brighter, the sun was warmer…okay, may that’s a slight exaggeration (very slight).
And spoons kind of ruin all the fun of watching the cream clouds naturally disperse.
Now I’m craving coffee..and a cookie! 😀
valentina says
Valerie, hope you got your coffee and cookie! I love watching the cream naturally disperse, too! 🙂
Sophie says
Your perfect cup of coffee looks indeed a lovely one!
Thanks for sharing this original post with us!
Susan says
So, I’m four years late! But I love your blog. My perfect cup of coffee? Strong, freshly ground from good-quality beans, warm half and half, and then I peacefully wander back to bed, where I sip and stare at the trees and birds in the morning.
Of course, this is at home. If I’m in Italy–which I adore–espresso doppia with natural sugar near the Pantheon, a pen, notebook and nice perch where I can watch the world go by (there’s a theme here).
valentina says
Hi Susan! Thank you! My favorite part of your description is the going back to be part. 😉 Sounds ideal about now. And of course, what sounds even more ideal is to be in Italy! Daydreaming . . . Lovely. xo