If you drink your coffee with steamed milk or dairy, there’s a good chance that you’ve been drinking cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, or macchiatos regularly. These drinks all come with espresso, steamed milk, and are topped with foam, each with different ratios.

But have you heard of the more elusive breve?

If your first thought was ‘What is a breve?’, you aren’t the only one. The Starbucks breve latte can seem like a confusing concoction, especially if you aren’t sure how it is made.

But we’re here to clear up the confusion. We are going to tell you exactly what a breve is, its components, as well as how you can make one at home. If you’re always on the lookout for new drinks, you’re going to love giving this one a try!

What is a Breve?

The breve definition is a good place to start. Instead of milk, a breve is made with steamed half-and-half. It is an American variant of the classic Italian latte. Like other coffee beverages, this drink is also topped with milk foam.

What about its taste and texture? Well, breve half-and-half is what makes it special. Because of the higher fat content of the half-and-half, breves have a fluffier and creamier feel than your standard latte. It is also much richer and sweeter, so many people skip adding sweeteners to their breve.

Not sure how to order this drink from a coffee shop? You can simply call it a breve or one of its other names. These include cafe breve, breve coffee, or latte breve. If your barista isn’t sure, simply order a latte but tell them to use half-and-half instead of milk.

This beverage is much creamier than a latte or cappuccino and feels indulgent without going over the top. It is also much more flavorful and complex than a basic coffee, making it the perfect choice for adventurous palettes.

What about the proportions? It’s pretty simple; equal parts brewed espresso and steamed half-and-half. Top off your cup with a good layer of that silky foam, and you have a breve. Breves also make much more foam than plain milk because it contains more fats.

The origin of Breve

The origins of the breve coffee drink may not be widely documented, but its delicious taste and creamy texture have made it a staple in coffee shops across the United States. Believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, the breve has been winning the hearts of coffee lovers with its unique blend of flavors and ingredients.

The Italian Influence: Understanding the Name Breve

The word “breve” comes from the Italian language, meaning “short”. This refers to the use of half-and-half instead of whole milk in the preparation of the drink. This unique twist on traditional coffee making sets the breve apart and gives it a distinct, creamy taste that is sure to please.

What Does Breve Mean In Coffee

In the world of coffee, breve means a brief or short drink. If you make an espresso drink that’s breve, it will be much shorter in height than other drinks because when half and half are steamed, it won’t double in height as when you’re steaming milk that has a much lower fat content. 

The higher fat content of breve milk makes it sweeter and you can easily skip adding any sugar or syrup to your breve drinks.

So what does breve mean in coffee?

It means you get a shorter drink that’s made from steamed half and half, which tastes creamier, richer, sweeter, and smoother. 

The Variation of the Breve

As any barista knows, the art of crafting the perfect espresso lies not only in the quality of the coffee beans and the precision of the extraction, but also in the personal touch added through the use of flavor syrups and toppings. One aspect that often goes overlooked in this customization process is the variation of the breve – a type of latte made with half-and-half instead of milk.

But the variation of the breve is not limited to simply the choice between whole milk and half-and-half. In fact, the breve can be elevated to new heights with the judicious selection of flavor syrups and toppings. So, without further ado, let us explore the possibilities of the breve, and present a table detailing the different variations that can be achieved through the use of different flavor syrups and toppings.

Flavor Syrups: Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Peppermint

Toppings: Whipped Cream, Chocolate Shavings, Caramel Drizzle, Crushed Cookies, Cinnamon Dust

As the table shows, the possibilities for breve variation are nearly limitless. The breve truly has something for everyone, whether you prefer the sweet and creamy richness of a Vanilla Dream Breve or the warm and comforting flavour of a Cinnamon Crush Breve.

So, the next time you’re in a café, don’t settle for a regular old latte. Consider the breve version and discover the distinct flavour sensation that only this unappreciated drink can deliver.

What Is Breve Milk

Breve milk is not regular milk but consists of steamed half and half – half whole milk and half heavy or light cream. Half and half have a higher fat content – 12% – as opposed to regular whole milk, which contains 4% fat content. 

As a result, espresso beverages made with breve milk will taste richer, smoother, and creamier, and will be heavier on the palate. And you will get a thick creamy layer on top. 

Breve means “short” or “brief” in Italian and it’s best paired with short drinks like macchiatos and cortados that use less milk than a regular latte. 

Is there non-dairy Breve Milk?

You can try making a vegan breve by substituting the half-and-half with a combination of equal parts non-dairy milk (almond or soy milk), coconut cream or vegan coffee creamer. However, the taste and texture will differ from a classic breve.

Breves are often served as dessert drinks because of how rich and heavy they are. However, many people choose to drink it as their morning coffee. 

Want an ideal breakfast? We recommend a breve crepes and coffee combo. Light and airy crepes make the perfect companion to this rich and luxurious coffee and the two balance each out perfectly.

While it is often drunk without adding any sweeteners, you can add sugar or Splenda according to your tastes. Some people even prefer it flavored with syrups like toffee, hazelnut, salted caramel, cinnamon dolce, and even raspberry!

What Is Breve At Starbucks

If you’re thinking about what is breve at Starbucks, well it’s nothing other than steamed half and half! If you order a breve at Starbucks, you’ll get a cozy cup of steamed half and half. 

That’s because, at Starbucks, they take the meaning of breve milk literally. So, don’t be surprised if your breve comes without a trace of espresso in it. 

When you order a breve at Starbucks, you need to specify if you’d like a breve latte or a breve cappuccino. Then you’ll get a latte or cappuccino with steamed half and half or breve milk instead of regular milk. 

Breve vs Latte

The type of dairy used gives rise to a number of differences when we compare latte vs breve. The fat content of the milk used in latte vs half and half used in breve changes the whole coffee cup scenario in terms of taste, texture, composition, and calories. The serving size is another point of difference. 

The latte consists of ¼ espresso, and ¾ steamed 2% or whole milk or even any plant-based milk and is topped with a skinny layer of foam.

On the other hand, breve drinks contain ¼ espresso, ½ steamed half and half, and ¼ half and half foam. 

Latte has a lot of milk and has, therefore, less of a coffee flavor and is sweet as well. 

The high-fat content in breve milk makes the breve beverage taste creamier with a tinge of caramel notes as the steaming process causes the sugar in the whole milk to caramelize and make it taste sweeter than a latte. Plus, you will get a stronger coffee flavor in a breve drink. 

Breve is served typically in a 5- or 6-ounce (150 to 180 milliliter) cup while the serving size of a latte can vary anywhere between 6 to 20 ounces (180 to 591 milliliter).

The calorie count is understandably much higher in a breve beverage than a latte, thanks to all the cream and whole milk fat. The half and half in breve have 12% fat content which is at least three times higher than the 4% fat content in whole milk used in a latte. And you can consume fewer calories in a latte if it’s made with low-fat milk. 

A 12-ounce breve contains 420 calories, 36 grams of fat, and 15 grams of carbs compared to the same size of a latte made with regular milk has 150 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 15 grams of carbs (source: https://heyjoecoffee.com/breve-vs-latte/)

The appearance of the two is a little different also. The latte has a thin layer of foam on top whereas the thick layer of foam on the breve drink gives it a distinct look. 

How to Make a Breve at Home

You don’t need to go to Starbucks to enjoy a good breve! Instead, make it at home and enjoy this indulgent drink as a pick me up after a hard day. 

If you have a coffee bar with the necessary equipment like a quality espresso machine, this will be much easier, but we’ll show you how to substitute things for your convenience.

What You Need:

• 2 ounces espresso or freshly brewed strong black coffee
• 2-3 ounces of half-and-half (or your non-dairy version)
• A whisk or frother

Optional:

• Sweetener
• Cinnamon stick
• Syrups of your choice

Step by Step Guide:

1. Make some espresso or brew some coffee. If you have an espresso machine, use it to pull two shots of espresso. If not, brew some strong black coffee.
   
   If you’re in a pinch you can use an automatic drip coffee maker, but we suggest using a Moka pot, percolator, or French press.
   
2. Pour 2 ounces of coffee or espresso into your cup.
   
3. Steam your half-and-half. If you don’t have half-and-half, combine equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream.
   
   You can use the steaming wand from an espresso machine. Otherwise, heat up some milk in the microwave or on the stove until very hot and use a frother or whisk.
   
4. Once the half-and-half is silky and there is a decent amount of foam on top, pour the steamed dairy into your cup of coffee or espresso, holding back the foam.
   
5. Use a spoon to pour or scoop the foam on top of the coffee.
   
6. At this stage, you can add your sweetener or syrup if desired. You can also sprinkle a little powdered cinnamon over the foam if you want.

Your breve is ready and you can pair it with cookies, or a good coffee cake to complete the experience!

Other Breve Drinks

You don’t have to drink your breve the same way all the time. Using this drink as the foundation, you can make or order variants that are just as decadent but more exciting!

A good example is the white mocha breve, which is the typical breve but with an ounce of melted white chocolate or white chocolate syrup added to it. You can also add peppermint syrup for a Christmas-y breve or pumpkin spice syrup to infuse it with fall vibes.

Trying to beat the heat? Use cold brew instead of espresso and pour your breve over ice. 

You can also add a couple of pumps of caramel sauce or cinnamon dolce and blend your breve with ice for a thick and relaxing iced breve. The possibilities are endless so you can even come up with your custom flavor combinations!

More Questions?

Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about breves and how to make them.

01. What is a Dutch Bros Breve?

This is like a cappuccino but with half-and-half replacing the milk. Together with chocolate and vanilla flavors, it makes for an unforgettable drink.

02. What Does a Breve Taste Like?

A breve tastes a lot like a regular latte, but it is much richer and more flavorful. It is also a lot sweeter and dessert-like because of the cream in the dairy.

03. Are Breves Hot or Cold?

Although breves are most often made as a hot beverage, they can be served cold as well. To do so, blend with ice or serve it poured over a glass full of ice.

04. What are Breve Style Drinks?

These are any kind of coffees that use half-and-half instead of milk. You can get breve style mochas, cappuccinos, macchiatos, etc.

05. Which is Healthier- Breve or Latte?

Because of the half-and-half, breves contain more cholesterol. As a result, they are rather unhealthy. For a ‘skinny’ drink, order a regular latte with skim milk and use Splenda or go sugar-free.

In Summary

Now that you know all about this fancy and decadent drink, next time someone asks you if you want a breve, your reaction won’t be ‘what’s a breve?’ Instead, you will be able to order one easily, adding your own spin and flavors to customize your drink. 

We strongly recommend trying a breve─ it might just end up being your favorite drink!

Starbucks introduced us to Blonde roasted coffee which just added to our list of another-coffee-related-phrase-we-don’t-understand. 

It turns out, blonde roasted coffee is quite simple and actually super delicious! As a fellow coffee lover, we thought it might peak some of your interest to know more about this. 

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about blonde coffee. From what blonde coffee is to how you can make it at home, this is a complete guide to blonde coffee. 

What is Blonde Coffee?

What is blonde roast coffee exactly? Just like the name, blonde roasted coffee is a version of roasted coffee that is lighter in color. 

This means the coffee beans are not roasted for an extensive period of time. Most of us are used to darker and deeper roasts so it can be quite a jump to try blonde coffee.

But once you do, the appeal of blonde coffee will be clear to you. As it does not get long exposure to heat, it has a higher acidity level than any other coffee roasts. This creates a distinctive flavor to your cuppa. 

Blonde coffee was initially advertised as “cinnamon roast” but people kept confusing it with Starbucks cinnamon flavor. So they changed the name to blonde and it immediately caught everyone’s attention!

Blonde coffee is all about the coffee beans. You will be able to tell whether the bens are quality or not upon the first sip. Dark roasts often help to hide the bean quality as it all looks and tastes quite similar after brewing. 

Blonde coffee on the other hand is like an open book. So if you use cheap beans, it will show. 

We think blonde roast should only be done if the beans are of premium quality. This type of roasting really lets the coffee beans shine. 

History of Blonde Coffee

“Light City”, “Half City”, and “New England Roasts” are other names for the blonde variety of coffee that has gained popularity due to its mellow flavour and light roast. Blonde coffee, as opposed to darker roasts, is noted for having a milder and smoother flavour that even occasional coffee drinkers can appreciate.

The Origin of the Name

The name “Blonde Coffee” was derived from the light color of the coffee beans, which is a result of the light roasting process. In the past, this type of coffee was called Cinnamon Roast, but the name was changed as it was believed to refer to the taste and not the color of the beans.

Misconceptions About Blonde Coffee

In the past, blonde coffee was often thought of as weak or less powerful because of its light color. However, this belief was due to the fact that darker coffee was often imported from politically more developed countries. Today, the misconception about blonde coffee’s weak flavor has been dispelled, and it is widely recognized as a delicious and approachable coffee roast.

The Benefits of Blonde Coffee

One of the key benefits of blonde coffee is its mild flavor profile, which makes it a great choice for those who don’t drink a lot of coffee. Unlike other roasts that can be overpowering and bitter, blonde coffee has a smooth and approachable taste that is more accessible to a wider range of coffee drinkers.

Additionally, blonde coffee is considered to be a great option for coffee drinkers who are looking to reduce their caffeine intake. Because of its light roasting process, blonde coffee has less caffeine compared to darker roasts, which can help to limit jitters and other side effects associated with caffeine.

What is Blonde Espresso?

Blonde espresso is made using lighter roasted beans. This specific roasting level provides a sweet and smoother taste compared to a regular espresso. 

If you are someone who does not like too bitter or sharp coffee, blonde espresso might be just what you need. It has all the flavor and aroma of regular espresso but with a fruity, specifically lemony undertone. 

This is due to the high acidity level of the beans. So you will feel pretty refreshed after having one of these. 

Some complain how Starbucks coffee always tastes harsh and intense. You can try the blonde-roasted version for a mellowed-down experience. Blonde americano tastes really good too. 

What is a Blonde Latte?

Blonde latte is a latte made using Starbucks blonde roast. Due to its mellow and sweeter taste, blonde coffee goes really well as caffè latte. Blonde vanilla latte is very popular and tastes wonderful. 

The acidity of blonde roast goes better with certain drinks than others. One thing to mention is, if you plan on making a blonde latte at home, add the cream first to the cup and then add your espresso shot to it. Starbucks blonde vanilla latte is a classic example of doing it right. 

The high acidity level of blonde coffee can cause the cream to separate. Adding coffee to the cream prevents that from happening. 

Difference between Blonde and Regular Coffees

The main difference between coffee blonde and signature regular espresso is where the beans come from and how long they have been roasted. 

Blonde coffee beans usually come from Latin America although they can be found in other places too. They are then roasted at a very specific temperature for a short amount of time. 

The result is a soft and subtly sweet coffee experience. It is less bitter and intense than regular espresso and has a light fruitiness to it. You can drink it with any type of syrup. 

Blonde coffee requires less sugar and syrup as it’s naturally a bit on the sweeter side. Starbucks blonde roast caffeine level is also higher than regular coffee. 

Coffee blonde has a 10mg higher caffeine level per shot compared to regular coffee. As the coffee is almost intact after roasting, it has a higher caffeine level. 

The espresso coffee we enjoy normally is made using African beans. They are roasted for a long period of time which gives them the classic dark chocolate brown color. When we think of coffee, this is what comes to our mind by default. 

Signature espresso is dark and bold. If you are someone who doesn’t drink coffee regularly, this might not be what you want to try. It can taste almost bitter. 

Some say traditional espresso has a chocolaty undertone to it whereas blonde espresso is more lemony. So you can understand how drastically different they are from each other.

How to Brew Starbucks Coffee at Home

We all love Starbucks coffee in the morning, but they are so expensive and often too much of a hassle to get. If you could make it by yourself at home, would you go out every morning to buy it? 

Here’s our guide to making Starbucks coffee at home:

1. Start with picking the grind size. If you want an intense espresso, pick the finest grind you can find. 

Medium-fine grind provides a mellower coffee. An easy way to remember is, fine grind looks like granulated sugar. 

2. A standard coffee mug can hold around 8 ounces of water. For a standard cup of coffee, use 2 ½ tablespoons of freshly ground coffee beans. 
3. Use your coffee maker to brew the coffee. Brewed coffee tastes better and richer compared to any other method. You get the best flavor this way. 

That is it. It’s that simple. Now you can take it from here in whichever way you want. You can make an iced coffee from this or you can add cream to make a delicious latte. 

You can add hot water to make an americano. There are so many different options and flavors to try. You can also use coffee creamers to make the coffee taste sweet and creamy.

Frequently  Asked Questions 

01. Is Blonde Coffee Strong?

Blonde coffee is not stronger than other types of coffee. If anything, it has a lower caffeine level than dark roast coffee. 

The reason why it’s called blonde coffee is because it’s a fairly light roast. This provides a smooth flavor profile and feels very refreshing in the morning. 

Contrary to popular beliefs, roasting of the coffee beans does not impact much on how strong it’s going to be. The type of bean you use determines the caffeine level. So if you get a blonde roast with Robusta beans, it’s going to be stronger than a dark roast of Arabica beans. 

If you want strong coffee, look for Robusta beans instead of Arabica. The blonde  roast Starbucks espresso shot caffeine level is 10% higher than their classic Italian roast. 

02. Is Blonde Roast Healthy?

Yes, blonde roast coffee is healthy just like any other roasted coffees. Blonde roast in general is not very different from any other type of coffee in terms of nutrition level and caffeine content. It’s just a lighter roast. 

If you add a lot of sugar to your coffee or consume too many cups of blonde americano every day, then it might become a health issue in the long run. 

03. How Does Blonde Roast Taste?

Blonde coffee does not taste like regular espresso in any way. It has a sweeter and almost tangy taste with a very strong scent. Some say blonde coffee tastes sour and lemony. 

The density of blonde roast is another thing to mention. Blonde roast is not as thick as a dark roasted brew. 

Blonde roast tastes so distinctive due to its higher acidity level. Many think blonde roast actually shows the real flavor of the coffee beans. 

If you compare blonde roasts with darker roasts, you might say darker roasts have a chocolaty and caramelized flavor compared to blonde coffee. The longer you roast your coffee beans, the more caramelized it tastes. Blonde flat white is something worth trying. 

04. What Makes Blonde Roast So Special?

Due to its quick roasting process, blonde coffee develops something called “coffee silverskin. It’s basically an outer layer on top of the beans. This layer has high antioxidant properties which can help to improve your immune system. 

Blonde coffee also has a high Vitamin C content which is why it’s so acidic. Vitamin C also provides the signature tangy and sour undertone to it. 

05. Do Blonde Coffees Have More Caffeine?

Coffee blonde does not have more caffeine than regular roasted coffee. The level of caffeine solely depends on the type of coffee beans you are using. So if you use Arabica beans, both light and dark roast would have the same caffeine levels. 

If you want higher caffeine content, try using Robusta beans instead of Arabica. Robusta has richer and higher caffeine that will keep you awake at night. It’s also super delicious! 

Bottom Line

Starbucks has been one of the world’s top coffee chains for a reason. They keep adding new drinks and roasts to their menu which means there’s something for everyone! Blonde roast, something that started quite innocuously, has become a classic choice for many coffee drinkers.

Even though Starbucks was the first company or person to create blonde roast, they are the one who brought it to mainstream attention. Now that you know what blonde coffee is, you might plan to give it a try. 

It’s a hit or miss for many people. In the end, we think it all depends on personal preference.

You’ve heard it everywhere: you need to make coffee bloom. The only response when you’re a beginner to coffee is a confused look to these kinds of statements, but we’re here to clear things up for you!

For everything about coffee bloom, how to do it, and why it should be done, read our article below:

What Is Coffee Bloom?

If you see foaming and bubbling in the surface area of your coffee during the brewing process, you’re watching coffee bloom. Nope, the bubbles aren’t just there without a name — it’s actually an important part of your coffee-brewing process!

Blooming coffee is also called pre-infusion by many coffee drinkers.

History of Coffee Blooming

Coffee was first found in the highlands of Ethiopia, where it was used for thousands of years by nomadic tribes. Coffee was used in Yemen monasteries to help people stay awake so they could pray. I guess it’s just the way people are that they find studying boring.

By the 16th century, trade routes through the Mediterranean brought it to Europe and the Middle East, but only the wealthy could get it, and it wasn’t popular in Europe until the 17th century, when coffee houses opened. The Dutch brought coffee to America in the end.

Today, it’s one of the drinks that millions of people all over the world drink the most. Some people can’t start their day until they’ve had a cup of coffee.

What Makes Coffee Bloom? The Science Behind It

But what does make coffee bloom like this?

The answer is simple. Coffee bloom is really just the coffee releasing carbon dioxide when the coffee comes into contact with water. Fresh coffee grounds then bubble and expand.

The mystery behind the coffee bloom is also straightforward.

Coffee, once roasted, begins a degassing process. It gives off carbon dioxide over fourteen days or two weeks.

However, the most gas is released during the first few hours of the roasting process, then over the next week. Apart from naturally degassing, grinding your coffee also releases carbon dioxide.

The grinding increases the coffee’s surface area, which increases the amount of gas each coffee bean releases.

When ground coffee comes into contact with hot water, the degassing process is sped up even more. This is what causes the coffee bloom in the first place!

Why Should I Bloom Coffee? Benefits of Coffee Blooming

Okay, so you know what a coffee bloom is, and how it happens. But what’s the point of blooming coffee anyway? Can’t you just drink freshly roasted coffee as it is without the coffee blooming process?

You could do so, but you’ll be missing out on the benefits that blooming coffee gives:

Improved Taste

Believe us: carbon dioxide does not taste good. And if you don’t bloom your coffee, the carbon dioxide in the coffee beans will be infused into the taste of the coffee itself.

Carbon dioxide tastes sour, sure, but it also does more of a disservice to your freshly ground coffee. This is because carbon dioxide repels water. As a result, the water won’t be able to start extracting flavor from freshly roasted beans!

Better extraction

Blooming causes the coffee grinds to expand and become more porous, allowing for greater flavour and fragrance extraction.

Consistency

Blooming may assist to make a more uniform cup of coffee by ensuring that all of the grounds are wetted equally.

Increased Scent:

The release of carbon dioxide during flowering may also improve the aroma of the coffee, providing a more pleasing sensory experience.

Better crema

Blooming may also aid in the improvement of crema, the froth that develops on the surface of espresso shots.

Reduced Bitterness

Blooming may assist to lessen bitterness in the cup by allowing for improved extraction, resulting in a smoother, more balanced coffee.

So, let coffee bloom! Let the carbon dioxide escape and you won’t have a sour taste in your coffee. You’ll have all the flavor compounds you could want with all the natural gases and other volatile compounds out of the way.

How to Bloom Coffee? What Equipment Required? 4 Different Brewing Methods

With different brewing methods, it may be hard to know how to bloom coffee properly. Whether you’re using a coffee maker or a French press, we have you covered:

With a French Press

It helps to start the bloom process with a timer ready. You can either have a dedicated kitchen timer or simply use your phone for tracking how long you bloom freshly roasted coffee for.

Boil some water first. You want your ground coffee to be as fresh as possible, so it helps if you’re grinding your very own coffee beans.

Place your ground coffee beans at the very bottom of the French press. Now, it’s time to bloom!

Set a timer to at least four minutes. Prepare your hot water. Pour the hot water onto the coffee grounds — just enough to have them all uniformly soaked. Once the hot water hits the coffee, the beans degas!

Slowly pour hot water in a circular motion until the coffee grounds are dripping wet. Let it soak for a while. Once the timer has 30 seconds left on it, pour the remaining water into the French press to steep it for around five minutes. Then, you can press the plunger down to separate the grounds. You’ve got good coffee in such a short time!

With Automatic Drip Coffee Makers

Is it possible to bloom coffee grounds in your automatic drip coffee maker? Every local coffee shop and coffee enthusiast seems to think so! All you have to do is follow our steps.

Use a paper filter for the drip basket. Make sure you’re not using an absorbent coffee filter — you don’t want the flavor compounds from the ground beans to be absorbed, and as a result, lessening the rich flavor profile of your coffee. Instead, we recommend using a Gold Tone Coffee Filter like this.

Add your ground coffee to the paper filter. Let the filter basket fill up halfway as you pour in hot water. It helps if you stir the coffee grounds for a little before letting the coffee bloom on its own.

Around 60 seconds should be enough for blooming your coffee. After this brewing method, you can go ahead and start on your coffee brewing routine. Go to your regular brew cycle and start it up!

With Pour-Over Coffee

With pour-over coffee, brewing coffee — and blooming it — has never been easier! The concept of blooming coffee comes from the pour-over method anyway. All you have to do is put down a paper filter into your cup and measure out the coffee grounds.

Measure out the amount of hot water you’re going to use next. For pour-over coffee, we recommend coffee blooming and brewing with a gooseneck kettle. We recommend this electric gooseneck kettle from COSORI! The shape of the spout allows for a more even blooming and brewing phase.

Pour over the hot water over the grounds to allow the coffee to bloom.

With an Espresso Machine

Remember how we mentioned coffee blooming your coffee bed is also known as pre-infusion? That applies to blooming with an espresso machine! In fact, the crema we all know and love with espresso is because of coffee bloom — it’s all sealed in, where gas can’t escape.

With pre-infusion, you soak the puck of your ground coffee gently in hot water. Make sure that water evenly penetrates all the coffee grounds for an even extraction!

How to Ensure a Bloom

Want to know how you can achieve a coffee bloom? Maybe you’ve always been curious — or you actually want it to be a vital step in the brewing and roasting process. See how you can ensure a bloom below:

#1 Make Sure the Coffee is Fresh

A coffee bloom only happens with fresh beans and coffee grinds. How much gas coffee ends up releasing depends on the freshness of the coffee itself. So, if you’ve already roasted and ground your coffee for a while, it might not bloom at all. The organic material and volatile compounds have already been released!

#2 Store Your Coffee Properly

Have you already roasted and ground your coffee, but you still want coffee to bloom? Freshness will depend on how you store your coffee then!

Before we get into storage, make sure you maximize whatever freshness you get first. Use whole beans fresh from coffee harvests, and grind your own beans. To get the most out of your coffee, we recommend drinking a cup of coffee within a month that you get coffee roasted.

Now, let’s get into storage. Let’s start with the basics: use an opaque, air-tight container. Keeping your coffee beans away from light and air is key to fresh coffee!

You also shouldn’t store each coffee bean for too long. Even if you put your coffee in all the right containers possible, it’s going to get stale and carbon dioxide will be released the longer it’s kept.

Heat should also be looked out for. High temperatures will degas your coffee, releasing the more gas or carbon dioxide in each bean. Cold temperatures will slow down the aging of your coffee instead!

Don’t, however, make the mistake of putting your coffee in the fridge. The fridge has a lot of odors and moisture that will age your coffee further. So, if you love coffee, simply put it in a cool, dry place instead!

If you don’t have an airtight container, a vacuum-sealed bag should do the trick. Happy storing!

#3 Look Into Your Brewing Temperature

Coffee blooms will occur at higher temperatures, which are generally around 92 and 96 degrees Celsius. If you have any device at all that can gauge the temperature of your water, you can make sure you have the right brewing temperature to get coffee blooms.

#4 Check The Roast Degree

In general, we have three roast degrees: light, medium, and dark. As less time is involved in roasting light coffee, it won’t release carbon dioxide the way dark roasts will. There’s less gas and oils trapped in a light roast compared to other roasts that underwent a longer roasting process.

This doesn’t mean, however, that darker Italian roasts, for example, will stay fresher for longer. It just means that they’ve trapped more carbon dioxide and oils into the coffees grown. As much as possible, proper roasting, grinding, and storage should still apply!

#5 Look at the Grind Particle Size

There’s some science involved in the coffee bloom process! Due to the gases exposed and displaced by the water, you might see more of a bloom with finely ground beans instead of coarsely ground coffee. If blooming doesn’t happen right away, you might have had too coarse of a grind.

What If I Don’t See a Bloom?

Not seeing a bloom is mainly a sign that your coffee is no longer as fresh as you thought! It could also mean something regarding your brewing temperature and grind particle size, as we mentioned above.

How to Make a Cold Brew with Coffee Bloom

#1 Grind Your Coffee

Use freshly ground coffee for your cold brew! For cold brew coffee, you’d want a coarse grind.

#2 Start with the Bloom

Bloom the coffee by wetting it evenly with water. Bloom time around 30 to 60 seconds.

#3 Combine Coffee and Water

Start by putting the grounds into the container you’ve dedicated for the cold brew. Add water and combine by stirring gently!

#4 Steep Overnight

Cover your container with a lid or plate to keep it safe from dust and bugs. You can steep your coffee for 12 hours or longer. You can leave it out on the kitchen table or counter, or refrigerate it while it steeps.

#5 Strain

Prepare some cheesecloth or flour sack cloth. Use a large measuring cup or bowl and line it with the cheesecloth or flour sack. Pour the coffee from the jar and through the strainer.

#6 Store or Serve

Transfer the coffee to another bottle or jar. You can store it for a week or serve it with ice and milk! Congratulations, you’ve made your very own cold brew!

How to Make Turkish Coffee with Coffee Bloom

#1 Use Turkish Coffee and a Turkish Pot

Buy some Turkish coffee and a pot to go with this recipe. It’s essential to the success of your Turkish coffee!

#2 Combine Sugar, Water, and Coffee Over Medium Heat

Wet coffee first to bloom it. Then, stir sugar, water, and coffee together in the pot. Put the pot on the stove-top on medium-heat and start boiling.

#3 Transfer Foam Build-Up

As you bring the mixture to a boil, dark foam will build up. Transfer this foam using a teaspoon to your coffee cups.

#4 Pour Boiled Coffee

Pour half of the coffee into the cups filled with foam. Return to the stovetop and let it boil again.

#6 Serve

Transfer the remaining coffee into the cups. Congratulations, you’ve made Turkish coffee!

How do I Avoid Under-Extracted Coffee?

Aside from a sour taste that not having a bloom gives, under-extracted coffee will give the same results. The solutions are quite simple! All you need to do is tweak the following:

#1 Water Temperature

Just use hotter water! Many coffee brews won’t extract its flavors with colder water. Don’t use cool or lukewarm water — but be careful not to use too hot water either. The tradeoff is burnt, bitter coffee if you do so!

#2 Brewing Time

Extraction is all about how long your water has interacted with coffee, so your brewing time is important. This is a common mistake with pour-over coffee and the French press! You should let the coffee steep for longer to be able to extract all the flavor possible from the coffee.

#3 Coffee Grind

You can experiment with different grinds to see which is the better choice for your brewing method, but if you want more flavor, you should grind your coffee finer. There’s more area for the water to extract flavors from!

Frequently Asked Questions: