MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
Brought to you by Moccona
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

Barista Tips To Perfect Your Coffee (At Home!)

Turns out I was doing it all wrong. - by Melissa Mason
  • 02 Sep 2021
I Asked A Barista How To Make The Perfect Coffee At Home

When 2020 saw many of us embracing the work-from-home lifestyle for the first time in our careers, I was also learning about the art of an at-home coffee. As someone who had formed an unbreakable bond with my favourite baristas in the coffee shop near work, this was a challenge.

I have to say that, as we continue with flexible working in 2021, I still hadn’t nailed brewing my own coffee each morning. Sure, I’d invested in the right stuff - quality beans, a machine that was fancier than the $19.99 one I bought in some online sale, all of that - but I didn’t realise creating a good coffee involved more than just having the right equipment.

I spoke to Shaun Kumar, coffee ambassador for Moccona and all-round barista genius, to level up my game.

1. Make Sure Your Cup Is Hot

“I always fill the cup with 1cm of hot water from the coffee machine,” says Kumar. “When the hot espresso hits the cold ceramic cup the flavour of the coffee changes.”

I have to say I had never thought of this step before. While I wouldn’t say I noticed a significant difference in the taste of my coffee, I certainly noticed the warmth lasted far longer, meaning I could savour my brew and enjoy it. 

2. Purge Your Steam Wand

You know how baristas blast the steam wand before they put the milk jug underneath? There’s an actual reason for that. “This gets rid of the moisture in the steam wand,” explains Kumar. “You only want the steam in your milk.”

This was a game-changer for me. I found the milk frothed quicker and definitely felt creamier.

Mel Mason whipping up a coffee

Or you could cheat and pop a capsule for barista-level coffee in a flash...

Cheat tip: As a side note, if you (ahem) slept in but still want a great coffee, minus figuring out which cupboard you put your beans in yesterday, grinding those beans and going through that whole process, Moccona have 100% ground coffee encapsulated in aluminium coffee pods that perfectly fit your Nespresso® machine. It definitely makes for more time to perfect your milk froth.

3. Know Your Ratios

I was totally just guessing how much froth to add to my cappuccino (my coffee of choice) and constantly felt like it was either too frothy, or not frothy enough. “A perfect cappuccino should be 1/3 Espresso, 1/3 Milk, and 1/3 Froth,” says Kumar.

I measured this out more consistently and found my coffee tasted and felt way more like a professionally-made one than it did before. More of a latte fan? “A latte has ⅓ Espresso, 2/3 steamed milk and 1 cm of froth.”

4. Get Your Milk At The Right Temperature

Did you know there is a perfect temp for dairy that is different to alternative milks? With so many of us opting for plant-based milks these days (I’m personally an oat milk fan) this is good intel when it comes to making the perfect coffee.

According to Kumar, the right temperature for cow’s milk is 60-65 degrees, while milk alternatives should be heated to 55-60 degrees. Buy a temperature gauge to go in your milk jug so you can steam until you reach the optimal temp.

5. Mix Your Milk Before Pouring

While I used to pour my milk and try to have the foam pre-separated, Kumar says the best way is to have it blended together while pouring.

“Before pouring the milk, mix the milk in the jug. Once you stop steaming the milk, it will separate from the foam, with milk settling at the bottom and foam on top. By giving this a good mix you are combining the milk and foam together to give you a creamy milk taste in cup.” 

Perfection. I now had a lovely foam/milk ratio and the delicious, creamy taste baristas seem to nail, all the time.

*Sponsored by Moccona. Reserve a little me-time. 

  • News
  • Lifestyle
Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist and the former Editor (Digital) of marie claire and ELLE Australia. When she's not travelling around the Aussie outback, she's dreaming about it.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

The new 4-star instant coffee hot on our lips

The new 4-star instant coffee hot on our lips

The marie claire Guide To Being Your Own Barista

The marie claire Guide To Being Your Own Barista

You Can Blame Your Coffee Addiction On Your Genetics

You Can Blame Your Coffee Addiction On Your Genetics

This Is The Most Popular Coffee Order Across Sydney

This Is The Most Popular Coffee Order Across Sydney

{headline}

{headline}

So Apparently Coffee Doesn’t Dehydrate You After All

So Apparently Coffee Doesn’t Dehydrate You After All

People Who Drink Tea Are More Creative, New Study Says

People Who Drink Tea Are More Creative, New Study Says

News Just In: Coffee Is Actually Really Good For You

News Just In: Coffee Is Actually Really Good For You

{headline}

{headline}

Drinking 3 Coffees A Day Is Actually Really Good For You

Drinking 3 Coffees A Day Is Actually Really Good For You

Study Finds Psychopaths Drink Their Coffee Black

Study Finds Psychopaths Drink Their Coffee Black

The First Look At Netflix's Wednesday Addams Series Is As Creepy As You'd Expect

The First Look At Netflix's Wednesday Addams Series Is As Creepy As You'd Expect

There's An Eerie True Story Behind Florence Pugh's Latest Period Drama 'The Wonder'

There's An Eerie True Story Behind Florence Pugh's Latest Period Drama 'The Wonder'

Tate Donovan Says He Was "Dying Inside" While Filming 'Friends' With Ex-Fiancé, Jen Aniston

Tate Donovan Says He Was "Dying Inside" While Filming 'Friends' With Ex-Fiancé, Jen Aniston

The Best Linen Bed Sheets In Australia, From Neutral Hues To Beachy Stripes

The Best Linen Bed Sheets In Australia, From Neutral Hues To Beachy Stripes

Much-Needed Intel On Who 'House Of The Dragon' Actors Are Dating In Real Life

Much-Needed Intel On Who 'House Of The Dragon' Actors Are Dating In Real Life

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire