We have all been there- desperately needing caffeine to stay awake and complete work or further delay an inbound caffeine headache. You could down several cups of coffee and hope for the best, but you would be running to the bathroom every five minutes.
To get the most bang for your buck when it comes to caffeine, a simple cup of coffee is not going to cut it. There are different coffee grounds, roasts, and brewing methods that will guarantee you more alertness than the average coffee.
Cold brew and espresso
The cold brew is the product of steeping coffee grounds in water for an extended period of time. Longer brewing times result in more caffeine extraction and less bitter taste. As a result, cold brew coffee is known for a smoother, sweeter flavor than the average brew.
Cold brewing can be performed at home with the proper tools. For example, french presses can be used for creating cold brew overnight that doesn’t require strenuous straining. Or, if you do not have a french press, you can just put coffee grounds in a jar, fill the jar with water, add a lid, and let it sit overnight. Then, you can strain the coffee grounds through a coffee filter or cheesecloth in the morning.
Espresso is a denser shot of coffee that is jam-packed with caffeine but watch out. On its own, espresso can be very bitter unless added to something else. There are plenty of espresso machines on the market for purchase so that you can become your own barista.
Or, if you are more of an on-the-go type of coffee aficionado, remember to support your local coffee company. Sure, big-name brands like Starbucks and Dunkin can get you your cold brew coffee in a snap (depending on how long the line is). But local coffee shops must be supported as staples and safe spaces in our towns.
In the Lancaster County area, you can visit the first local coffee shop in Lancaster, Coffee Co. Coffee Co, with four locations, is a respected staple of the Lancaster, PA, area. Open for breakfast and lunch, Coffee Co is a great place to frequent for strong coffee and a stress-free atmosphere. To browse the Coffee Co menu today and sample their iconic house blend, visit their website today.
Light, robust beans
The lighter your roasted coffee, the less chance the caffeine is burnt out. Darker coffee beans have been roasted for more extended periods, giving them their darker color and a less acidic, one-note flavor. Lighter roast contains more depth of flavor and more caffeine, giving you that buzz you’re looking for.
Finer grounds
The finer your ground, the more caffeine is extracted. A smaller coffee ground means a more exposed surface area on the grounds, which leads to higher caffeine content. If you require a lot of caffeine to make it through your day, finely ground coffee is the only way to go.
Avoid a caffeine headache and get the most bang for your buck with one of the three methods above. The amount of caffeine you ingest depends on the method you choose, so don’t settle for a boring cup of regular coffee. Instead, branch out and experiment with cold brew, espresso, light roast, and finer grounds.
