Coffee is a non-negotiable habit and comfort for most of us, no matter where we are in the world or on the road. It’s our reliable travel buddy, it energizes us for a full day of excursions, and it’s the greatest way to spend a peaceful, lazy morning overlooking a stunning environment. Here are 5 ways to make delicious coffee on the go while traveling.
Making coffee on the road is not easy, but there are now several options for brewing a rich and fragrant cup while on the road. Once you’ve tried some of these, likely, you’ll never brew the same way again.
First, let us look at the tools you will need to prepare and serve a good, strong cup of coffee.
- A standard travel mug (note: get the one with push-on valves that don’t leak like the ones with tablespoons)
- Sugar packets/coffee packs/coffee sachets for flavor and to add sweetness (optional)
- Coffee press, if you enjoy a truly full-bodied and smooth cup of coffee.
- Grinder, if you enjoy a strong, coarse cup of coffee.
- A coffee maker (or a coffee pot) and appropriate brewing equipment make coffee-style.
- A kettle (to boil water)
Let’s look at how to brew a great cup on the road.
1. Aeropress
The Aeropress is a special coffee maker that looks like a plunger, with a round metal filter that lifts off after the brewing process. The Aeropress uses very little liquid and produces the most concentrated coffee with no waste. This can be used for an espresso-like drink or even decaf. It uses about 60 ml of water to brew a strong, concentrated drink diluted with hot water to taste.
How to make it:
- Place the plunger face up on a flat surface.
- Place the rear of the base on top of the plunger and slightly insert it.
- Empty the grounds into the base.
- Fill halfway with boiling water and set aside for 20 seconds.
- Wait 1.5 minutes after filling the chamber.
- Screw the filter and place your cup upside down on top of the filter after 2 minutes.
- Turn the Aeropress over and press down slowly on the plunger.
2. French Press
The French Press is a great option for on the go because it can be made in the morning without your having to stare at the maker and wait for it to finish. It is also very easy to clean as it comes apart completely. According to The Better Sip, the French Press was initially designed for travelers as its use is very straightforward, and cleaning is also a breeze. You can find a French press at most hotels or hostels as well, so finding one is fairly easy.
How to make it:
- Fill the Press halfway with coarse coffee grounds.
- Start a timer and fill the container halfway with boiling water.
- Make certain that all of the grounds are wet.
- Break the top layer and fill it with water to the top.
- Push the Press all the way down at 4 minutes.
3. The Moka Pot
The Moka pot produces some of the richest, smoothest coffee you can find anywhere. It is a stove-top device that looks like an aluminum espresso maker. The device has three chambers: one filled with water, one filled with coffee grounds, and the final chamber sealed by a plunger.
When the water in the first chamber heats up and expands, it passes through a valve into the second chamber, containing finely ground coffee beans. As the water is heated, it is forced through the ground coffee into the final chamber, containing a steam valve. The steam powers a pump that forces out hot water through a small hole in the top of the device.
How to make it:
- Boiling water should be poured into the bottom reservoir.
- ill the pot’s filter basket evenly with ground coffee and set it in the bottom compartment.
- Screw on the spouted lid and place the pot on a medium-high heat burner.
- Wait for a hissing sound to indicate that it’s finished and ready to consume.
4. Percolator
A percolator has a relatively simple design, comprising a bottom container, a middle chamber and an upper chamber with a filtering system. The bottom tub holds water heated by the stove and fills the middle chamber. The hot water passes up through the grounds in the lower chamber and then filters back down into the main chamber.
Percolators work efficiently and have been designed to retain heat within the chambers, which helps extract your coffee flavors. A percolator is very easy to use and, once you find it, is available nearly all over the world.
How to make it:
- Fill the percolator halfway with water.
- You may need to purchase filters that fit your basket.
- Before using, go over the handbook again to ensure everything is in order.
- If you don’t want to use a filter, place the coffee grounds in the basket and heat the percolator to a low temperature.
- Keep an eye on it, and when it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- The water color in the translucent dome or “bubble spot” will continue to darken as it percolates.
- Finally, serve and enjoy.
5. Turkish pot
Turkish pots are made of copper and can be found in the Middle East. The coffee is intensely flavorful and strong, with a pronounced aroma. Turkish coffee is not hot and can be drunk at room temperature or chilled to perfection. Unlike other coffee pots, the flavor of your Turkish coffee does not change with time; it will always retain its original taste.
How to make it:
- Pour a small amount of boiling water into the bottom of the pot.
- Place the coffee grounds in the pot, followed by the sugar, if you’re using any.
- Break any large chunks of sugar with a spoon.
- Place the top on the pot and let it drip for 2 minutes.
- Pour in more boiling water until you get the desired quantity, put on the lid and wait for 3 minutes.
- Serve in small cups.
Conclusion:
Whatever you choose to brew your coffee, whether it’s a fresh one from the pot or a packaged instant, take time in your journey to learn different brewing methods that will yield the best results. Travelers who learn to make coffee while on the road will be less stressed and more content.
In my opinion, there are also some advantages to making your own coffee on the road instead of buying it. Still, I believe that any traveler should experiment until they find a method they like. You’ll find that getting around obstacles to make your own coffee is a great way to build up character!
