In Saudi Arabia, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a lifestyle. From traditional Arabic coffee to specialty espresso drinks, Saudi baristas have mastered the art of creating memorable coffee experiences. But you don’t have to be a professional to take your coffee to the next level. We asked some of the top baristas in Saudi Arabia to share their favorite coffee hacks that anyone can use to elevate their morning brew.
1. Start with Freshly Ground Coffee
Hack from: Khalid Al-Zahrani, Specialty Coffee Barista
Why It Matters:
Freshly ground coffee preserves the aroma and flavor of the beans, giving you a more vibrant and flavorful cup.
How to Do It:
- Invest in a burr grinder for consistent grind size.
- Grind your coffee just before brewing to lock in the freshness.
- Match the grind size to your brewing method (fine for espresso, coarse for French press).
Pro Tip: Store your beans in an airtight container away from light and heat to maintain freshness.
2. Master the Bloom
Hack from: Aisha Al-Qahtani, Pour-Over Enthusiast
Why It Matters:
The bloom is the process of releasing trapped carbon dioxide from coffee grounds. This step enhances the extraction process, leading to a better-tasting cup.
How to Do It:
- After adding hot water to your coffee grounds, let it sit for 30 seconds before continuing to pour.
- Use water heated to around 92–96°C for optimal extraction.
Pro Tip: Use a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring, especially for pour-over methods.
3. Froth Milk Without a Frother
Hack from: Faisal Al-Harbi, Latte Art Champion
Why It Matters:
Don’t have a frother? You can still create café-quality froth for your lattes and cappuccinos with tools you already have at home.
How to Do It:
- Use a French press: Add warm milk and pump the plunger up and down until frothy.
- Alternatively, pour warm milk into a mason jar, secure the lid, and shake vigorously.
Pro Tip: Use whole milk or barista-grade plant-based milk for the best froth consistency.
4. Spice Up Your Coffee
Hack from: Noura Al-Mutairi, Traditional Arabic Coffee Specialist
Why It Matters:
Adding spices like cardamom or cinnamon to your coffee enhances its aroma and flavor, giving it a unique twist.
How to Do It:
- For Arabic coffee, add ground cardamom and saffron while brewing.
- For espresso-based drinks, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of your frothy milk.
Pro Tip: Experiment with cloves, star anise, or vanilla extract for a bolder flavor profile.
5. Use Ice Cubes Made from Coffee
Hack from: Abdullah Al-Rashed, Cold Brew Expert
Why It Matters:
Diluted iced coffee is a thing of the past! Using coffee ice cubes keeps your drink cold and flavorful without watering it down.
How to Do It:
- Brew a strong batch of coffee and let it cool.
- Pour the coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze.
- Use the cubes in iced coffee, lattes, or even milk for a subtle coffee flavor.
Pro Tip: Add a touch of vanilla or caramel to the coffee before freezing for a sweet twist.
6. Perfect Your French Press Brew
Hack from: Sarah Al-Mutlaq, Home Brewing Advocate
Why It Matters:
The French press is one of the easiest brewing methods, but small tweaks can significantly improve your results.
How to Do It:
- Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 (e.g., 30 grams of coffee for 450 ml of water).
- After steeping for 4 minutes, stir the top layer and let it sit for 30 seconds before plunging.
Pro Tip: Pour the brewed coffee into a separate carafe immediately after plunging to avoid over-extraction.
7. Preheat Your Equipment
Hack from: Youssef Al-Tamimi, Espresso Specialist
Why It Matters:
Preheating your equipment, like your mug or portafilter, ensures consistent temperature during brewing, resulting in better-tasting coffee.
How to Do It:
- Rinse your portafilter and mug with hot water before brewing.
- If using a drip coffee maker, let hot water run through the filter and carafe before adding coffee grounds.
Pro Tip: Always dry your portafilter before adding coffee to prevent uneven extraction.
8. Sweeten with Natural Ingredients
Hack from: Layla Al-Fahad, Creative Coffee Mixologist
Why It Matters:
Using natural sweeteners like honey or dates adds a unique flavor to your coffee and is a healthier alternative to sugar.
How to Do It:
- Dissolve a teaspoon of honey in hot coffee for a subtle floral sweetness.
- Blend a date with a splash of warm milk to create a natural sweetener for lattes.
Pro Tip: Try coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
These coffee hacks from Saudi baristas are simple yet effective ways to improve your coffee game at home. Whether you’re perfecting your French press technique, adding a creative twist with spices, or learning how to froth milk without fancy tools, these tips will help you brew like a pro.
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