How to Make Black Coffee Taste Good

Author: Melissa Collins

Updated: April 2, 2023

Some like it hot. Some like it black. When it comes to coffee, hot is not exactly what you should be going for, but black, definitely. It’s the ultimate pleasure for true coffee lovers. Never tasted black coffee? Well, we got you covered and we are going to teach you how to appreciate the rich natural taste of real coffee.

Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee

There are so many different types of coffee in the world and you’ve never actually tasted any of them if you fill your mug with sugar, cream, milk or all the flavors available in coffee shops. All the things you or your local barista put in your coffee hide its natural flavor, making all types of coffee taste more or less alike. It’s a caffeinated beverage, but not true coffee.

Fruity, Syrupy, Creamy

Real coffee beans, roasted and grounded, come in an incredible array of flavors. Some are creamy, some are fruity and, yes, some are bitter. So much depends on the place it comes from. Did you know that Ethiopian or Kenyan coffee beans have a syrupy fruit flavor, whereas those grown in Costa Rica and Guatemala are soft and mellow?

Then there’s roasting which is a very exact science, or as some call it, a veritable art. It takes a lot of time for a skilled roaster to determine just how much roasting is needed for a particular type of beans to reveal all their natural flavor.

All you have to do is find the one that is right for you!

Get Rid of All That Sugar

One of the main benefits of switching to black coffee is that you get to cut down on sugar and calories.

Ever wondered how many calories are in black coffee compared to your flavored morning coffee?

If you use skimmed milk, you might get the pass on that, but sugar? And let’s not even talk about those you buy at the fancy coffee-shops everybody loves. Milk, sugar, dollops of cream, those are real calorie bombs! Definitely not good for your waist or your health. Or your wallet, for that matter.

Switching to black coffee for dietary reasons is not a sacrifice. You’re actually doing yourself a favor and once you learn to appreciate the great taste of black coffee, chances are you’ll never go back to the sugar-filled drink your old self used to like.e

Your Favorite Coffee On The Go

The advantage of drinking black coffee is that it simplifies your morning routine and you won’t have to worry anymore whether there’s cream in the fridge. Not only that. Anytime you travel, anytime you’re stuck in meetings all day long, black coffee is the easiest thing to ask for. You might not find a caramel frappuccino at the train station or the hotel you’re staying at, but black coffee won’t ever be a problem. It might not taste just as good as the special brew at home, but at least it’s close to your regular pick-me-up!

How to Switch to Drinking Black Coffee

All dedicated coffee-lovers have their morning ritual and a habit formed over many years is hard to break. We are addicted to the energy boost in our morning coffee as well as to the ritual, so making changes can sound scary.

Enjoy your Morning Coffee

In order to make a smooth transition, you have to establish what is it that you prefer about your normal coffee – is it the sweetness, the creamy taste or perhaps the subtle fruity aroma? You don’t need additives for that, you just need to find the right type of coffee that already has your desired feature.

You’ll need to study a bit about different types of coffee, go online, read the labels on the coffee packages at your store or, indeed, talk to an experienced barista who might point in the right direction.

Experimenting is Fun

If you’ve been faithful to a particular brand of coffee and a certain way of preparing it, now is the time to go crazy and buy something else. Try Sumatra coffee, known for its super-earthy taste or Colombia, which is lemony and a bit on the acidic side. Or you could go for Ethiopian coffee beans, most connoisseurs swear by.

Now for the taste-test. Take the new coffee and prepare a huge pot. Pour the coffee in four cups – add your regular amount of sugar and milk in the first one, half of it in the second, a quarter in the third one and nothing in the fourth, leave it black.

Let the coffee cool down a bit and start tasting each of them from the most sugary one to the black one. Obviously they taste different, but you should try to pay attention to the rich coffee flavor that emerges the less sugar and milk there is in the cup. Go back to the label, read the description you used to ignore and see if you can discover the subtle fruity flavor in the black coffee in front of you! It does taste a bit on the sweet side now that you think of it, doesn’t it? Is there a hint of blueberry you sense in that coffee? Who knew?

Change Your Brewing Method

Coffee tastes different depending on your brewing method. You’ll be surprised to discover that the coffee you’ve bought is more to your liking when you use a French press instead of your traditional drip brewer. Or you could try an Italian espresso machine, although the coffee is stronger and not everyone manages to drink it black.

You could also experiment with dosage and ground-size. Put more – or less – coffee in your brewer and see how it goes.

How to Train Your Brain to Love Black Coffee

As with any other addictions, there are two approaches to switching from your sugar-filled drink to black coffee.

Going Cold Turkey

That’s really tough. Your morning coffee won’t ever look the same as your regular one, let alone the taste. Your taste buds will be offended by the unfamiliar flavor, they will stage a protest against the bitterness – are you trying to kill us?

The good news is the energy boost will probably be the same and your body will be thankful for that.

The next day things will be a little easier, you’ll know what to expect and you’ll be surprised to discover it’s not as bad as it seemed the first time. Not bad at all!

Take it Easy

Many people take a gradual approach when they decide to switch to black coffee. In order to do that properly you first need to measure the exact amount of sugar, cream or milk you put in your normal coffee. Quite a lot, probably! Just thinking of all those useless calories should be enough to steel your nerves for the challenge ahead.

For the first week, cut the amount of added ingredients by 25%. The change won’t be all that noticeable and you will find the new taste bearable. Resist the urge to go back to your old routine. Enjoying black coffee is an acquired taste, so it takes time to discover the rich aroma of natural coffee.

The following week cut back another 25% on sugar and milk. If you find the change is too drastic for you, go back to step one and stay with that dosage for another couple of weeks.

If you’re doing it right, after a few weeks you’ll find yourself perfectly comfortable with the mug of black coffee in front of you. You probably won’t believe it now, but after a few weeks of black coffee, the taste of the old sugary coffee will no longer appeal to you.

Change the Color of Your Mug

It’s a psychological thing. Studies have shown that the color of your mug influences the way you perceive it. If you drink coffee out of a white cup, your brain will perceive it more bitter and less sweet than if you use a clear mug. This is important when making the switch to black coffee, which can be bitter. Since you’ve decided to change your morning ritual, buy a clear mug and start enjoying your new life as a black coffee type of person.

Tips for Better Tasting Black Coffee

We all love the smell of fresh coffee in the morning but is it really all that fresh? Probably not. Ground coffee tends to lose its flavor rather quickly and the longer it’s been on the shelf the duller the taste. And no, keeping it in the fridge doesn’t help. Coffee doesn’t go bad, but the oils in the beans start tasting like stale food.

Grind the Beans Yourself

One option is to grind the beans yourself. If you don’t have a coffee grinder, buy one and make sure to grind just the amount you need for one pot. It only takes a few seconds, and your coffee is as fresh as can be.

Another thing, see if you can find a supplier that delivers freshly-roasted coffee beans directly to your door.

Natural Flavor Boosters

Take it as a little cheat-sheet, if you want, but, hey, you’re entitled to add a little spice to your coffee.

Cinnamon gives your black coffee an exciting new flavor, whether you add it before or after brewing. And let’s not forget that cinnamon is very good for your health.
Cocoa powder is another thing you can try. It makes your morning coffee taste a bit like chocolate, very dark chocolate that is, as sugar is still a big no-no.
Vanilla extract gives your coffee an incredibly smooth aroma. Make sure what you buy is pure vanilla extract and not some cheap imitation full of harmful chemicals.
Salt. Bet you didn’t see that one coming, but it’s true – a pinch of salt makes your black coffee taste less bitter. If the taste is still not to your liking, you can add a tiny bit more.
Nutmeg adds a bit of earthiness to your brew and it is slightly sweet, which is a plus when you drink black coffee.
Peppermint oil gives a holiday flavor to your regular black coffee. Add a few drops during the brewing, but don’t overdo or you won’t be able to taste the coffee anymore.

The list could go on, but it is up to you to decide which spices you’d like to experiment with. Get creative and don’t be shy!

Keep your Coffee Maker Clean

If you’re a recent convert to black coffee, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly clean your coffee maker and get rid of all sugar or cream residues. A fresh start for your new life!

Go for Single-Origin Coffee

Single-origin refers to beans grown in a particular geographical area, a part of a country and even a single farm. Blended coffee is more common and the producers typically use two to four different types of beans. Single-origin coffee is more expensive than blended coffee as it seasonal and there are only so many beans in one harvest.

Some argue that blending different types of beans makes for a more flavorful final product, but most black coffee lovers prefer single-origin coffee as it allows them to experience one particular taste in all its glory.

Best Coffee Roast Level For Black Coffee

Chances are you’ve never seen fresh coffee beans, which are soft, greenish in color with little or no taste. What we refer to as coffee are the roasted beans and much of its taste depends on the roast grade, also known as roast color.

If you’ve ever wondered what the different markings on the label mean now is the time to make sense of it all.

Light Roasts

This refers to coffee beans that are roasted till they get a light brown color. Actually, it’s a surprisingly light color and you might think it’s not properly done. Yet this type of light roasting allows the bean to retain much of its natural flavor and the highest level of caffeine, as compared to darker roasts. Light roasts have a distinctive grain taste and a higher acidity.

Tip: If you’re not sure about the color, look for the cracks in the bean. It’s simple – heat makes the bean expand and the shell cracks. In this case there should be just one, the ‘first crack’ as people in the industry call it.

Since it has more caffeine, a light roast type of coffee is more suitable for your morning fix, when you need more energy.

Medium Roasts

Simply put, this means beans are left to roast until they become medium brown, but no oils come to the surface. And it’s still at the ‘first crack’ level of roasting.

Medium roasts can best be described as well-balanced as far as flavor, aroma and acidity are concerned. It is a very popular type of coffee all over the US, where it is known as Regular or American Roast.

Medium-Dark Roasts

As the color gets darker, oils start to show on the surface of the bean. Along with its natural taste, the flavors derived from the roasting process become more noticeable.

Coffee types in this category range from the beginning of the first crack to middle of the second crack. There’s less caffeine in medium-dark roasts, but the taste is spicier.

Dark Roasts

Now we’re talking about dark brown, almost black coffee beans. The beans are quite oily, which explains why your coffee mug is a bit greasy. They are processed at very high temperatures until the second crack becomes apparent.

Natural flavors are harder to distinguish and the coffee seems bitter, with a distinct smoky or burnt taste. The caffeine levels are vastly diminished, so it’s the sort of roast you should choose for a late evening treat.

However, you should be aware of the fact that dark roasting is commonly used in the industry to cover up the taste of low quality coffee beans and the resulting product ends up on the shelves of your local supermarket.

Which Roast is Best for a Black Coffee?

The whole point of drinking black coffee is to taste the natural, unadorned flavors of various coffee types and learn to appreciate them. With this in mind, it makes sense to go for the light or medium roasts, as these preserve the most of the beans’ natural flavors. If you want to feel the creaminess or the natural sweetness in your coffee, you’d be well advised to stick with low level roasts.

This is not to say you cannot enjoy a black coffee made with a dark roast. In fact, dark roasts are the preferred choice for espressos.

To sum it all up:

Black coffee allows you to enjoy a great variety of natural flavors and aromas, not to mention they’re good for your health. It’s the only type of coffee you should drink when you’re on a diet!
The easiest way to switch to black coffee is to gradually cut down on the added sugar, milk or cream.
You need to experiment with various types of coffee until you find the one you really like.
For a better experience, try adding different spices during the brewing process.
Go for light or medium roasts if you want to enjoy all the richness of flavors in your coffee.
Don’t forget – single-origin coffee is best!

When it comes to enjoying that cup of coffee during the day, you may be wondering just how to do it right. Well, if you’re the type who loves a cup of black coffee, there are a few different ways to do it.

And if you’re the type who doesn’t like black coffee, you’ll want to check out these options to help you do so.

Benefits of Drinking Coffee Black

When it comes to drinking coffee, there are actually several different reasons that you should be looking at black coffee as the way to go.

Experience the full flavor of the coffee. With black coffee, you’re getting all of the flavors exactly the way that it was meant for you to experience it. That’s definitely going to create a better profile, and you’re going to have the opportunity to see what the roasters and creators of that coffee really wanted you to taste.
No calories. Okay, so there’s not always zero calories in your black coffee, but in most cases, that’s exactly what you’re getting. You’ll have practically no calories because you’re not adding anything into the coffee, and black coffee is essentially flavored water, so there’s nothing in it.
No worries about running out of supplies. If you don’t have cream or sugar in the house, you’re still going to have the opportunity to have a great cup of coffee. No need for a run to the store to get the supplies you need.

Expert Tips for How to Drink Coffee Black

Are you looking to start drinking black coffee, but you’re not quite sure how you want to do it? Well, you’re going to have a whole lot of different ways to do it. We’ll talk about some of the most popular ways that you can get yourself to like your coffee black.

Just Try It. If you’re interested in getting into drinking black coffee, one of the easiest ways is just to do it. Don’t try to ease your way into it or psych yourself into it. Just start drinking your coffee black and call it a day.
Ease Into It. On the other end of the spectrum is the process of slowly weaning yourself down to black coffee. If you’re the type of person who normally puts a lot of sugar or cream in your coffee, slowly start putting a little bit less of one and then the other. It will help you gradually retrain your taste buds.
Brew Differently. You can actually start brewing your coffee entirely differently, which might help you get a little more used to the way that the coffee tastes because you’re not expecting it to taste like what you’re used to.
Try Different Additives. You don’t need to just add cream or sugar to your coffee. Instead, try swapping in a different flavoring that doesn’t add calories or adds very few. You can add a little salt or add some cinnamon to change things up.
Use Quality Beans. If you grind your own beans, your coffee is definitely going to taste different, and it could help you get used to the idea of drinking that black coffee that you’ve never really been interested in before.
Use a Different Blend. Just because you’re going to be drinking black coffee doesn’t mean you have to use any specific blend. You actually get the option to use any blend that you want. So try something a little different and see how you like it.
Get Scientific. Try experimenting with different options, including different flavors, different blends, fresh grind, and pre-ground and a whole lot more. You’ll be able to find something that you really like if you just push yourself.
Brew it Properly. There’s a specific balance to get right when it comes to brewing coffee. You need to have the right temperature water, the right amount of water, and the right amount of coffee beans. Make sure you’re brewing your coffee the right way.
Try a Bit. Next time you make a pot of coffee and pour a cup take a sip and then add the rest of your ingredients. You might find you don’t actually mind drinking black coffee.

How to Make Great Black Coffee

Making your coffee black is not difficult at all, because all you really need to do is brew it. You need water and coffee grounds and some form of coffee maker that will allow you to brew your coffee. It really is that simple.

Make the coffee according to the instructions for your coffee maker and then either drink it plain or add a little bit of a low-calorie ingredient like cinnamon, vanilla, or cacao powder. You can even add some salt or butter or even coconut oil to your coffee for more flavor.

Easily Brew Black Coffee At Home

It’s actually super simple for you to brew some good black coffee at home. All you need to do is get a can of your favorite ground coffee or a bag of your favorite beans and whatever type of coffee maker you like best. Then you’ll be able to brew your next batch of coffee.

If you like a French press, you can use one of those to get your coffee, or you can use an AeroPress or a standard coffee maker. There are plenty of different ways that you can customize your brewing process and make sure you’re getting the blend you want.

How to Make Coffee Taste Less Bitter

One of the biggest problems with black coffee is that it tends to be quite bitter. But not everyone likes that bitter flavor.

So, what are you going to do to make sure that your coffee isn’t so strong? Usually, you would add some cream or sugar, but if you’re trying to avoid those options, you have a couple of other ones.

One of the best things you can do is get a little bit thicker grind for your coffee beans. Get something that’s a medium grind rather than something too fine, which could be over-extracted easily. If you get something too coarse, however, you might find that you’re not getting as much flavor.

You want to make sure that you balance out the amount of coffee flavor that you’re getting with the water you use. Too much coffee gives you that stronger and more bitter flavor, while too much water means you get weak or flavorless coffee.

How to Ditch the Cream and Sugar Today

If you want to get rid of the cream and sugar and you want to do it quickly, it can be a little difficult, but you definitely can make it happen. You just need to start with a baseline of how much you’re already using and then slowly start to reduce the amount that you use.

While this isn’t really going to get you down from what you’re using now to absolutely nothing overnight, it will help you wean yourself down. You’ll want to cut your normal amount by about a quarter for one week and then another quarter and another until you’re no longer using any cream and sugar.

By decreasing gradually and by waiting a full week before you change the amount you use, it gives you even more time to actually get used to it. That helps you wean down without feeling like you’re missing out on something.

Whole Beans or Pre-Ground Coffee – What Should You Buy?

When it comes to getting the best possible cup of coffee, you may hear a lot of people telling you to buy whole beans. If you want to get the best possible flavor and you don’t mind a little extra work, that’s definitely the way to go.

Grinding your own coffee beans and especially grinding them right before you brew, will give you the most flavor.

When you buy ground coffee, you’re actually getting coffee that’s been ground for a long time. And the longer it’s been ground for, the staler it becomes. That means you’re not going to get all of the flavors. Instead, you’re going to miss out on a lot of what that coffee is actually supposed to taste like.

What’s the Best Place to Buy Your Coffee Beans?

There are several different places that you can buy coffee beans if you’re looking to get the best possible flavor profile.

Grocery Store – Here, you’re getting a wide variety of coffee, and it’s usually going to be inexpensive. That makes it a good option for a lot of people. Not to mention, it’s convenient to buy your coffee at the same place you buy all of your groceries. But your coffee isn’t going to be very fresh this way.

Coffee House Beans – If you buy beans from a coffee house that are freshly roasted, you’re going to get a better quality bean, and you’re getting something that’s just been roasted. This coffee is fresh, you can try the blend right there in the coffee house, and you can get it from someone you’re actually talking to.

Coffee Roaster – If you know someone who roasts their own coffee, you can absolutely buy the beans directly from them once they have finished roasting. This is likely the best way to get the beans, and it’s going to be the freshest option because the beans have just finished roasting.

Online Subscription – There are actually several different subscription services that let you get freshly roasted coffee beans. Some are direct from a specific roaster, and some give you beans from several different roasters.

How to Keep Your Coffee Maker Clean

It’s always important to keep the coffee maker clean that you’re making your morning cup in. You want to make sure you don’t have any leftover coffee sitting in the brewer or coffee grounds that haven’t been cleaned out.

It’s even more important to clean your coffee maker once you stop supplementing your coffee with different additives. You’re definitely going to notice the flavor profile even more, and that’s something you want to pay close attention to.

Summary

When it comes to switching your coffee plans from using sugar and cream to drinking your coffee black, it’s important to know how you’re going to do it. It can be a bit difficult when you’re trying something new, especially if you’ve been drinking your coffee one way for a long time. So, take your pick of how you want to do it and get started.