International Coffee Day: How to make the perfect cup of coffee?

Celebrate International Coffee Day with tips to brew the perfect cup that’s rich, aromatic, and satisfying every time.(Image: Coffee Sutra)

Every year on October 1, International Coffee Day brings the world together to celebrate a beverage that has long been more than just a morning pick-me-up. It’s a day dedicated to honouring coffee’s diversity, quality, and culture, while also drawing attention to sustainable practices that shape its journey from bean to cup. For many coffee lovers, understanding what makes one cup exceptional and another ordinary comes down to a few simple but essential details.

Nailing the right flavours

When it comes to choosing the perfect coffee, the secret lies in knowing what excites your palate. What separates a flat cup from a fragrant, layered experience is the detailing that goes behind a good cup of coffee. Dushyant Singh, Founder of Coffee Sutra, offers a few pointers that can transform your daily brew into an experience. He says, “Think about what excites your palate and choose the flavour profile that suits your taste – it could be fruity and floral, nutty and sweet, or deep chocolatey notes.

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Look for the origin of the coffee — each region has its own signature taste; for instance, Ethiopia offers lively floral notes, while Colombia is known for smooth sweetness. Always opt for freshly roasted beans, ideally enjoyed within 1–2 weeks of roasting for the best flavor. Light roasts are bright and delicate, medium roasts are balanced, and dark roasts are bold and intense. Match your grind to your brewing style: coarse for French press, medium for pour-over, fine for espresso.”

Brew it, blend it

Buying the right beans is just the beginning but the key is to be intentional — use freshly ground beans, clean filtered water, and allow yourself a moment to slow down. Brewing is where science and ritual meet, and there’s no single “perfect” method. Singh explains, “Choose methods like pour-over or French press to allow full flavor extraction.

(Image: Coffee Sutra)

Sip it slowly, letting the coffee cool slightly to release its natural aromas, and take time to savor each sip. To experience the coffee’s true profile, try enjoying it without sugar or milk.” The result is not only a delicious cup but also a reminder that coffee drinking can be a mindful act, a pause in an otherwise hurried day.

Secret to a perfect cuppa

Experts recommend buying freshly roasted, high-quality beans and storing them in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture. Grind only what you need right before brewing, and if possible, invest in a good grinder and reliable brewing equipment. As a rule of thumb, avoid bulk buying unless you’re certain you’ll consume it quickly, and if you prefer pre-ground coffee, keep the supply to just a week or two.

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The don’ts are simple: don’t let beans sit exposed, don’t skimp on quality, and don’t rush the process. Serving coffee, after all, is about more than pouring a cup; it’s about offering warmth, flavour, and care in every sip.