Just like any hard working individual, you set your alarm for the upcoming day. For precautionary measures, you back it up with your cell phone’s rock concert ringtone alarm(s). This of course is in the event that you unconsciously divert the first piercing buzz of your first wake up call. Your clothes are set aside for work. All the while you dread having to drag yourself off of that perfect pillow spot and cozy bed. But instead of begging for that extra 5 minutes, how would you like to wake up without an alarm. Look forward to your day and the lingering aroma of a freshly brewed cup of newly ground coffee. Once you get into a routine, waking up becomes the easy part. It’s the first sip carrying you off to the rolling hills of nature’s most exotic coffee fields that’s a little more difficult to come back from. Start looking forward to your mornings, enjoy time to just sit and think without being rush out the door with half your shoes on.

1. Skip the coffee shop and start from home

Your coffee grinder is one of the most important weapons for taking your mornings back over. There are two kinds: Burr & Blades. The one with the metal Blades is typically cheaper in price and great for coffee beans, but do not give you as much control of your grind as Burr grinders. Burr grinders on the other hand are made for those who want to perfect how fine or thick their coffee espresso is, which is ideal for espresso lovers. Avoid being mislead by the bells and whistles of max. capacity and insane turbo power. The simpler, moderately priced machines will last a lifetime.

2. Dosing off a little

When making coffee or espresso, dosing references the grinders ability to Dose (grind) the basket of beans to freshly grind the coffee. You want to make certain that once you dose (grind) the beans that you do not let them sit for more than a minute. This is due to the powerful oils that are encased within the bean. Upon being ground up they are released and lost forever. The longer the grinds sit, the more flavors escape diluting the taste of your cup.

3. How much

You want to ensure that you are pouring enough grinds in the filter to balance the water in your machine. Many people put in too much ground, which will alter the sweet flavors and transform them into a bitter sharp taste. This part depends on the coffee machine and filter size – so read the Specs. Although they are estimations, they will give you a good idea for where to start. For espresso, remember you are going to need more than one shot assuming you like more than one sip of coffee in the morning. For coffee, you want to balance the water and grounds so not to have an overpowering of either one.

4. Water content

You must use filtered water for coffee and espresso. If your water content is saturated with minerals or over oxygenated than the flavor can come out burnt or a little off. The best method is to taste a small sip of water before pouring it into the machine.

5. How Fast

The goal for a machine, especially espresso machines, is to heat up to certain temperature and be released to the grounds so that its speed and heat does not over/under do the grounds flavor. You do not want a slow heating machine because the grounds will lose their flavor. The catch 22 is having one that heats too quickly and it burns your coffees taste. It should take about 30 seconds (give or take) for your cup to be made once the machine starts.

6 Cleanliness is key

Depending on your machine, this is one of the best things you can do for making your next cup taste even better. Simply trash the old grounds (or bury them outside), clean the filter and wash out any used accessories. Leaving you machine unclean can leave a rancid taste that will spoil your cup. Get in a routine and cleaning can take under a minute!

You coffee from grind to finish should take only a few minutes. A great cup of coffee can ensure that you start your day off right. We all know that slightest problem in the morning can throw a wrench in the whole day. So start yours off right, look forward to your mornings and give your day a little kick in the pants. Even doctors are starting find that coffee has some pretty interesting health benefits tied to it.