My 3 Favorite Ways to Make Coffee

As someone who starts every day with a strong cup of coffee—no matter where I am—I’ve come to rely on a few favorite brewing methods that suit different moods, seasons, and locations. Whether I’m at home savoring a slow morning or on the road working as a Physician Assistant (which, honestly, is about half the year), these are the three ways I keep my coffee ritual going strong.

1. Espresso Machine: The Home Ritual

There’s nothing like the sound of an espresso machine kicking on first thing in the morning. At home, this is my go-to. I love pulling a double shot and sipping it straight, or making a quick latte when I want something creamy.

Pluses:

• Quality & Flavor: If dialed in correctly, espresso delivers the richest, boldest flavor.

• Speed: Once it’s warmed up, you get your coffee fast.

• Versatility: Great for lattes, cappuccinos, americanos—you name it.

Minuses:

• Maintenance: Keeping your machine clean is a must, and that can be a chore.

• Learning Curve: It takes time to get the grind, tamp, and timing just right.

• Upfront Cost: A solid machine isn’t cheap, and neither is a good grinder.

Still, for me, the ritual of making espresso is a kind of meditation. When I’m not rushing to the hospital or traveling, it’s a joy.

2. Cold Brew: Summer’s Best Friend

When the weather heats up, I switch to cold brew. I’ll make a batch in advance—usually enough to last a few days—and keep it in the fridge. It’s smooth, low-acid, and hits the spot on those warm mornings.

Pluses:

• Convenient: Brew in bulk and enjoy for days.

• Smooth Taste: Less acidic and often easier on the stomach.

• Refreshing: Ice-cold coffee on a hot morning? Yes, please.

Minuses:

• Time-Consuming: You have to plan ahead—steeping takes 12–24 hours.

• Less Nuance: Cold brew tends to mute complex flavor notes.

• Not for Everyone: If you like your coffee piping hot and punchy, this isn’t it.

I love having a jar of cold brew ready to go in summer—it’s like having a secret weapon in the fridge.

3. AeroPress: My Travel MVP

When I’m traveling for work (which is probably 50% of the year), I don’t trust hotel or hospital coffee to get me going. Enter the AeroPress. It’s compact, lightweight, and makes a surprisingly excellent cup of coffee with minimal gear.

Pluses:

• Portable: Fits easily in a bag—perfect for travel.

• Quick & Easy: Brews in under two minutes and cleanup is a breeze.

• Surprisingly Great Taste: Rich, full-bodied coffee that rivals a pour-over.

Minuses:

• Single Serve: You’re making one cup at a time—no batch brewing here.

• Requires Hot Water: You still need a way to heat water, which can be tricky on the road.

• Can Be Messy: If you’re not careful, you might have a minor coffee explosion.

That said, the AeroPress is a lifesaver on the go. It keeps me grounded (pun intended) no matter where I wake up.

Final Thoughts

Coffee isn’t just a beverage for me—it’s part of how I anchor my day. Each of these methods plays a different role in my routine, depending on where I am, what I’m doing, and what the day looks like. Whether it’s the deep satisfaction of a perfectly pulled shot, the convenience of cold brew, or the dependability of the AeroPress on the road, I’ve always got a way to make my morning brew.