How to Make a Great Cup of Instant Coffee

Believe it or not, it is possible to make a good cup of instant coffee, in spite of what the "coffee snobs" may think. Many of us, through no fault of our own, must use instant coffee from time to time, whether it is due to the exigencies of the work place or the desire to stop wasting coffee by throwing out most of the pot. Many coffee fanciers have discovered that instant coffee need not be something to avoid or dread but may be pleasantly surprised that instant coffee may actually be enjoyable.

Instructions

1. Look for a good, rich dark roast. These have appeared on the shelves in recent years and escape the accusation many make against instant coffee that it is terribly weak. Many of these red label or dark roast varieties can taste quite close to the real thing.

2. Use a generous amount. Instant coffee tastes more like "real" coffee the stronger it is, although it can also be bitter, because it is not fresh. Try making it strong and dressing it up a bit.

3. Spice up your instant coffee with cinnamon, cardamom or syrups. This will mask the bitter flavor strong instant coffee may have sometimes. If you like sweet coffee, add more sugar.

4. Boil milk instead of adding it cold. This is a good tip for making any type of coffee, but it is an especially good idea for instant coffee.

5. Try Turkish coffee. If you feel up to it and don't mind dealing with the coffee grounds at the bottom of the glass, use Turkish coffee, which is the ultimate instant coffee of the Middle East. It is made by the glass, and while you have to wait for the grounds to settle to the bottom, it is a quick alternative to regular coffee.

6. Pay more. If you like black coffee and prefer not to dress up cheaper varieties, then you should be prepared to pay a higher price for the best-tasting instant coffee. It is sometimes true that you get what you pay for.

Tips & Warnings

• Try different brands. You might discover a personal favorite.

• Don't believe people who say no cup of instant coffee is any good. Persist until you can make a great cup of instant coffee.