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Writer's pictureAnn Allanson

Travel Coffee Kit: How to Make Great Coffee on the Road


Breakfast tray on hotel bed

Whether you’re taking a much-needed vacation or traveling to Grandma’s house for the holidays, one thing’s for sure. You’re probably already mourning the loss of your freshly brewed cup of coffee.


You know, just the way you like it.


Well, we think you should be able to have your cup of coffee and drink it too when you’re on the road. Here’s what you do to make travel coffee as good as the coffee you brew at home.


Good Travel Coffee Starts with the Water


It’s not just travel coffee. This rule extends to coffee made at home, too. Seriously, if you have good quality water, you’re halfway there to a good cup of joe.


Think about it. Your morning jolt is made up of 98% water. That’s why getting the water right is critical. With that in mind, there are two components to consider:


· Water quality

· Temperature


Just don’t buy distilled water. It makes terrible coffee and can cause big problems for any electrical equipment you use.cery or convenience store and buy some bottled spring water.


While the taste won’t be as fresh as water drawn directly from a spring, you won’t have to contend with nasty chemicals that affect the “Ahhhh!” after your first sip.


Just don’t buy distilled water. It makes terrible coffee and can cause big problems to any electrical equipment you use.

collapsible electric hot water kettle
Gourmet GK320

Next, unplug the hotel coffee machine. Most auto drip hotel coffeemakers don’t reach the right temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.


Instead, they top out at 185. Not good enough for primo coffee.


Consider packing a collapsible electric hot water kettle like the Gourmia GK320. Get it on Amazon for $19.99.


Not only is it easy on your packing space, but it will also heat your java to the ideal temperature!


Bring A Grinder


It’s not as over-the-top as it might sound. There are lots of travel grinder options to consider. And, if you’re going to be on the road awhile, you might as well bring the best part of home with you, your morning coffee.


Besides, what could feel more at home than the aroma of freshly ground coffee in your hotel room?




We recommend the slim-line manual grinders like the JavaPresse. It tucks easily into an overnight bag and has no discernible footprint.


Look for one that has conical burrs and adjusts easily. Get the JavaPresse on Amazon for under $30.






Brewing Options


For hot coffee, we recommend either a portable French press, collapsible pour-over cone, or an AeroPress. You can find them all at good old Amazon.


However, if you’re on the road, choosing a cold brew will eliminate the need to bring a portable kettle. Just make your grind coarse, the water at room temperature, and allow 12-24 hours for brewing.


Brewing Tip: The longer your coffee and water remain in the brewing cycle, the coarser you need to make the grind. For example, a 5-minute French press requires a coarse setting like rock salt. Espresso requires a fine grind. Think fine table salt.


Serve It Up Homestyle


Just because you’re on the road, it doesn’t mean you have to resort to Styrofoam or plastic cups. You deserve better and so does the planet!


Go for a reusable coffee mug like KeepCups. Not only are they stylish, they reduce waste.

reusable travel coffee mug
KeepCup

They’re made from soda lime glass, microwavable, light, and have a cork band that keeps your hands from getting burned.


Go for a reusable coffee mug like KeepCups. Not only are they stylish, they reduce waste. They’re made from soda-lime glass, microwavable, light, and have a cork band that keeps your hands from getting burned.


Learn more about them on Amazon here.


Besides, coffee just tastes better when it’s sitting in a classy mug.


I Don’t Want to Go to All That Trouble


Got it. Then do what any self-respecting coffee lover would do. Hit up a local café and let them do the heavy lifting for your travel coffee.


If you’re passing through Staunton, VA, stop by Jake’s Convenience and visit our sister store, The Coffee Cave. We serve up fresh gourmet coffee all day long.


We’ll give you your java fix in a hurry and get you back on the road. Learn more about us here: https://www.jakescave.com

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