How To Make the Best-Tasting Instant Coffee

Instant Coffee Done Right 

Life isn't always fair. Although we’d love to brew our favorite cup of Fair Trade and organic whole bean or ground coffee every time we're craving a caffeinated pick-me-up, most of us have to reach for instant coffee a time or two, the more convenient, less time-consuming option. In fact, 5.25 million people in the United States—that's 35 million people worldwide—drink instant coffee regularly.

Although some people might find instant coffee to be less flavorful than regular brewed coffee, it is still a popular choice for people who are short on time. And just like regular brewed coffee, instant coffee contains antioxidants that improve your overall health and can lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancers. So when you can't brew your favorite whole bean or ground coffee, instant coffee will help you enjoy that relaxing coffee break—without the hard work of making it.  

If you've debated trying instant coffee—for whatever reason, here's everything you need to know about how to make the best-tasting instant coffee possible.  

[Photo credit: Jose Hernandez via Unsplash] 

Why Instant Coffee?  

Instant coffee is the perfect solution when you're in an area where you don’t have access to a coffee maker—whether you're camping, serving in the military, traveling internationally—or even to the International Space Station! It’s also perfect for when you don’t have enough minutes in the day to make your favorite cup of joe. It was first created in the early 1900s and has continued to grow in popularity in recent years. In fact, a lot of countries in Europe and Asia actually prefer instant coffee to regular brewing methods. You can tuck an instant coffee packet in your pocket, your purse or backpack—you’ll be ready to enjoy a cup anywhere your day takes you. Just heat your water and go—no fancy equipment needed. It’s simple, versatile, saves money for your tight budget and is ready in an instant—quite literally! You can also use instant coffee in recipes, too. 

What Is Instant Coffee? 

If you're a regular coffee drinker and prefer methods like the Chemex or a simple auto-drip maker, instant coffee definitely has a different taste. But that taste doesn't have to be bad. Just like the regular stuff, instant coffee comes from real brewed coffee beans, too. The main difference between instant coffee and brewed coffee is that instant is made by dissolving ground coffee beans in hot or cold water or milk, while brewed coffee is made by boiling water and then pouring it over ground coffee beans. Instant is brewed into a thick liquid and then converted into a powder by freeze-drying or spray-drying the concentrated brewed coffee. As a result, there is generally a chalky consistency and somewhat sour taste connected to instant coffee. But the secret to achieving the best taste relies on finding the perfect balance of quality coffee, good water and the right temperature. You can also customize instant coffee to suit your taste by adding a variety of options. 

[Photo credit: Christina Rumpf via Unsplash] 

What's the Best Way To Make Instant Coffee Taste Good? 

1. Buy quality instant coffee

When it comes to picking out instant coffee, skimping on the quality of your instant coffee will leave you with an underwhelming cup of coffee. Just remember—cheap coffee will taste cheap. Try to find instant coffee that is made from quality Fair Trade and organic coffee beans and the package is labeled "freeze-dried" instead of "spray-dried." Freeze-dried coffee produces a truer coffee flavor.  

2. Use filtered water

Use fresh, filtered water to get the best taste—the type of water you use has a huge effect on how your coffee ends up tasting. Never use tap water, which can sometimes taste acidic or even metallic and can destroy the fresh aroma of your quality instant coffee. No matter what, do not microwave your water. We recommend heating between 190 F and 205 F, which is hot—but not boiling. Adding instant to boiling water will make your instant coffee taste bitter or even burnt, so have your kettles on standby to add that fresh water every time. 

3. Measure your instant coffee in a mug 

Using the wrong coffee-to-water ratio is the most common mistake when brewing since the ratio relies on the coffee brand. Follow the package instructions, but if it's too watery or too strong for your taste, adjust based on your taste buds. Each packet of Death Wish Dark Roast Instant Coffee contains 4.0 grams of instant, high-caffeine coffee that packs 300 milligrams of caffeine. In general, let your taste buds control your coffee ratio. For most coffees, the ideal is 1-2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of water. 

[Photo credit: Vanesa Giaconi via Unsplash] 

4. Add a little cold water

Instant coffee granules contain amylum, a complex carbohydrate that hardens to create a powdery, chalky taste and consistency. As an option, you can add a little cold water before you add the rest. Only add enough to wet all of the coffee to soften then amylum and turn it into a paste. Then pour the mix over hot water and stir some more. This helps give your instant coffee a smoother flavor.  

5. Pour in the hot water 

Add your hot water and enjoy! You may need to adjust this a little according to your taste. Try an extra teaspoon of coffee if it's too watery or add more hot water if it's too strong. Simply adjusting those two ingredients will save your waistline from the urge to add too many alternative sweeteners, too!  

[Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash] 

6. Add a boost

Adding some fun options to your cup of instant coffee will also help you alter the taste to your liking. Consider adding milk to instant coffee, plant-based creamer, homemade creamer or sugar, if you're into that sort of thing. On the sweeter side, you could even add a spoonful of whipped cream or cocoa powder (for an extra jolt of caffeine too), a little bit of butter, honey on top or some cinnamon to spice up the instant coffee. Salt, herbs, frothed milk and orange juice are other tasty options to try. If you’re feeling really bold, add a shot of Baileys or some whiskey to create a perfect caffeinated buzz—and some interesting flavors. If you need to adjust the taste, experiment with what works for you.  

If you’re not feelin’ a hot cup of instant coffee, try mixing a shot of hot water with the instant coffee and pour the mixture over a cup full of ice cubes—voila—iced coffee. You can always top it off with creamer—or even whipped cream and feel like you’ve just discovered your dream job as a barista. Oh—and another way to drink your instant coffee cold is by blending it with the ice to make a frozen instant coffee drink. 

[Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash] 

7. Store instant coffee

If you're taking your instant coffee with you on the go, grab your Death Wish Dark Roast Instant Coffee packets and head out! The individual packets will keep water and air out, ensuring the taste stays fresh for longer. If you buy your instant coffee in bulk, always store it in an airtight coffee canister for optimal freshness.   

8. Grab your favorite mug every time

Most of us enjoy the feel of our favorite mug almost as much as our favorite cup of coffee. But just like coffee comes in a variety of types, blends and flavors, so do those mugs. Each mug can hold different amounts of water. Depending on the mug size (and teaspoon size used to measure the instant coffee), you will get a different taste, depending on how much water you add to the cup. The feeling of holding the mug to your lips is totally a personal choice, too. Do you prefer plastic (eww!), porcelain or thick ceramic mugs? Whatever your preference, stick to it to ensure your cup of instant coffee tastes great every time.  

Instant coffee is a great way to save time and money. Whether you’re running late for work, or you don’t have time to take a coffee break—or maybe you’re in the middle of the wilderness on a hiking adventure, take instant coffee. Finding the right balance of coffee, water and temperature (and maybe some additional sweeteners) will help you enjoy a great cup of coffee when time (and money) is of the essence. 

[Featured Image Credit: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash]

Related: Instant Coffee Brownie Recipe and Instant Coffee vs. Ground Coffee