How To Make Instant Coffee At Home (Step-By-Step)

Last updated on November 15th, 2024 at 12:40 pm

Do you think instant coffee is the worst? I used to think the same thing. For years, I was convinced instant coffee was just an emergency option.

Only there for those moments when you were stuck without your favorite brew. I avoided it at all costs—until one day, I found myself on a hiking trip with no access to my regular coffee setup.

A friend of mine pulled out a pack of instant coffee and I gave in, reluctantly. To my surprise, it wasn’t half bad. Actually, it was pretty decent—smooth, flavorful, and way better than I ever expected.

That experience changed my perspective, and now I’m all about finding the best ways to make instant coffee taste even better. If you’re like me and think all instant coffee is bland and bitter, stick around.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to brew a perfect cup of instant coffee, which brands to look for, and some pro tips to get the most out of it. You might just become a fan like I did!

What Is Instant Coffee?

Instant coffee is a form of brewed coffee that’s been dehydrated into a concentrated powder or crystals. This allows you to make a cup simply by adding hot water.

It’s essentially pre-brewed coffee that’s been processed to remove the water content, making it super convenient for quick, on-the-go coffee without the need for fancy equipment.

Whether you’re rushing out the door or camping in the great outdoors, instant coffee can be a lifesaver.

I used to think instant coffee meant drinking bad coffee. But with so many brands improving their quality over the years, that’s no longer the case!  

Now, you can find specialty roasts in an instant format that actually taste like a proper cup of coffee. It’s all about choosing the right brand, and I’ll get into that later.

Brief History

Instant coffee has existed for over a century. However, it gained popularity in the early 20th century. The first commercially successful version was created by Satori Kato, a Japanese chemist, in 1901.

But, it wasn’t until World War II that instant coffee really took off, thanks to its portability and long shelf life—perfect for soldiers needing a quick caffeine fix.

Brands like Nescafé became household names during this time, and instant coffee became a global staple for convenience.

Over the years, instant coffee evolved from a cheap, last-resort option into a go-to for many coffee drinkers who value both speed and taste.

Favorite Instant Coffee Brands (My Suggestions)

After trying many different options, I’ve landed on a few favorites that consistently hit the mark for flavor, convenience, and quality.

Mount Hagen Organic Fair Trade Instant Coffee

Mount Hagen is hands down my top choice. It’s organic, fair-trade, and packs a punch in terms of flavor. I love that it’s not too bitter but still bold enough to satisfy my morning coffee cravings.

Plus, it’s eco-friendly and doesn’t have that artificial aftertaste you get with some instant coffees. It’s perfect for camping trips or busy mornings when you don’t have time to brew a full pot.

Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee

If you’re craving that Starbucks experience at home, VIA is a solid option. The flavor is surprisingly rich for an instant coffee, with deep, roasted notes that remind you of the actual coffee shop.

It’s a bit more expensive than other brands. But the convenience and flavor make it worth the occasional splurge.

Nescafé Azera Americano

For those days when you want a smooth, barista-style coffee, Nescafé Azera delivers. It’s my go-to for when I need a quick caffeine fix without compromising on taste. The Americano blend is smooth, with a nice balance of flavor and strength.

Popular Instant Coffee Recipes

I’ve discovered a few recipes that really elevate the experience beyond a simple cup of black coffee. So here are some recipes I suggest:

Instant Coffee Iced Latte

This is a go-to for hot days or when you’re craving something refreshing. Dissolve a spoonful of instant coffee in just a little hot water, enough to make a smooth paste.

Add ice to a glass, pour in your favorite milk (I usually go for almond or oat), and stir in the dissolved coffee. A touch of sweetener like honey or vanilla syrup adds a nice kick.

Instant Coffee Mocha

Who doesn’t love the chocolate-coffee combo? For a quick mocha, mix your instant coffee with a little cocoa powder and sugar before adding hot water.

Then stir until everything dissolves nicely, then top it off with steamed milk. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a bit of extra cocoa or cinnamon on top for that café-style finish.

Dalgona Coffee

This one went viral for a reason—it’s fun to make and even better to drink. Whip together equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until you get a frothy and light consistency.

Spoon this whipped coffee on top of a glass of cold milk (again, any milk works), stir, and enjoy! It’s a fun twist that feels almost like a coffee dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Instant Coffee

Through my experience, I encountered some mistakes. Here’s what you can do to avoid them:

1 – Using Boiling Water

One of my biggest mistakes was pouring boiling water directly onto the coffee. It seems logical, but boiling water can actually burn the coffee granules, leaving you with a bitter taste.

Instead, aim for water just below boiling—around 195°F to 205°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just let the water sit for about 30 seconds after boiling before pouring it in.

2 – Adding Too Much Coffee

Early on, I’d try to make my coffee stronger by dumping in more granules, but it often ended up too harsh or overly bitter.

The trick is balance. Stick to about one to two teaspoons per cup and adjust gradually to your taste. If you want a stronger brew, it’s better to use less water than overloading on the coffee.

3 – Skipping Stirring

This one seems minor, but not stirring the instant coffee well can leave clumps that don’t dissolve.

I remember taking a sip once and getting a mouthful of powder—definitely not pleasant. Always give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed in evenly, and you won’t have to deal with gritty surprises.

Storing Instant Coffee Correctly to Maintain Freshness

I’d like to give you a few tips to help you keep your instant coffee fresh and tasting fabulous.

1 – Avoid Leaving Coffee in Original Packaging

For the longest time, I left my instant coffee in its original packaging, tucked in a kitchen cabinet, thinking that would keep it fresh. But after a few weeks, I noticed that it started tasting a bit stale—definitely not the vibrant, smooth taste I was expecting.

2 – Use an Airtight Container

Now, I always transfer my instant coffee into an airtight container once I open it. This keeps out moisture and air, which are the main problems for dulling the flavor.

Glass containers work best, but any airtight jar or canister will do the trick. If you don’t have one on hand, resealing the coffee bag as tightly as possible is your next best option.

3 – Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Another tip is to store it in a cool, dark place—away from heat and sunlight. I used to keep my coffee near the stove (super convenient, right?), but the heat really shortens the coffee’s shelf life.

Now I keep it in a pantry, away from any temperature changes, and it stays fresh much longer.

4 – First In, First Out (FIFO)

If you’re stocking up on instant coffee, make sure to use the oldest batch first to avoid it going bad before you even get to it!

Little steps like these really help keep your instant coffee tasting great for weeks or even months.

Last Thoughts

Making a great instant coffee at home doesn’t have to be complicated. You can have an amazing coffee in no time with the right instant coffee.

Remember to use hot water at the perfect temperature and a few personal touches like milk or sweetener. Whether you’re rushing in the morning or just craving a quick coffee fix, these steps can help you get the most out of your instant coffee.

I’d love to hear how you make your instant coffee! Have any tips or favorite brands to share? Just drop them in the comments, or feel free to ask any questions you might have. And with that voilà!