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There's nothing like a good cuppa joe in the morning, whether it's from your favourite coffee shop or right from your very own kitchen. But you've got to admit: the latter is a bit more convenient (and a bit more economical!).

Here are five tips for making the perfect pot of coffee:

1. Know your beans: Do you know the difference between a light roast and a dark roast? Most people assume that a dark roast is stronger, and a light roast is, well, lighter. But that's not the case. The type or roast actually just refers to the colour of the bean. Light roasts are higher in caffiene and have a stronger flavour because more of the natural oils remain in the bean. Dark roasts are a bit sweeter in taste and have a smoother flavour.

2. Keep it fresh: Buy your beans whole, store them in a cool, dark place (not in the fridge!) in a sealed container. Freezing beans can be a good option, but if you do, divide the beans up into weekly portions so you don’t end up exposing frozen beans to warm air and then refreezing them.

3. Grind them at home: Coffee will taste its best when the beans are freshly ground. Grind just enough immediately before brewing.

4. Keep it clean: Always wash your coffee machine between brews. Any leftover coffee residue or grounds will leave a dull, rancid flavour, which will then transfer to your fresh brew.

5. Cool it: Use cold, fresh water in your coffee machine. Stagnant, distilled, or soft water will not do.
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Happy St. Patrick's Day! I don't know how to pronounce it, but I will say Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig, or I wish you the blessings of St. Patrick's Day and all of the luck that comes with it.

Now for the tasty stuff. Here are five great ways to be a little bit Irish today.

1. Drink Green Beer. Really, how much more needs to be said about that? If you're staying in and want to make it yourself, the best way to go about it is to add a few drops of green food colouring to the bottom of the glass, then pour in the beer.

2. Drink a Guinness. or, mix it up with a "Black and Tan". First, pour Ale into a glass so it is half full. Next, add Guinness, but pour it over the back of a spoon so the Ale and Guinness remain separated. Bottoms up!

3. Corned Beef and Cabbage. How much more Irish could a meal be than Corned Beef and Cabbage? Have a few people over, drink your beer, and enjoy this traditional Irish meal. Check out this recipe from Cooking Light.

4. Eat a Potato. Though potatoes are a staple food in Ireland, the recipes are definitely not boring. On a day like today, what with it being St. Paddy's Day and all, switch it up and make your potatoes green -try out these St. Paddy's Potatoes with Green Sauce from Sunset Magazine.

5. Make Your Coffee Irish. You may usually finish off a meal with a cup of coffee, but today make that coffee Irish. Pour about 1/2 cup of strong coffee in a clear glass, and add sugar to taste. Add one ounce whiskey, and stir well. Next, pour 2 tbsp cream over the back of a spoon (the same way as with the Guinness above) so it sits on top of the coffee mixture. Enjoy!
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