Coffee is mostly water. More than ninety-eight percent of every cup you brew is made up of it, yet it’s often the most ignored ingredient. Poor water quality can flatten flavours, dull acidity, and mask the complexity of your beans. You can have the best coffee, the finest grinder, and a precise brewing method, but if your water is unbalanced, you’ll never taste the coffee’s full potential.

Minerals play a central role in how coffee extracts and how flavours develop in the cup. The right combination can make your coffee taste sweeter, clearer, and more vibrant. The wrong balance can make it taste muddy or sharp. That’s where Apax Lab steps in.

A new sponsor for The Home Barista Show

Apax Lab has joined The Home Barista Show as an official sponsor, alongside Brewing Gadgets, Comandante, Acaia, and the UFO Dripper. Their work focuses on precision-engineered mineral concentrates designed specifically for brewing coffee. These blends are trusted by World Champions and more than 150 National Champions, yet they’re simple enough for anyone to use at home.

By treating water minerals as a core ingredient rather than an afterthought, Apax Lab gives brewers control over their water chemistry in the same way a chef controls seasoning in a dish. It’s an approach that brings out more from your beans without requiring expensive filtration systems or complex recipes.

The three blends: Tonik, Jamm, and Lylac

Apax Lab offers three unique mineral profiles, each designed to enhance coffee in different ways.

Tonik [1]

Formulated with sodium and magnesium, Tonik brightens acidity and adds vibrancy. It’s ideal for lighter roasts or coffees with delicate fruit notes.

Jamm [2]

A balanced combination of calcium, potassium, and sodium that boosts sweetness and adds a creamy texture. It’s a favourite for medium and darker roasts.

Lylac [3]

A calcium-free blend that uses sulfates and potassium to highlight floral aromas and create a silky mouthfeel. Perfect for coffees with layered aromatics and complexity.

Each blend comes in a 100ml bottle and only requires a few drops per brew. They’re available individually or as a complete set, making them easy to store and cost-effective.

Why Apax Lab is different from bottled water, filtration, and DIY recipes

Most coffee brewers turn to one of three solutions for water: bottled water, filtration systems, or DIY mineral recipes. Bottled water is inconsistent from batch to batch and can be expensive. Filtration systems require significant investment and ongoing maintenance. DIY recipes can be effective but require technical know-how, accurate measurement, and specialised equipment.

Apax Lab offers an alternative: competition-grade water chemistry in a ready-to-use format. No special tools, no guesswork, and no steep learning curve. It’s accessible for beginners yet trusted by top-tier competitors.

How to use Apax Lab for better brewing

Using Apax Lab takes seconds and can be done in two ways:

Before brewing: Add the recommended number of drops to your brewing water to ensure even mineral distribution and optimal extraction.

After brewing: Add a drop or two directly into your brewed coffee to fine-tune the flavour, just as you might add a pinch of seasoning before serving a meal.

This flexibility makes Apax Lab valuable for home brewers, café owners, roasters, and competition baristas. It removes the uncertainty from water adjustment and helps you achieve consistent results with every brew.

Trusted by champions and home brewers alike

Apax Lab’s blends are used by leading coffee professionals and passionate home brewers. Endorsements include:

  • Young, World Cup Tasters Champion 2023 – “Like equalising your brew to hit the right bass, mids, and trebles.”
  • Julijan, founder of Brew Methods – “Opens up a whole other world of possibilities.”
  • Anders, Home Brewer – “A spice rack for a barista.”
  • Lorena, Green Buyer – “Super easy to adjust and replicate.”

These voices highlight how the blends work in both high-level competitions and everyday kitchens.

Try Apax Lab at The Home Barista Show

Visitors to The Home Barista Show will have the chance to taste the difference Apax Lab makes. Live demonstrations will show how each blend changes the sensory profile of the same coffee, proving how water chemistry can unlock flavour potential. Blends will be available to purchase at the event, so you can replicate the results at home.

If you can’t attend, Apax Lab products are also available from Brewing Gadgets.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Apax Lab in espresso machines?

Do not add drops directly into the boiler water of an espresso machine, as certain minerals can damage internal components. Instead, add Apax Lab after extraction directly into your espresso or milk beverage.

Do I need special water to start?

For best results, start with filtered or distilled water, then add Apax Lab according to the recommended dosage.

How long does one bottle last?

A 100ml bottle typically lasts several months for home brewers, depending on usage.

Is it only for competitions?

No. While many champions use Apax Lab in competition, it is equally useful for home brewers, cafés, and roasters who want consistency and clarity in their coffee.