So many ways to brew...
The key to brewing a cup of great coffee is to start with great beans. After all, your cup of coffee is a derivative of the beans you use to brew it. Click the button below to make sure that you are brewing with the best.
Already picked up some coffee? Great! Explore the brewing methods below to ensure you are having the best possible experience.
Brewing Methods
Pour-Over
Brewing pour-over coffee is a simple and rewarding process that can result in a delicious cup of coffee. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to brew pour-over coffee:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Freshly roasted coffee beans
- Grinder
- Pour-over dripper (such as Hario V60, Kalita Wave, Chemex)
- Paper filter specific to your dripper
- Kettle
- Scale
- Timer
- Mug or carafe
- Water
Instructions:
- Grind your coffee: Measure out the amount of coffee beans you'll need based on your desired coffee-to-water ratio. We recommend using the 1:16 rule, meaning that you use 1 part coffee and 16 parts water by weight. A good starting place is 25g of coffee and 400g of water. This makes a mug sized cup of coffee. A medium-fine grind works well for most pour-over methods. Use a burr grinder for a consistent grind.
- Prepare your filter: Place the paper filter into the pour-over dripper. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any papery taste and preheat the brewing vessel. Discard the rinse water.
- Measure and add coffee grounds: Place the dripper on top of your mug or carafe and add the ground coffee. Shake the dripper gently to level the coffee grounds.
- Start the pour-over process: Start your timer and heat water in the kettle to the desired temperature (around 195°F to 205°F or 90°C to 96°C). Slowly pour enough water (around twice the weight of coffee grounds) over the coffee grounds to saturate them evenly, allowing the coffee to bloom. This blooming process releases trapped gases in the coffee, enhancing flavor extraction. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds.
- Pour in stages: After the bloom, continue pouring water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward, keeping the coffee grounds saturated. Avoid pouring directly on the filter to prevent channeling. Maintain a steady pour, periodically stopping to let the water level decrease, then pour again. Aim to complete pouring within 2-3 minutes.
- Control the flow: Adjust the speed and flow of your pour to control the extraction rate. Slower pours can extract more flavors, while faster pours might yield a lighter cup.
- Allow the coffee to drip: Once you've poured the desired amount of water over the grounds, allow the remaining water to drip through the coffee bed, ensuring even extraction. From the time you start pouring to the time the coffee stops dripping, you should be aiming for roughly 3.5 to 4.5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the dripper from your mug or carafe. Swirl the brewed coffee gently to mix the flavors. Pour into your favorite mug and savor the freshly brewed pour-over coffee.
Remember, brewing coffee is both a science and an art, so feel free to experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, and pouring techniques to find your perfect cup of pour-over coffee!
Espresso
Brewing espresso is a more intricate and specific process compared to other coffee brewing methods. Here's a concise step-by-step guide on how to brew espresso using an espresso machine:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Freshly roasted espresso beans
- Espresso machine
- Burr grinder
- Tamper
- Scale
- Portafilter
- Timer
- Filter basket
- Water
Instructions:
- Preheat the espresso machine: Turn on the espresso machine and allow it to heat up properly. Preheating ensures the machine is at the optimal temperature for brewing.
- Grind your coffee: Measure the desired amount of espresso beans and grind them to a fine consistency using a burr grinder. The grind size for espresso is finer than regular drip coffee, resembling table salt.
- Prepare the portafilter: Insert the filter basket into the portafilter and add the freshly ground coffee. Use a consistent amount of coffee based on your portafilter size and preferred espresso shot size. 18g of coffee is a good place to start if you are using a double basket.
- Tamp the coffee grounds: Use a tamper to evenly compress the coffee grounds in the portafilter. Apply firm and even pressure to create a level and compact puck of coffee grounds.
- Brew the espresso shot: Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine's group head. Place your cup underneath the portafilter spout. Start the extraction process, aiming for a shot that takes around 25-30 seconds to brew. Adjust the grind size, tamping pressure, and shot time as needed to achieve the right extraction. Courser coffee makes the shot faster, finer coffee makes the shot slower. More tamping pressure makes the shot slower, less pressure makes the shot faster. More coffee (dose) makes the shot slower, less coffee makes the shot faster.
- Monitor the shot: Watch the espresso as it extracts into your cup. A well-extracted shot should have a thick, golden crema on top and a balanced, rich flavor profile.
- Stop the extraction: Once you've reached the desired shot volume or extraction time, stop the espresso machine's pump to end the extraction. A good shot volume to start at is double the weight in ground coffee you used. So, if you used 18g of coffee, stop the shot at 36g of espresso by weight.
- Clean the portafilter: Remove the portafilter from the machine and discard the used coffee grounds. Rinse the portafilter and filter basket to prepare for the next shot.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the freshly brewed espresso shot into a pre-warmed cup. Espresso can be enjoyed as is or used as the base for various espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos.
Mastering the art of brewing espresso takes practice and fine-tuning of various factors, including grind size, coffee dosage, tamping pressure, and extraction time. Experimentation and adjustments will help you achieve your preferred flavor profile for a perfect shot of espresso.
French Press
Brewing coffee using a French press is a straightforward and popular method that results in a rich and full-bodied cup. Here's a concise step-by-step guide on how to brew French press coffee:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- French press
- Kettle
- Timer
- Stirring utensil
- Water
Instructions:
- Measure the coffee: Use a coarser grind setting and measure out the desired amount of coffee beans based on your taste preference and the size of your French press. A standard ratio is around 1:15 coffee to water.
- Preheat the French press: Pour hot water into the French press to preheat it. Swirl the hot water around and then discard it.
- Add coffee grounds: Place the coarsely ground coffee into the preheated French press.
- Heat water: Boil water in the kettle and allow it to cool slightly for a minute or two, as the ideal temperature for brewing coffee is around 200°F (93°C).
- Pour water and bloom: Start the timer and pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds, enough to saturate them. Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are wet. Let it bloom for around 30 seconds.
- Pour remaining water: Slowly pour the remaining hot water into the French press, covering all the grounds. Fill it to the desired level but leave some space at the top to avoid spillage while plunging.
- Place the lid and steep: Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up to retain heat. Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. Adjust the steeping time to suit your taste preferences.
- Plunge and pour: After the steeping time is complete, slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. Apply gentle pressure to avoid forcing the grounds through the filter.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug and savor the rich flavors of French press coffee.
French press brewing allows for customization based on personal taste preferences. You can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and steeping time to achieve the flavor profile you desire. Experimenting with these variables will help you find the perfect cup of French press coffee.
Auto-Dripper
Brewing coffee using an auto-dripper, such as a drip coffee maker, is a convenient and easy method. Here's a concise step-by-step guide on how to brew coffee using an auto-dripper:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Freshly ground coffee beans
- Auto-drip coffee maker
- Paper filter (if required)
- Water
- Mug or carafe
Instructions:
- Prepare the coffee maker: If using a paper filter, place it in the filter basket of the coffee maker. Make sure the carafe or mug is in place to collect the brewed coffee.
- Measure coffee: Determine the amount of coffee you want to brew. A general guideline is using about 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, but adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Add water: Fill the water reservoir of the coffee maker with the appropriate amount of fresh, cold water. Use the markings or measurements on the coffee maker if available.
- Add coffee grounds: Add the measured coffee grounds to the filter basket. Spread the grounds evenly to ensure uniform extraction.
- Start the brewing process: Close the lid of the coffee maker and start the brewing cycle. The machine will heat the water and drip it over the coffee grounds in the filter basket.
- Wait for brewing to complete: Allow the machine to complete the brewing process. It typically takes a few minutes for the water to pass through the coffee grounds and drip into the carafe or mug.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the brewing is complete, carefully remove the carafe or mug from the coffee maker. Pour yourself a cup of freshly brewed coffee and enjoy.
- Keep the coffee warm: If your coffee maker has a warming plate or temperature control, place the carafe back on it to keep the coffee warm.
Auto-drippers offer convenience and consistency in brewing coffee. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and grind size to achieve your preferred strength and flavor profile. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the coffee maker will also contribute to better-tasting coffee and ensure the longevity of the machine. Always refer to your particular machine's user manual to ensure proper operation of the machine.
Aeropress
Brewing coffee with an AeroPress is a versatile and efficient method that allows for a customizable and flavorful cup. Here's a concise step-by-step guide on how to brew coffee using an AeroPress:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- AeroPress
- AeroPress filter
- Freshly ground coffee beans
- Kettle
- Stirring utensil
- Timer
- Water
- Mug
Instructions:
- Prepare the AeroPress: Insert a paper filter into the detachable AeroPress cap and rinse it with hot water to eliminate any paper taste. Attach the cap to the AeroPress and place it on top of a sturdy mug.
- Measure and add coffee grounds: Determine the amount of coffee you want to brew and measure it out. Use a finer grind, similar to table salt, for AeroPress. Add the coffee grounds into the AeroPress chamber.
- Heat water: Boil water in a kettle and allow it to cool slightly for about 30 seconds to a minute, aiming for a temperature between 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C).
- Pour water and stir: Start the timer and pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in the AeroPress. Stir the mixture gently for a few seconds to ensure all the grounds are saturated and evenly distributed.
- Insert the plunger and steep: Place the plunger into the AeroPress and create a seal, ensuring no coffee drips through. Let the coffee steep for about 1 minute.
- Press and extract: After the steeping time, slowly and steadily press the plunger down with consistent pressure. The brewed coffee will be forced through the filter into the mug.
- Adjust and serve: Once the AeroPress is fully pressed, you can add more hot water to the brewed coffee to adjust its strength, making it similar to an Americano. Alternatively, enjoy the concentrated brew for a stronger coffee experience.
- Cleanup: Eject the used coffee grounds and paper filter by pushing the plunger further. Rinse the AeroPress components for easy cleaning.
- Enjoy your coffee: Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your mug and savor the flavors of your AeroPress-brewed coffee.
The AeroPress brewing method allows for experimentation with various variables like coffee-to-water ratio, brewing time, and water temperature to achieve your desired flavor profile. Feel free to adjust these factors to find your perfect cup of AeroPress coffee.
Cold Brew
Cold Brew is a great way to easily create delicious iced drinks, fantastic for any occasion. This set of instruction specifically uses a 1:10 brew ratio which creates ready to consume cold brew that does not require dilution. You can adjust the ration down to as low as 1:2 to create concentrates that can be cut to create more servings. We have been loving our Single Origin prepared this way.
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans (if starting with whole bean coffee, grind the desired quantity of coffee on the coarsest setting your grinder can acheive.)
- Filtered water
- A large container or pitcher
- A cheesecloth or a large coffee filter paper or a cold brew coffee ground containing device of your choosing
- Optional: additional flavorings like vanilla extract or cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- For a 1:10 ratio, measure 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of coarsely ground coffee beans for every 1000 milliliters (about 33.8 ounces or 4 cups) of water.
- Pour the measured coffee grounds into your cheesecloth or filter paper and tie it off so that the grounds cannot escape and then place it in your container. Slowly add the cold filtered water to the container to initiate the brewing process.
- Put a lid on the container, and place it in the fridge for a brewing time of 12-24 hours. We recommend a sweet spot of about 14 hours. This helps to ensure a well balanced cup. Pro Tip: set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget about it.
- Take your cold brew out of the fridge and carefully remove your grounds parcel. If you accidentally, puncture the filter paper or cheesecloth doing so, you can run the cold brew through a fine mesh strainer to remove any ground that were released.
- Enjoy! Pour some of that cold brew over ice and enjoy some crisp refreshment. Feel free to add some simple syrup or other flavors of your choosing along with some milk if you want a creamier treat.
- Store the remainder in the fridge! Cold brew can be in the fridge for up to two weeks before discarding, but we doubt it will last that long once you realize how good it is.