For coffee lovers, the little difference that makes your day great is having a well-brewed cup of coffee. While there’s no magic formula for the perfect cup of coffee, one thing is clear: the better you get to know your coffee machine, the better your coffee will taste.
DRIP MACHINE
APPARATUS: High temperature drip machine, or single-serve
GRIND: Medium
BEST FOR: Mornings when you are in a hurry and need something simple.
– Place 2 tablespoons for every 8 oz. of filtered water into the appropriate filter for your machine.
– Press brew, and enjoy!
NOTES: Most drip coffee makers do not reach the proper temperature for optimal coffee brewing. While it matters less for normal coffees, if you want a better coffee experience – particularly with craft coffees – consider investing in a high-temperature drip machine.
FRENCH PRESS
APPARATUS: French press
GRIND: Coarse
BEST FOR: When you want a full-bodied, rustic coffee experience.
– Bring filtered water to a boil. Amount will vary by size of French press.
– Coarsely grind 2 tablespoons of whole beans to every 8 oz of water and put into French press.
– Once water is ready, slowly pour water over the grounds until press is ¼ of the way full, then stir.
– Add remaining water. Place lid with plunger on top of the grounds.
– Let coffee steep for 4 minutes.
– Press filter down and enjoy!
POUR OVER
APPARATUS: Pour over cone
GRIND: Medium
BEST FOR: When you have a bit more time, and are craving a more complex cup. Similar to your drip coffee maker, but better.
– Bring 23 oz. of filtered water to a boil.
– Grind 2-3 tablespoons of whole beans to a medium grind (similar to sea salt).
– Place filter in a clean cone/dripper.
– Pour about 2-3 oz. of hot water into your filter fully saturating it and warming the container and cup.
– Empty your warm cup or carafe.
– Pour ground coffee into the filter and even out.
– Starting at center, carefully pour water into the grounds. You should have twice the amount of water to grounds.
– Continue to pour water slowly and carefully so that it does not over flow. If you have 2-3 tablespoons of coffee, you will want 20 oz of water. The pouring process will take 2-3 minutes. Enjoy!
COLD BREWER
APPARATUS: Cold brewer
GRIND: Coarse
BEST FOR: Iced coffee, or for people with low acid tolerance. Cold brewing can take up to 12 hours.
– Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the elevated vessel.
– Add 1 pound coarsely ground coffee.
– Place the rain lid on the elevated vessel. Slowly pour 64 fl. oz of water over the grounds in a circular motion; try to get all of the grounds wet.
– Wait 5 minutes.
– If some grounds remain dry, tamp them down with the back of a spoon. Do not stir.
– Allow 12 hours to pass.
– Place the glass decanter under the elevated vessel, and release the coffee concentrate, yielding 48 fl. oz. of concentrate, which will last for up to 14 days.
– Add concentrate to iced or hot water (including cream, if you desire) in a 1:3 ratio.