Making a good cup of coffee at home comes down to fresh grounds, the right ratio, and hot but not boiling water. This covers the everyday drip or pour-over method most people use, with the basics that apply to almost any brewer. Get these right and you will have a balanced, satisfying cup.
What you'll need
- Ground coffee
- A coffee maker or pour-over dripper
- A filter if needed
- Fresh water
- A mug
Step by step
- Start with fresh waterFill the reservoir or kettle with fresh, cold water, since water is most of the cup and stale water dulls the taste.
- Measure the coffeeUse roughly 1 to 2 tablespoons of grounds per 6 ounces of water, adjusting to how strong you like it.
- Add a filter and groundsPlace a filter if your brewer uses one, add the measured grounds, and level them so water flows through evenly.
- Brew with hot waterLet a machine run its cycle, or for pour-over slowly pour water just off the boil over the grounds in stages until the mug is full.
- Serve freshPour and drink it soon after brewing, since coffee left on a hot plate turns bitter and flat.
Handy tips
- Grind whole beans just before brewing for noticeably fresher flavor.
- Use water just off the boil, around 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than fully boiling.
- Clean your coffee maker regularly, as old oils build up and make coffee taste stale.
FAQ
How much coffee per cup?
A common guide is 1 to 2 tablespoons of grounds per 6 ounces of water. Start in the middle and adjust to taste.
Should the water be boiling?
No. Water just off the boil, around 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, extracts best. Fully boiling water can scorch the grounds and add bitterness.
Why does my coffee taste bitter?
Common causes are too-fine a grind, water that is too hot, over-brewing, or coffee sitting on a hot plate. Adjust one factor at a time.