Whether it’s hot or cold coffee, you probably have a go-to coffee brewing method you return to every day, but have you had the chance to explore different brewing methods? From Pour Over to French Press here’s everything you need to know about the different brewing methods and how to prepare them.
The Importance of Brewing Coffee Correctly
If you know a thing or two about specialty coffee, you know that not only the origin and roast type, but the brewing method can also affect the quality of your coffee. Not all brewing methods are created equal. Some require finer coffee grounds, while others require them to be coarse. Some take 4 minutes to brew, while others may take 24 hours! This guide will help you find the best brewing method for you and teach you how to prepare it.
The Different Types of Coffee Brewing Methods
1. Pour Over
Pour over, also known as drip coffee or V60 coffee, is made by slowly pouring hot water over coarse grounds. This method is best used to highlight the flavor of single-origin coffee.
How to Prepare Pour Over
For best results, use 22 grams of coffee grounds for every 350 grams of water. Add a paper filter to a dripper that sits above a beaker or a pot. Add your coffee grounds into the filter. Begin pouring hot water slowly over the coffee, starting at the outside and moving toward the center in a circular motion. Stop pouring once the grounds are barely wet. You will need to do these steps 3 more times with breaks in between to allow the water to soak the coffee grounds and drip through.
2. French Press
The French press method offers a full-bodied experience that’s slightly stronger than pour over coffee.
How to Prepare French Press
With the French press method, coffee grounds are fully immersed in water and strained through a metal filter, allowing oils and all the flavor to be released into your morning cup of coffee.
3. Siphon
Interested in an artistic, tea-like cup of coffee? While it may look like a lab experiment, the Siphon brewing method is just a fancy way of making coffee.
How to Prepare Siphon
To make coffee using a Siphon, add water to the bottom bulb. Allow the flame to heat the water to a boil before it moves to the hopper. Once hot, add coffee grounds, stir, and remove the Siphon from above the heat. The change in pressure will push the coffee down the filter, resulting in a flavorful cup of coffee.
4. Cold Brew
A relatively new member of the coffee scene, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in room-temperature water overnight. It offers a smooth, pleasurable coffee experience with every refreshing sip.
How to Prepare Cold Brew
To prepare cold brew coffee, place ½ a cup of freshly ground coffee beans in a jar. Pour 2 cups of water over the grounds to saturate them and gently stir with a wooden spoon. Cover the jar and let the coffee grounds steep on the counter or in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Once done, pour the coffee through a mesh strainer and enjoy.
For more information about the health benefits of cold brew and how to prepare it, check out our recent post: How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home – Easy Recipe & Tips
From a bold French Press to a smooth and refreshing cold brew, what kind of brewing method will you try next?