Coffee Brewing Guide
Great coffee does not have to be complicated. A few small adjustments can completely change how your coffee tastes at home.
This guide will help you brew better coffee by dialing in the right grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, and simple techniques that make a noticeable difference in every cup.
If you are just getting started, this is a great place to begin. If you want to keep learning, visit Brewing With Bruce for more coffee brewing guides, tips, and education from SilverStream Coffee Roasters.
Coffee Grind Size Chart
The way your coffee is ground has a direct impact on flavor. Too coarse, and your coffee can taste weak. Too fine, and it can become bitter or harsh.
- Extra Coarse — Cold Brew
- Coarse — French Press
- Medium-Coarse — Chemex
- Medium — Drip Coffee Makers
- Medium-Fine — Pour Over
- Fine — Espresso
- Extra Fine — Turkish Coffee
If your coffee tastes sour or weak, your grind may be too coarse. If it tastes bitter or harsh, your grind may be too fine.
For a deeper breakdown, visit our full Coffee Grind Size Chart.
Coffee Brewing Ratios
The ratio of coffee to water controls strength and balance. A simple starting point works for most brewing methods.
- Drip Coffee — 1:16
- Pour Over — 1:15 to 1:17
- French Press — 1:15
- Espresso — 1:2
- Cold Brew — 1:4 concentrate, then dilute to taste
If your coffee feels too strong, add more water or adjust your ratio slightly. If it feels weak, increase the amount of coffee.
Want a smooth, dependable coffee for everyday brewing? Start with our Baseline Blend, or read why Baseline is one of our favorite coffees.
Simple Tips to Brew Better Coffee
- Use fresh roasted coffee for the best flavor.
- Grind your coffee just before brewing when possible.
- Use filtered water for a cleaner cup.
- Keep your equipment clean.
- Measure your coffee and water for consistency.
Still choosing the right coffee? Read How to Choose Coffee Beans.
Best Coffee for Each Brew Method
Different brewing methods can highlight different parts of a coffee. Some coffees shine as espresso. Others are beautiful as drip coffee, pour over, or cold brew.
- Drip Coffee: Baseline Blend
- Espresso: Espresso Blend
- Cold Brew: New Orleans Cold Brew
- Single Origin Brewing: Single Origin Coffee
New to coffee? Start with our Best Coffee for Beginners guide.
Start with Fresh Coffee
Even the perfect technique will not fix stale coffee. Fresh roasted coffee brings out balance, aroma, and character in every cup.
At SilverStream Coffee Roasters, every coffee is roasted in small batches to highlight what makes each coffee special.
Shop Coffee Blends | Shop Single Origin Coffee | Shop Cold Brew
Using the right grind size and ratio makes a difference,
But great coffee starts with fresh roasted beans.
HOW DO YOU BREW?
Drip Coffee
The Drip Coffee method is well-loved for its convenience and simplicity, producing a clean cup with a pleasant aroma. It works by filtering hot water through coffee grounds.
- Fill the coffee pot with fresh, cold water.
- Place a filter paper into the coffee maker's filter basket.
- Use one tablespoon of coffee grounds per cup of water.
- Turn the machine on and wait for the coffee to drip into the pot.
Tip: To make the best drip coffee, ensure you clean your machine regularly. This will prevent a buildup of oils and minerals that can affect the taste of your coffee.
French Press
The French press method is a manual coffee brewing technique. This method requires a device known as a French press or cafetière.
- Remove the plunger and add coarse coffee grounds to the press.
- Pour hot water, just off the boil, into the press.
- Place the plunger back on.
- Wait 4 to 5 minutes, then press the plunger down gently.
- Pour and serve.
Tip: Stir the coffee halfway through steeping time to extract flavors evenly. Also, ensure you clean your French press after each use.
Espresso
1. Dose: Use 18–20 grams of finely ground espresso per double shot.
2. Grind: Fine, slightly powdery, similar to table salt. Adjust slightly for taste.
3. Brew Time: Aim for 25–30 seconds for a double shot.
Adjust grind size or dose if extraction is too fast or too slow.
4. Water Temperature: 195–205°F (90–96°C) is ideal.
5. Yield: Double shot: 36–40 ml
Single shot: 18–20 ml
6. Tips for the Perfect Shot:
Always tamp evenly with consistent pressure.
Preheat your portafilter and cups for better extraction.
Taste and adjust grind or dose until it’s smooth, balanced, and rich.
Chemex
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a rewarding process that highlights the delicate and nuanced flavors of your coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Chemex brew:
- Heat 400 grams of water in a kettle
- Prepare the filter by wetting it slightly
- Add 50 grams of coffee
- Bloom the coffee by pouring heated water in circles
- Wait 4 minutes and enjoy!
Tip: Adjust grind size if the brew is too slow (grind coarser) or too fast (grind finer). Use freshly roasted, high-quality beans for the best flavor.
Cold Brew
Cold brew is a smooth, naturally sweet coffee crafted for a refreshing sip any time of day. By steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water over 12–24 hours, a French press gently draws out the rich flavors while keeping acidity low. The result? A balanced, robust, and effortlessly drinkable coffee that’s perfect over ice or as the base for your favorite cold coffee creations.
- Mix 50 grams of coarse coffee grounds (we recommend our Baseline coffee) and 400 grams of water in a French press.
- Put the lid on the French press but DO NOT plunge. Leave it in the fridge for about 12-24 hours.
- Press the plunger on the French press and enjoy.
Tip: Cold brew takes time, but it rewards you with a naturally smooth, sweet, and low-acid cup. Experiment by adding ingredients like chicory root for unique flavor twists — or skip the calculating and enjoy our New Orleans Cold Brew, perfectly crafted and ready for your French press.
