Great coffee is best enjoyed fresh, and wasting it is a shame, we know this to be true. Many brewing methods yield multiple servings, so what are we to do when we crave just that one perfect mug? Break out the kettle and the paper filters, because we’re doing pour overs. The pour over method yields a single serving of excellent coffee. With this quick and simple process, you can enjoy coffee that is always fresh any time you want it, without wasting a drop.
Step 1
Boil about 2.5 cups of water and transfer it to a kettle. Gooseneck spout kettles work best, as they’ll allow you the most control over the water flow.
Step 2
Weigh your coffee. The exact ratio can range from 1:18 (1 part coffee to 18 parts water) to 1:15 for a stronger brew.
Step 3
Grind your coffee. A medium grind is usually ideal, though thicker filters sometimes work best with medium-coarse grounds.
Step 4
Place your filter inside the brewer, the brewer atop a mug, and pour some of the hot water onto the filter. This will both preheat your brewer, and prevent the paper filter from affecting the taste of your coffee. Dump the water out of your mug before continuing on.
Step 5
Place your coffee grounds in the filter and even out the surface with a few light taps.
Step 6
Slowly pour the water over the coffee grinds, starting at the outside and gently spiraling inward towards the center. Use as little water as possible, only as much as you need to saturate the grounds. You should see some light bubbling – this is the bloom.
Step 7
Let the bloom sit for 30 seconds, until it settles into a layer of crust.
Step 7
Start another slow, gentle pour, allowing the water to rise a little along the filter, then stop. This will cause the crust to break, and foam to form on top of the grounds.
Step 8
Once the foam forms, pour the rest of your water straight into the center of the grounds, submerging them fully.
Step 9
Allow the water to drain through the filter and into your mug. When it becomes a slow drip, your work is done. Remove the brewer and filter, and enjoy fresh excellence!