Coffee Brewing Instructions

 

Coffee Brewing Instructions

Provided by Stone City Coffee Roasters. We love collaborating with Stone City Coffee Roasters. Don’t miss our custom medium‑roast blend, roasted exclusively for us. Check it out here in the "coffee bar" section of our site: 

Brewing great coffee at home is simple once you understand a few basics. Our goal is to remove the mystery and help you make consistently delicious, café‑quality coffee in your own kitchen.

Why Brew at Home

  • Save time: No more driving to the coffee shop.
  • Save money: After the initial cost of a brewer and grinder, home‑brewed coffee is far cheaper per cup.
  • Build your skills: With a little practice, you can craft excellent coffee and even create your own signature drinks.

There are many ways to brew coffee, and no single method is right for everyone. Choose the style that fits your taste—mild or bold, drip coffee or espresso. The basics below apply to all methods.

 

Coffee Brewing Basics

Fresh Roasted 100% Arabica Coffee

Arabica beans, grown at high elevations near the equator, offer superior flavor. We roast only Arabica for the best quality. Store beans in their valve‑sealed bag or in an airtight container, away from heat and sunlight.

Coffee Grinders

Grinding just before brewing preserves flavor.

  • Blade grinders: Inconsistent grind and heat buildup—not recommended.
  • Burr grinders: Produce an even grind without heating the beans—highly recommended.

Fresh, Cold Water

Because most of your cup is water, use good‑tasting filtered water for the best results.

Water Temperature

Ideal brewing temperature is 195–205°F. Water just off the boil (about 20 seconds) is perfect. Too hot leads to bitterness; too cool results in weak, flat coffee.

Brewing Time

Hot water should contact the grounds for 4–6 minutes, especially in manual methods like French press.

Clean Equipment

Coffee oils build up and turn rancid over time. Wash all equipment regularly with hot, soapy water to keep flavors fresh.

 

French Press Brewing Method

 

  1. Measure Your Coffee

    • Use a ratio of 1:15 (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water). A good starting point is 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.

  2. Heat the Water

    • Heat water to 195–205°F (just off the boil).

  3. Add Coffee

    • Place the ground coffee in the bottom of the French press.

  4. Pour Water

    • Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds, filling the French press.

  5. Stir

    • Gently stir with a spoon to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated.

  6. Steep

    • Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up. Let the coffee steep for 4-6 minutes.

  7. Press

    • Slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.

  8. Pour and Enjoy

    • Serve immediately to avoid over-extraction and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee!

That’s it—simple, fresh, and flavorful!

espresso machine

Simple Espresso Brewing Instructions

  1. Prepare the Espresso Machine

    • Turn on your machine and let it heat up fully (usually 15–30 minutes). Ensure the portafilter is clean and dry.

  2. Grind Your Coffee

    • Use fresh, finely ground coffee. Aim for about 18–20 grams for a double shot.

  3. Dose and Tamp

    • Fill the portafilter evenly with coffee grounds. Tamp firmly and evenly until the coffee is level and compact, but not overly pressed.

  4. Lock in the Portafilter

    • Attach the portafilter securely into the machine’s group head.

  5. Start the Brew

    • Begin the extraction. A good double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces) should take 25–30 seconds.

  6. Serve and Enjoy

    • Pour the espresso into your cup and enjoy it as is, or use it as the base for your favorite espresso drink.

Tips:

  • Adjust grind size for proper timing: Too fast? Grind finer. Too slow? Grind coarser.

  • Always pre-warm your cup for the best espresso experience.

black coffee in a cup

Simple Auto-Drip Brewing Instructions:

  1. Place a coffee filter in the machine's basket.

  2. Add 1–2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water.

  3. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water.

  4. Position the carafe on the warming plate.

  5. Turn on the coffee maker and wait for brewing to finish.

  6. Pour and enjoy!


Single-Serve Hario Pour-Over Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filter:
    Place a paper filter in the Hario dripper and set it on a mug. Pour hot water through the filter to rinse it and warm the dripper. Discard the rinse water.

  2. Add Coffee Grounds:
    Add 15–17g (about 2–3 tablespoons) of medium-fine coffee grounds to the filter and level the surface.

  3. Bloom:
    Pour 30–40g of hot water (195–205°F) over the grounds to saturate them evenly. Let it bloom for 30 seconds.

  4. Brew:
    Slowly pour the remaining water (about 250g total, including bloom) in a spiral motion, keeping the coffee bed even. Take 2–3 minutes for the pour.

  5. Serve:
    Once the dripping stops, remove the dripper and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee!


Simple Chemex Instructions:

  1. Place the Filter: Fold the Chemex paper filter and place it in the Chemex, ensuring the triple-folded side faces the spout.

  2. Pre-Wet the Filter: Pour hot water over the filter to rinse it and warm the Chemex. Discard the water.

  3. Add Coffee Grounds: Add medium-coarse ground coffee (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water; e.g., 25g coffee for 400g water).

  4. Bloom: Pour a small amount of hot water (195–205°F) over the grounds to saturate them and let them bloom for 30–45 seconds.

  5. Brew: Gradually pour the remaining hot water in circular motions, keeping the water level consistent.

  6. Serve: Once dripping stops, remove the filter, pour, and enjoy your coffee!


Simple Steps to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home:

With a Coffee Sock:

  1. Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee sock in a jar or pitcher and add coarse-ground coffee (1 cup for every 4 cups of water).

  2. Add Water: Pour cold or room-temperature water over the grounds.

  3. Steep: Tie the coffee sock closed and let it steep in the fridge for 24 hours.

  4. Remove the Sock: Take out the coffee sock and discard the grounds.

  5. Serve: Dilute with water or milk to taste and enjoy.

With a French Press:

  1. Add Coffee Grounds: Add coarse-ground coffee to the French press (1 cup for every 4 cups of water).

  2. Add Water: Pour cold or room-temperature water over the grounds and stir gently.

  3. Steep: Cover with the lid (without plunging) and steep in the fridge for 24 hours.

  4. Plunge and Serve: Press the plunger down, pour, dilute, and enjoy!

 

Reading a magazine holding a cup

Simple AeroPress Instructions:

  1. Assemble: Place a paper filter in the AeroPress cap and rinse with hot water. Attach the cap to the AeroPress chamber.

  2. Add Coffee: Add 1–2 tablespoons (15–20g) of medium-fine ground coffee into the chamber.

  3. Add Water: Pour hot water (195–205°F) up to the desired level (e.g., Level 2 for a single cup).

  4. Stir: Stir the coffee and water gently for about 10 seconds.

  5. Plunge: Insert the plunger and press down slowly until fully compressed.

  6. Serve: Remove the AeroPress, pour, and enjoy your coffee.