How to Make a Great Cup of Coffee

By Coffee Research Team
October 10, 2024

Taking that first sip of freshly brewed coffee is like being transported to each coffee’s growing region. You’re experiencing a small, yet impactful, part of its culture, climate, and community simply through the distinctive flavors and aromas of the beans. Coffee holds such profound significance that we believe it should be addressed with the same care as a fine wine.

Here’s how to make a great cup of coffee.

How to Brew a Great Cup of Coffee

Use High-Quality Coffee Beans

The first step to brewing exceptional coffee is starting with high-quality, fresh beans. Single-origin coffee is an excellent choice, as it allows you to experience the distinct characteristics of a specific region. Opting for beans from a local roaster is key because freshly roasted beans maintain their flavor compounds better than those that have been sitting in warehouses or on store shelves for weeks or months. Over time, roasted coffee loses its aromatic oils and flavor, so freshness directly impacts the quality of your brew.

Whether you prefer the bold smoothness of Brazilian coffee, the nutty sweetness of El Salvador coffee, or the fruity brightness of Ethiopian beans, choosing fresh, high-quality coffee is your foundation.

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Grinding Your Beans

ground coffee beans in a coffee filter

Learning how to make a great cup of coffee also means learning how to properly grind your beans. Coffee should always be ground right before brewing to maximize flavors. How fine should it be ground? It depends on your preferences. A finer grind will produce a smooth cup that highlights its flavor notes, while a coarser grind may offer a lighter, more complex cup.

Your brewing method also impacts grind size. The more contact water has with coffee during brewing, the quicker the extraction. Too coarse, and you could end up with a weak cup. Too fine, and your brew may be bitter. Here’s how to choose grind size and brew a great cup of coffee:

Coarse/Medium-Coarse: Best for immersion brewing methods like French Press or Chemex, where the coffee grounds steep in water for an extended time.
Medium: Ideal for automatic drip brewers, striking a balance between extraction and note-clarity.
Fine: Perfect for espresso machines or an inverted AeroPress, as the fast brewing time needs maximum surface area to extract rich flavors and crema!

Always grind your coffee immediately before brewing to capture the full spectrum of flavors in your cup. And remember to experiment and have fun with it!

The Ideal Water-to-Coffee Ratio

The water-to-coffee ratio is a personal preference, but there are general guidelines to help you achieve a balanced brew. For drip coffee, a ratio of 1:17 (1 gram of coffee for 17 grams of water) is commonly recommended, while immersion methods (like French Press) often require a 1:14 to 1:16 ratio for a fuller-bodied coffee.

Example: For a single cup (240 grams of water), you would use about 15 grams (roughly 1 tablespoon) of coffee at a 1:16 ratio. Adjust this according to your taste—more coffee for a stronger brew or less for a milder cup.

Tip: You can always dilute your brew if it ends up coming out a little too strong, but you cannot make a brew stronger once it's been brewed. So, starting out a little finer than usual is not always a bad idea, especially when working with a new single-origin coffee.

Water Quality & Temperature

Water quality and temperature are also important when learning how to make a great cup of coffee. Water makes up about 98% of your cup of coffee, so its quality is just as important as the beans you use. Tap water often contains minerals and chemicals that can interfere with coffee’s taste. Opt for filtered water to ensure you’re getting the purest, cleanest brew. Hard water (high in calcium and magnesium) can make coffee taste flat, while soft water (low in minerals) can bring out undesirable flavors, so a balance is key.

The ideal brewing temperature is between 195°F and 205°F. Water that’s too hot (above 205°F) can scorch the coffee grounds, creating a burnt or overly bitter taste. Too cold (below 195°F), and your coffee will lack depth and body.

How to Brew a Great Cup of Coffee: Brewing Method

water pouring over ground coffee in filter

Much like one coffee drinker preferring the notes of Braeburn apple and tobacco in Nicaragua coffee to sweet and nutty Black Honey coffee, your brewing method is a personal preference.

Here’s how to make a great cup of coffee with:

Drip Coffee Maker

Simple and consistent, the drip coffee maker is a go-to for many coffee drinkers. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it option, but don’t underestimate its ability to produce a flavorful cup. Use freshly ground beans and the right grind size (medium) to avoid over-extraction, and you’ll notice the difference in taste and aroma.

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Our recommended water-to-coffee ratio: 1:17 (1 gram of coffee to 17 grams of water)

French Press

The French Press is known for delivering a full-bodied, rich cup of coffee. Coarse-ground beans are steeped in hot water, allowing oils and fine particles to stay in the brew, giving it more texture and depth. Let the coffee steep for 4-7 minutes before pressing the plunger. With the French Press, you’ll experience the most direct expression of your coffee’s natural flavors and aromas, including its sweetness, acidity, and body.

Our recommended water-to-coffee ratio: 1:14 to 1:16 (for a richer cup)

Pour Over

If you enjoy control over the brewing process, a pour-over method is ideal. By pouring hot water in a slow, circular motion over medium-coarse grounds, you extract coffee in layers, allowing you to influence the flavor and strength. Patience is key here—taking your time helps release complex flavors, resulting in a cleaner, brighter cup with more pronounced tasting notes.

Our recommended water-to-coffee ratio: 1:16 (for a balanced cup)

Espresso

Espresso is all about intensity and precision. Brewed under high pressure with finely ground coffee, espresso creates a concentrated, robust shot packed with flavor. For the perfect espresso, you’ll want a fine grind and water heated to around 200°F. The brewing time could vary between 25-45 seconds to ensure proper extraction—too short, and the shot will taste sour; too long, and it will become bitter.

Espresso highlights the pure essence of the single-origin coffees, making it a great method for those who want a bold, rich flavor with a nice texture. It’s the base for many popular drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos, but a well-pulled espresso shot stands on its own with its crema and fuller taste.

Our recommended water-to-coffee ratio: Use 18-20 grams of finely ground coffee for a double shot, with about 30-45 ml of water.