Do you want to know the optimal ratio of coffee grounds to water for brewing the perfect cup of coffee?
You’ve selected an excellent brewing method, purchased the right equipment, and found a bag of fresh and delicious coffee beans. You’re all set to brew! Pour in the coffee and begin the process. However, there’s one more crucial factor to consider: what’s the optimal ratio of coffee grounds to water?
How much coffee grounds do you need per cup? This depends on your brewing method. Some methods like cold brew and French press allow for longer contact between the coffee and water, meaning less coffee is needed per portion of water. Other methods like espresso machines work quickly under high pressure, requiring more coffee grounds per ounce of water.
Why is the coffee ratio important?
If you want to produce a delicious and rich cup of coffee—not too bitter or weak—you’ll need to perfect your coffee-to-water ratio. Using too few grounds will result in weak and under-extracted coffee. Conversely, using too many grounds can lead to a bitter and over-extracted brew. The ideal ratio strikes a balance: just enough grounds to fully flavor your water without making it undrinkable.
What’s the best coffee ratio for each brewing method?
The optimal coffee ratio varies depending on your chosen brewing method. What’s the best drip coffee ratio, French press ratio, or cold brew ratio? Scroll down to find out! Here are the best coffee-to-water ratios for each brewing method:
1. Ratio for French Press Coffee
The ideal French press coffee ratio is 1:12, meaning one part coffee grounds to twelve parts water.
For instance, if you’re using a standard 1000ml French press, you’ll need about 79 grams of coffee grounds.
2.Proportion of Coffee for Aeropress
There are numerous methods to brew coffee with an AeroPress (here’s our favorite), each with slightly different ratios. A good starting point is a 1:13 coffee-to-water ratio, meaning you need 15 grams of coffee grounds for every 200 grams of water.
3. The Perfect Drip Coffee Ratio
How’s your trusty drip coffee maker doing? You might already have a coffee scoop or other measuring tools, but the ideal drip coffee ratio is 1:17—that’s one part coffee grounds to 17 parts water.
For instance, if you’re brewing four cups (900ml), you’ll need 53 grams of coffee grounds.
4. Espresso Coffee Ratio
To brew an espresso, you need high temperature, high pressure, and a very short brewing time. Consequently, you will need more coffee grounds relative to water. For an ideal espresso shot, use a 1:2 ratio of coffee grounds to water—meaning you will need 15 grams of coffee grounds for every 30ml of espresso.
5.Cold Brew Coffee Ratio
The ideal ratio for making cold brew coffee is 1:5, meaning one part coffee to five parts water. If you’re using four cups (around 900ml) of water, you’ll need about 181 grams of coffee grounds.
Keep in mind that this mixture will create a cold brew concentrate, so you might want to dilute it with some water before drinking.
6. Ratio for Hand-brewed Coffee
When making hand-brewed coffee, what is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio? The optimal ratio is 1:17, meaning one part coffee grounds to 17 parts water.
For a 340ml cup of coffee, this equates to using 20 grams of coffee grounds.
7. Siphon Coffee Ratio
Siphon coffee makers are remarkable devices. When used with the right proportions, they can brew a delightful and clear cup of coffee. The optimal ratio for siphon coffee is 1:16, meaning one part coffee grounds to sixteen parts water.
For instance, if you use 900ml of water, you’ll need 57 grams of coffee grounds.
Summary
Getting the right balance between coffee grounds and water is essential for making a great cup of coffee. The grind size and this ratio are key elements that influence the taste—you wouldn’t want to squander high-quality coffee beans on a mediocre brew.
