Mastering Coffee at Home | Brewing Methods

Discover the secrets to mastering the art of crafting the perfect coffee right in the comfort of your own kitchen. From selecting the finest beans to exploring various brewing methods, here's everything you need to know to elevate your coffee game to new heights.

Let's start by familiarizing ourselves with various brewing techniques. Each method offers its own flavor profile and brewing process.

Pros:

• Control over brewing process (bloom time, water temperature, flow rate) for flavor customization.

• Highlights brighter, often fruitier acidity in lighter roasts.

• Relatively inexpensive equipment needed.

Cons:

• Requires attention and technique to master.

• Can be time-consuming compared to some other methods.

• Less forgiving of stale pre-ground coffee.

 

Your basic outline for creating the perfect pour-over will be mastering the ratios. This is always contingent upon the bean itself but exists within a fairly relative bracket.

What you'll need:

 

• Coarsely ground coffee
• A V60 or similar pour over unit
• A filter (non-bleached recommended)
• A scale
• A kettle or a way to gently pour hot water over the beans

 

Getting started:

 

1) You will want to make sure your beans are ground to a fairly coarse grind size. If you need a grinder, check out some options here: 

https://wildflowercoffeecompany.com/collections/coffee-grinders

We have everything from ceramic hand grinders. to elegant canonical burr electric grinders.

2) Next, you will want to bring your water to a boil, preferably to 204° degrees fahrenheit. Note* your current elevation plays a role in how hot your water is when boiling, you can experiment with different temperatures to find what is best for you.

3) After your water is brought to a boil, place the filter in the V60 (or similar unit) and give it a good rinse with the boiling water. This primes it in several ways, most notably it helps keep it in a good position. It also helps that it is wet so it doesn't absorb any of the initial pour and thus won't be taking any of that fine tuned heat from the beans.

4) Place your cup on your scale and place your V60 on your cup. Note* if you have an intrinsic decanter pour over you will not need the cup.

5) With everything on the scale, tare the weight measurement. *Note, you will want to make sure the unit of measurement is set to grams.

6) After taring the scale, add 22 - 25 grams of the ground beans. Once the beans are added, make a mental note of how much you put in and tare the scale again.

7) At this point we will begin to add the water. Take the number of grams of coffee you added and multiply it by 15. This is the number of grams of water we will want to add. This is called a 15-to-1 ratio and is an ideal ratio to start with. If you put 25 grams of coffee beans, you should be adding 375 grams of water. On the first pour however we will want to add only 45 - 60 grams of water.

8) Pour in the first 45 - 60 grams of water slowly in a clockwise (or circular motion) starting from the outside, swirling closer to the center. Once you have hit the target 45 - 60 grams of water, stop pouring and wait until you see the first "bloom". The bloom will simply be bubbles coming up from the center of the beans.

9) After your bloom begins to dissipate and you see the water line leveling out just under the surface of the beans, begin your second pour. This time, you will be bring up the total grams from 45 - 60 to anywhere from 150 - 200. You will not likely see a second bloom. You can repeat this process until you reach the total number of grams of water you need to meet the 15-to-1 ratio.

 

There it is! You've made your first pour-over. Aren't you fancy! ;)

Pros:

• Super convenient and hands-off.

• Can make larger batches of iced coffee at once.

• Affordable equipment.

 

Cons:

• Limited control over the brewing process.

• Can sometimes produce a slightly flatter flavor profile.

• Often best when using a higher coffee-to-water ratio for strong iced coffee.

Standard drip coffee has been the American household staple since WWII. Fairly standard, you will simply put your filter in the basket, add 1 TBSP of medium-coarse ground coffee for every 8 ounces of water (This is a 1-17 ratio). Hit your button and boom, auto-drip coffee!

Pros:

• Produces a full-bodied, rich coffee concentrate.

• Easy brewing process.

• Versatile – can be used for hot coffee as well.

Cons:

• May have some sediment in the final cup.

• Coffee can become bitter if left sitting too long.

• Cleaning the press can be slightly more involved.

A quick and easy process, the French press requires a slightly more coarse grind than either the pour-over method or the auto-drip. The ratio really depends on the grind and the bean but we have found that the 1-15 ratio works equally well with the french press as with the pour-over. Simply add your coffee to the bottom of the French Press, pour in your boiling water and let it stand for 4 - 5 minutes, then press the filter / plunger down to the bottom and it's ready to go!

Pros:

• Forms the base for a wide variety of iced coffee drinks.

• Quick extraction time.

• Concentrated flavor, allows for customization with milk, syrups, etc.

Cons:

• Requires specialized equipment (espresso machine or moka pot).

• Technique-sensitive – getting the perfect shot takes practice.

• Often uses more coffee per serving than other methods.

Grind your beans in your grinder to the fine standard of espresso. Place 15 - 17 grams in your portafilter (for a standard double-shot). Tamp. Lock in place on the group head of your machine. Run your shot for approximately 21 - 23 seconds. You should see approximately 30 - 35 grams (2 ounces) come out. If it is more than this you may need to grind your beans more finely, if less, you may need to grind more coarsely. Adversely, you will also want to ensure that you are tamping with 30 - 35 Lbs of pressure. If it is too compact the water won't make it through the beans. You can purchase a specialty tamp that has spring control so it won't go further than it ought.

Tips for Brewing the Best Iced Coffee

In order to brew the best iced mocha (or the best iced coffee in general) it is important to pick beans that will fit your desired flavor profile. Your coffee beans are at the core of your Iced coffee experience, and when you're making iced coffee at home, you want to make a coffee that can compete with Starbucks or your local coffee shop.

Enhancing Your Iced Coffee Experience

Creative Add-Ins and Flavorings

Elevate your iced coffee experience by experimenting with a variety of add-ins and flavorings. From classic choices like vanilla syrup and flavored creamers to more adventurous options like coconut milk and almond extract, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and tailor your iced coffee to suit your unique tastes and preferences.

Using Alternative Milks

Explore the world of dairy-free alternatives by substituting traditional cow's milk with options like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These alternative milks offer a creamy texture and distinct flavor profile that can enhance the overall taste of your iced coffee while catering to dietary preferences and restrictions.

Sweeteners and Garnishes

Customize your iced coffee with a variety of sweeteners and garnishes to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Whether you prefer the natural sweetness of honey or the indulgent richness of caramel syrup, there's a sweetener option to suit every palate. Garnish your iced coffee with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of decadence.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Elevate the presentation of your homemade iced coffee by serving it in stylish glassware and accessorizing it with colorful paper straws, decorative stirrers, or fresh fruit garnishes. Experiment with different serving vessels, such as mason jars or vintage coffee cups, to add visual interest and enhance the overall drinking experience.

With these expert tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of making delicious iced coffee at home. So dust off your coffee maker, stock up on your favorite ingredients, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound coffee-making prowess.

Final Thoughts

 

As we come to the end of our journey into the world of homemade iced coffee, we hope you feel inspired to unleash your creativity and experiment with new flavors, techniques, and presentations. Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a curious beginner, there's something truly special about crafting your own refreshing beverage at home.

Remember, mastering the art of making iced coffee is as much about the process as it is about the end result. Take the time to savor each step, from selecting the perfect beans to garnishing your glass with a flourish. Embrace the opportunity to customize your drink to suit your unique preferences, whether you prefer it bold and robust or sweet and creamy.

And most importantly, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. The beauty of homemade iced coffee lies in its versatility and adaptability, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and presentation ideas until you find the perfect combination that brings you joy with every sip.

So, whether you're enjoying a leisurely morning on the patio, hosting a brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved pick-me-up, may your homemade iced coffee bring a moment of happiness and satisfaction to your day. Cheers to the endless possibilities that await as you embark on your own coffee-making adventures.

Stay Wild,

The Wild Team