Coffee Brewing Guides for the Perfect Cup

Coffee brewing is an art, but with the right tools and techniques, anyone can master it. Whether you’re just starting your coffee journey or looking to refine your brewing skills, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of your beans—especially the single-origin varieties we offer. 

Every coffee lover knows there’s no "one-size-fits-all" method for brewing the perfect cup. The flavor profile, strength, and mouthfeel of your coffee can vary drastically depending on how you brew it. So, let’s explore some of the most popular brewing methods and how to use them to extract the best flavors from your single-origin beans.

1. The Pour-Over: Precision and Clarity

Best for: Clean, bright flavors.

If you’re looking to truly taste the nuances in your coffee—whether it's fruity notes from Ethiopian beans or the chocolate undertones in your Guatemalan roast—the pour-over method is a great place to start. This method allows for precise control over the brewing time and water temperature, which helps highlight the unique flavors of single-origin coffee.

How to Make a Pour-Over:

1. Grind Size: Medium-fine (similar to table salt).
2. Water Temperature: 195°F – 205°F.
3. Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Start with 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water).

Steps:

• Start by wetting the coffee filter to remove any papery taste.
• Add your ground coffee to the filter (we recommend 20g for a 320ml cup).
• Slowly pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion, starting in the middle and working your way out. Pour just enough water to saturate the grounds and let them "bloom" (expand as gas escapes) for about 30 seconds.
• Continue pouring water in slow, steady increments, allowing the water to flow through the coffee grounds evenly.

The result? A clean, crisp cup that accentuates your coffee’s natural flavors.

Personal Tip: I remember trying a pour-over with our El Salvador single-origin at home, expecting the usual chocolatey notes. What surprised me was the subtle citrus that came through—a layer I had never tasted before with other brewing methods. It made me realize just how much control you have with pour-over to bring out the best in your beans.

2. The French Press: Bold and Full-Bodied

Best for: Rich, heavy-bodied coffee.

The French press is one of the easiest brewing methods, but it’s perfect for those who love a more robust and full-bodied cup. The coffee oils that give flavor remain in the brew, rather than getting trapped in a paper filter. This results in a coffee with a rich mouthfeel and strong flavor—ideal for showcasing the deeper, chocolatey, or nutty notes of single-origin beans like our Colombian roast.

How to Make French Press Coffee:

1. Grind Size: Coarse (like sea salt).
2. Water Temperature: 195°F – 205°F.
3. Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:15 (1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water).

Steps:

• Add your coarse coffee grounds to the French press.
• Pour hot water over the grounds and give it a quick stir to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
• Place the lid on the French press and let it steep for 4 minutes.
• Slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid.

The result? A rich, bold cup of coffee with a strong flavor and a heavier mouthfeel.

3. AeroPress: Versatile and Convenient

Best for: Quick, strong coffee with versatility.

The AeroPress is a favorite for those who like to experiment with different brew styles. It’s portable, easy to use, and can brew coffee under pressure similar to an espresso machine, making it ideal for brewing a quick, concentrated cup.

How to Make AeroPress Coffee:

1. Grind Size: Fine (slightly finer than table salt).
2. Water Temperature: 175°F – 195°F.
3. Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:14 (1 gram of coffee for every 14 grams of water).

Steps:

• Insert a paper filter into the AeroPress and rinse it with hot water.
• Add your ground coffee (about 17g) to the AeroPress.
• Pour hot water over the grounds, stir, and let it steep for about 1 minute.
• Press down slowly for about 30 seconds.

The result? A clean, concentrated brew with a flavor that falls somewhere between a drip coffee and an espresso.

Personal Tip: As a frequent traveler, the AeroPress frequently occupies space with me and has proven to be a lifesaver on many occasions. 

4. Espresso: Bold and Intense

Best for: Those who love concentrated, strong coffee.

For coffee lovers who prefer a shot of intensity, espresso is the way to go. It’s also the base for popular drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The espresso method uses high pressure to extract concentrated coffee from finely ground beans, resulting in a strong and bold flavor.

How to Make Espresso:

1. Grind Size: Very fine (similar to powdered sugar).
2. Water Temperature: 195°F – 205°F.
3. Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:2 (1 gram of coffee for every 2 grams of water).

Steps:

• Pack your finely ground coffee into the espresso machine’s portafilter and tamp it down evenly.
• Brew with high pressure for about 25-30 seconds.

The result? A small but powerful shot of coffee, rich with flavor and aroma.

If you’re using our Colombian roast, the espresso method really brings out its complex layers. You get that rich, bold flavor upfront, followed by a slight fruity acidity on the back end. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when you need something strong but flavorful.

5. Cold Brew: Smooth and Refreshing

Best for: Iced coffee lovers who prefer smooth, low-acid brews.

Cold brew is perfect for hot summer days or for those who prefer their coffee with a little less bite. This brewing method uses cold water and a long steeping time to extract a smooth, naturally sweet coffee.

How to Make Cold Brew:

1. Grind Size: Coarse (like sea salt).
2. Water Temperature: Cold or room temperature.
3. Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:8 (1 gram of coffee for every 8 grams of water).

Steps:

• Add coarsely ground coffee to a large jar or cold brew maker.
• Pour cold or room temperature water over the grounds and stir to ensure they’re fully saturated.
• Let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
• Strain the grounds out and enjoy over ice.

The result? A smooth, refreshing coffee that’s naturally sweet and low in acidity.

Finding Your Perfect Cup

The beauty of brewing coffee is that there’s always room for experimentation. What works best for you depends on your taste preferences and how much time you want to invest in the brewing process. But no matter which method you choose, the key is to start with high-quality beans.

Explore our selection of single-origin coffees and find your perfect match. Whether you're looking to try pour-over for the first time or refine your cold brew game, Jones Ranch Coffee’s beans are here to take your brewing experience to the next level. Order now and start your journey to the perfect cup.