Brew Methods Guide

Pick your brewing method

Cold Brew

 

Cold Brew is a refreshing coffee brewing method with low acidity and sweet flavor, brewed over 24 hours for flavor extraction.

 
  1. Mix coarse coffee grounds and water in a jar.
  2. Key Ratio: 1.5 Quarts use 1lb of coffee and 9 cups of water
  3. Leave it in the fridge for about 12-24 hours.
  4. Strain the coffee grounds using a cheesecloth or fine sieve.
  5. Bonus: try using the French Press method! Easier clean up.
 

Tip: While it takes longer, cold brew results in a smooth and sweet flavor that's less acidic than most other brewing methods.

French Press

 

The French press method is a manual coffee brewing technique. This method requires a device known as a French press or cafetière.

 
  1. Remove the plunger and add coarse coffee grounds to the press.
  2. Pour a small amount of hot water, roughly 195-205 degrees F, into the press.
  3. Let the coffee bloom (open up the grounds) for 1 minute, then pour the rest of the hot water.
  4. Place the plunger back on.
  5. Wait 4 to 6 minutes, then press the plunger down gently.
  6. Pour and serve.
 

Tip: Stir the coffee halfway through steeping time to extract flavors evenly. Also, ensure you clean your French press after each use.

Moka Pot

 

A moka pot is a small stovetop coffee brewer that uses heat to push pressurized water through ground coffee, resulting in strong espresso-like coffee. Here's how to brew this method:

 
  1. Grind your coffee beans medium-coarse, like sand/sugar
  2. Disassemble Moka Pot (unscrew top half and remove basket
  3. Add Room Temperature water in the base.
  4. Place filter basket on top of the water chamber, spout submerged in water, then add the grounds to the filter. (note: do not pack your coffee, but you can use a toothpick to stir and even the grounds.
  5. Screw on top snug and tight
  6. Start at medium-low heat on smallest ring/flame (you can lift the lid to see the spurt of coffee coming out
  7. If coffee is dribbling out slowly, increase the heat slightly so it's more consistent.
  8. Once the coffee has filled the chamber, close the lid, turn off and remove from heat. Serve and Enjoy!
 

Tip: If temp is too high, or on too long it will leave a burnt taste. Best to use hard beans, like Costa Rica or Guatemala

Dark Canyon Coffee Company packaging including a bag, mug, and airpot on a wooden counter.

Drip Coffee

 

The Drip Coffee method is well-loved for its convenience and simplicity, producing a clean cup with a pleasant aroma. It works by filtering hot water through coffee grounds.

 
  1. Fill the coffee pot with fresh, cold water.
  2. Place a filter paper into the coffee maker's filter basket.
  3. Use 1.5-2 tablespoon of coffee grounds per 6oz of water.
  4. Turn the machine on and wait for the coffee to drip into the pot.
 

Tip: To make the best drip coffee, ensure you clean your machine regularly. This will prevent a buildup of oils and minerals that can affect the taste of your coffee. Flat filters tend to be better than cone because water is distributed more evenly.

Chemex/Pour Over

 

Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a rewarding process that highlights the delicate and nuanced flavors of your coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Chemex brew:

 
  1. Prepare the Filter
  2. Measure Coffee and Water (1g of coffee per 16 mL of water)
  3. Grind fine grind Coffee Grounds and add to filter
  4. Heat water to 200-210 Degrees F
  5. Bloom the Coffee for 45 seconds
  6. Pour the rest of the water in Circles
  7. Wait and Serve
 

Tip: Adjust grind size if the brew is too slow (grind coarser) or too fast (grind finer). Wet the filter and swirl the water when pouring

Espresso

 

Brewing espresso can be easily created at home with the help of an espresso machine. Here are the steps and key tips to pulling the perfect shot.

 
  1. Grind and measure your beans (very fine grind of 18-20 g of grounds for a double shot)
  2. Place grounds in portafilter, even out and tamp
  3. Lock portafilter in place, place shot glass underneath and pull your shot
  4. Should take 18-28 seconds for a good extraction time
  5. Froth Milk (optional) Hold pitcher at angle, positional steam tip just below surface for smooth texture
  6. Pour and enjoy!
  7. Bonus: Don't forget to clean your machine!
 

Tip: Medium-dark roasted beans are ideal because of their low acidity. We recommend our Big West or New Orleans to start out!