What is the best coffee to water ratio?

The golden ratio for coffee brewing is 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water by weight). This means 1 gram of coffee for every 15-17 grams of water. For example, use 25g of coffee with 375-425ml of water. Adjust based on personal taste: use more coffee (1:14) for stronger brew, or less (1:18) for milder coffee. Always measure by weight, not volume, for consistency.

Why is my coffee bitter?

Bitter coffee usually results from over-extraction caused by: water that's too hot (over 205°F), brewing too long, grinding too fine, or using too much coffee. Solutions: lower water temperature to 195-205°F, reduce brew time, use a coarser grind, or decrease coffee amount. Also ensure your beans are fresh - stale coffee tastes bitter.

Why is my coffee sour or weak?

Sour or weak coffee indicates under-extraction from: water too cool (under 195°F), brewing too quickly, grinding too coarse, or not using enough coffee. Solutions: increase water temperature to 195-205°F, extend brew time slightly, use a finer grind, or increase coffee amount. Ensure even saturation of all grounds during brewing.

How do I make cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is simple: combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups cold water in a jar. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours (longer for stronger brew). Strain twice through fine mesh or coffee filter for smooth, sediment-free concentrate. Dilute with water, milk, or ice to taste. Cold brew has lower acidity and naturally sweet flavor, staying fresh refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

What's the best grind size for espresso?

Espresso requires fine grind, similar to table salt or slightly finer. The grind should be fine enough that extraction takes 25-30 seconds for a double shot (18-20g yielding 36-40g). If extraction is too fast (under 20 seconds), grind finer. If too slow (over 35 seconds), grind coarser. Consistent grind is crucial - invest in a quality burr grinder for best results.

How do I clean my coffee equipment?

Daily: rinse all brewing equipment with hot water immediately after use. Weekly: deep clean with mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, then rinse thoroughly. For espresso machines, run cleaning solution through group head weekly and descale monthly. French presses and pour-over drippers: disassemble and wash all parts. Grinders: brush out grounds weekly, deep clean monthly. Never use soap on anything that touches coffee - it leaves residue affecting flavor.

What is coffee blooming?

Blooming is the initial wetting of coffee grounds that releases trapped CO2 gas from roasting. Pour about twice the weight of coffee in hot water (e.g., 40g water for 20g coffee), wait 30-45 seconds as grounds expand and bubble. This degassing step ensures even extraction by allowing water to properly saturate the grounds. Fresh coffee blooms more dramatically - a sign of quality and freshness. Essential for pour-over, optional for immersion methods.

Can I reuse coffee grounds?

No, you should not reuse coffee grounds for brewing. Coffee extraction removes most solubles (flavor compounds, oils, caffeine) on the first brew. Reused grounds produce weak, bitter, unpleasant coffee with minimal caffeine. However, used grounds have many other uses: compost for gardens, natural deodorizer, exfoliating body scrub, or pest deterrent for slugs and ants.

What is the difference between latte and cappuccino?

Both drinks start with espresso but differ in milk ratios and texture. Cappuccino: equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick milk foam (1:1:1 ratio, typically 6oz total). Stronger coffee flavor, thicker foam cap, traditionally served in smaller cup. Latte: more steamed milk with thin foam layer (1:3:1 ratio espresso:milk:foam, typically 8-12oz). Milder coffee flavor, silkier texture, better canvas for latte art. Both use microfoam texture, not stiff peaks.

Brewing Guides & Coffee Recipes - Fréscopa

Coffee 101: The Fundamentals

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Grind Size Matters

The grind size dramatically affects extraction and flavor. Coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for espresso.

Extra Coarse: Cold brew, cowboy coffee
Coarse: French press, percolator
Medium-Coarse: Chemex, pour-over
Medium: Drip coffee makers
Medium-Fine: V60, Aeropress
Fine: Espresso, Moka pot

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Water Temperature

Water temperature affects extraction rate and flavor balance. Too hot burns, too cool under-extracts.

195-205°F (90-96°C): Optimal range for most brewing
200°F (93°C): Sweet spot for pour-over
185-195°F (85-90°C): Light roasts, delicate flavors
205°F (96°C): Dark roasts, full extraction

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Coffee to Water Ratio

The golden ratio ensures consistent strength and flavor. Adjust to your taste preferences.

1:15-1:17: Standard pour-over ratio
1:12-1:15: Stronger, more concentrated
1:17-1:20: Lighter, more subtle
Example: 25g coffee to 375g water (1:15)

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Brewing Time

Different brewing methods require different contact times between coffee and water.

Espresso: 25-30 seconds
Pour-over: 2:30-4:00 minutes
French Press: 4:00 minutes
Cold Brew: 12-24 hours

Video Brewing Tutorials

Learn from our expert baristas with step-by-step video tutorials

Tutorial

Perfect Pour-Over Technique

Master the art of pour-over brewing with our step-by-step guide. Learn grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique for optimal extraction.

⏱️ 8 minutes 👨‍🍳 Intermediate

Tutorial

French Press Mastery

Discover the secrets of French press brewing for rich, full-bodied coffee. Learn steeping time, proper grind size, and optimal technique.

⏱️ 6 minutes 👶 Beginner

Advanced

Home Espresso Excellence

Create café-quality espresso at home. Learn about grind consistency, tamping pressure, and extraction timing for perfect shots.

⏱️ 12 minutes 🔥 Advanced

Coffee Recipes & Techniques

Discover delicious coffee recipes and brewing techniques from our expert baristas

Iced coffee with cold brew concentrate and milk

Easy

Perfect Cold Brew

Smooth, rich cold brew coffee that's perfect for hot summer days. Low acidity and naturally sweet flavor that's perfect on its own or with milk.

⏱️ 5 min prep 🕐 12 hours 👥 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup coarsely ground coffee (medium-dark roast)
4 cups cold water
Ice cubes
Milk or cream (optional)
Simple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

Combine coffee grounds and cold water in a large jar or container
Stir well to ensure all grounds are saturated
Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours
Strain through fine mesh or coffee filter twice for clarity
Serve over ice, dilute with water or milk as desired

★★★★★

Cappuccino with perfect microfoam latte art

Intermediate

Café-Quality Cappuccino

Learn to create the perfect cappuccino with silky microfoam and rich espresso. Master the art of milk steaming at home for café-quality results.

⏱️ 3 min prep 🕐 5 minutes 👥 1 serving

Ingredients:

2 shots fresh espresso (18-20g coffee beans)
4 oz (120ml) whole milk
Cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
Sugar or sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

Extract double shot of espresso into preheated cup
Steam milk to 150-160°F, creating microfoam texture
Tap pitcher to settle foam, swirl to integrate
Pour steamed milk in circular motion, creating latte art
Dust with cocoa powder if desired and serve immediately

★★★★☆

V60 pour-over coffee brewing technique demonstration

Advanced

V60 Pour-Over Perfection

Master the Japanese V60 pour-over technique for bright, clean coffee with complex flavor notes. Precision brewing at its finest with detailed timing guide.

⏱️ 2 min prep 🕐 4 minutes 👥 1 serving

Ingredients:

22g medium-fine ground coffee
350ml water at 200°F (93°C)
V60 filter paper
Gooseneck kettle recommended

Instructions:

Rinse V60 filter and preheat dripper and cup
Add coffee grounds, create small well in center
Start timer, bloom with 40ml water for 30 seconds
Pour in slow circles: 150ml by 1:15, 250ml by 2:00
Final pour to 350ml by 2:30, finish dripping by 3:30

★★★★★

Easy

Iced Vanilla Latte

A refreshing twist on the classic latte with homemade vanilla syrup. Perfect for warm weather and easily customizable to your taste preferences.

⏱️ 5 min prep 🕐 5 minutes 👥 1 serving

Ingredients:

2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
1 cup cold milk
2 tbsp vanilla syrup
Ice cubes
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

Brew espresso shots and let cool slightly
Fill glass with ice cubes
Add vanilla syrup to the glass
Pour espresso over ice
Top with cold milk and whipped cream if desired

★★★★★

Coffee cupping session setup with multiple cups

Intermediate

Coffee Cupping Guide

Learn the professional method for tasting and evaluating coffee. Develop your palate and understand flavor notes like a professional barista.

⏱️ 10 min prep 🕐 20 minutes 👥 3-5 coffees

What You Need:

3-5 different coffee samples (8g each)
Cupping bowls or small glasses
Hot water (200°F/93°C)
Cupping spoons
Timer

Instructions:

Grind each coffee to medium-coarse consistency
Smell the dry grounds and note aromas
Add hot water, start 4-minute timer
Break the crust at 4 minutes, smell again
Wait 10-15 minutes, then taste with spoon
Note acidity, body, flavor, and finish

★★★★☆

Affogato dessert with vanilla ice cream and espresso

Easy

Classic Affogato

The perfect Italian dessert combining hot espresso with cold vanilla gelato. Simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious as an after-dinner treat.

⏱️ 2 min prep 🕐 3 minutes 👥 1 serving

Ingredients:

1-2 shots hot espresso
2 scoops vanilla gelato or ice cream
Amaretti cookies (optional)
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

Place vanilla gelato in a chilled glass or bowl
Brew fresh espresso shots
Pour hot espresso directly over the gelato
Serve immediately with cookies on the side
Optional: top with chocolate shavings

★★★★★

Essential Brewing Equipment

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Digital Scale

Precision is key to consistent brewing. A digital scale helps you measure coffee and water accurately for perfect ratios every time.

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Thermometer

Water temperature affects extraction. A thermometer ensures your water is in the optimal 195-205°F range for best results.

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Gooseneck Kettle

For pour-over methods, a gooseneck kettle provides precise water flow control for even extraction and beautiful brewing technique.

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Quality Grinder

Fresh grinding is essential. A burr grinder provides consistent particle size for optimal extraction and flavor.

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Midnight Whisper Blend

Golden Sunrise Blend

Crimson Twilight Blend

Master Your Brew