This blog is for those who don’t have a good day without a cup of coffee. The ones who are self-proclaimed coffee snobs and wear it proudly like a badge. We see you, we like you, and we are here to help you. Read on for tips from Medici Roasting experts on how you can achieve—and replicate—the perfect cup of coffee.

The Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio

First things first: the coffee-to-water ratio. Think of it as the backbone of your brew. This “brew ratio” is all about finding the sweet spot between extraction (how much goodness we pull out from the grounds) and strength (how bold your coffee tastes). Too much coffee? You’ll get a bitter, over-extracted mess. Too little? It’ll be weak and watery. If you’ve never been able to find this balance for yourself, start with a ratio of one part coffee to fifteen parts water and tweak from there until you find your perfect balance. Trust us, it makes all the difference.

 

Appropriate Grind Size

Next up, let’s talk about grind size. This one’s a game-changer. Each brewing method has its own ideal grind size to ensure the best extraction. Typically course grounds are perfect for your french press, medium grounds are great for a drip or pour-over brew, and finely ground coffee is essential for espresso and Aeropress. Whatever equipment you’re working with, it’s also a good rule of thumb to note that if your grounds are too coarse then your coffee will be under-extracted and weak. Too fine and it’ll be over-extracted and bitter. The fix here is investing in a good quality grinder that delivers a consistent grind. 

Preferred Brewing Method

We feel pretty strongly about our favorite brewing methods, because what you choose really shapes the character of your coffee. Here’s a quick rundown of what we recommend:

• Drip Methods: This includes pour-overs like Chemex. These give you control over water flow and extraction time, resulting in a clean, flavorful cup.
• French Press: An immersion method that produces a full-bodied brew with rich, robust flavors.

Avoid percolators and some home drip machines—they often don’t get the water hot enough, leading to poor extraction and flavor.

 

Good Quality Water

Since coffee is 98% water, the water you use is super important. Use water that’s free of odors, tastes, and visible impurities. Tap water can be hit or miss, so filtered water is usually a safe bet. Also, the mineral content in your water affects the taste. Too few minerals and your coffee will taste flat; too many and it can be overly harsh. Aim for a good balance to let the coffee flavors shine through.

 

Choose an Appropriate Filter

Last but not least, let’s talk about filters. The type of filter you use can change the mouthfeel and flavor of your coffee:

• Metal Filters: Let through more oils and fine particles, giving you a heavier taste with more muddled flavors.
• Paper Filters: Filters out more oils and particles, resulting in a cleaner, brighter cup with a delicate flavor (can you tell which we prefer?)

It’s all about what you prefer in your cup—experiment with both to see what you like best.

Conclusion

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is all about a bit of science and a lot of love. By focusing on the right coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, brewing method, water quality, and filter type, you’ll be well on your way to making a cup that’s just right for you. Here at Medici Roasting, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Grab a bag of one of our many incredible Single Origins and give these tips a try! Happy brewing.