How to Brew Coffee Beans at Home: V60, French Press, and Tubruk

Good coffee beans don't always guarantee great coffee if the brewing method is off. The good news is, you don't need expensive equipment. Here's a guide on how to brew coffee beans at home with three popular methods.

Preparation: three things that always apply

• Use fresh coffee beans and grind them just before brewing to maximize the aroma.
• Weigh your coffee and water. Consistent measurements make the flavor easier to replicate.
• Use clean water. Coffee is almost entirely made up of water, so water quality has a big impact.

1. V60 (pour over)

Perfect for those who want a clean and clear coffee taste.

1. Grind the coffee to a medium-fine size, like granulated sugar.
2. Use a ratio of around 1:15 or 1:16, for example 15 grams of coffee for 225–240 ml of water.
3. Heat the water to around 92–96°C.
4. Wet the coffee grounds with a little water and wait 30–45 seconds (blooming).
5. Pour the water slowly in a circular motion until the measurement is complete. Total time is around 2.5–3 minutes.

2. French press

Perfect for a rich and full-bodied flavor, and the easiest method for beginners.

1. Grind the coffee coarsely, like coarse salt.
2. Use a ratio of around 1:12 to 1:15.
3. Pour in hot water, stir briefly, then cover and let it steep for around 4 minutes.
4. Press the plunger slowly, then pour immediately so the coffee doesn't continue to brew.

3. Tubruk

A traditional and practical method that only requires a glass and hot water.

1. Grind the coffee to a medium-coarse size.
2. Use around 2 teaspoons of coffee for 150–200 ml of hot water.
3. Pour in the water, stir, and let it steep for 3–4 minutes until the grounds settle.
4. Drink slowly and leave the grounds at the bottom of the glass.

Tips for a better brew

• If the coffee tastes too bitter or dry: the grind is too fine or the brewing time is too long. Try a coarser grind.
• If the coffee tastes too acidic or thin: the grind is too coarse or the brewing time is too short. Try a finer grind.
• Change one variable at a time when experimenting, so you know what's causing the change in flavor.
• Store coffee beans in an airtight container, away from heat and sunlight.

Coffee beans for each brewing method

For V60, arabika Gayo Full Wash or arabika Solok give a clean and fresh taste. For French press and tubruk, robusta or house blend Sumatra give a rich body. Other brewing techniques can be found in the brewing guide, and all coffee bean options can be seen on the product page.