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Coffee Tutorials

Complete guide from beginner to cafe-level coffee

PART 1

Understanding Coffee (Basic Foundation)

The 3 things that control taste

Coffee Beans

1. Coffee Beans

Fresh whole beans = better flavor. Local beans (Sagada, Benguet) are great and affordable. Old pre-ground coffee = weak taste.

Grind Size

2. Grind Size

Coarse: French press, cold brew
Medium: Pour-over, drip coffee
Fine: Espresso-style coffee

Wrong grind = bitter or sour coffee

Coffee Ratio

3. Coffee Ratio

Golden rule: 1:15 to 1:18 coffee-to-water ratio

Strong → 1:14
Balanced → 1:16
Light → 1:18

Coffee Beans and Grind Sizes
METHOD 01

Pour-Over (Clean Cafe Style)

A clean, bright cup with crisp flavor

Pour-Over Tutorial

What you'll need

  • Coffee: 15-20g, medium grind (like sand)
  • Water: 240-320g, 90-96°C
  • Ratio: 1:16–1:17
  • Total time: 2-3 minutes
1

Rinse the filter

Place a paper filter in your dripper and rinse it with hot water. This removes any paper taste and preheats your brewer.

Pro tip: Discard the rinse water before adding coffee.
2

Add coffee & bloom

Add your ground coffee to the filter and gently shake to level the bed. Pour a small amount of water (about 2x coffee weight) to saturate all grounds. Wait 30 seconds.

Pro tip: Fresh coffee will bubble and expand during blooming.
3

Slowly pour in circles

Slowly pour the remaining water in concentric circles, starting from the center and moving outward. Avoid pouring directly on the edges.

Pro tip: Keep the stream steady and pour in one continuous motion.
4

Let drip & enjoy

Allow the water to drain completely. Total brew time should be 2-3 minutes. Remove the filter, pour, and enjoy your smooth, balanced coffee!

METHOD 02

French Press (Easiest & Strong)

A rich, full-bodied cup with deep flavors

French Press Tutorial

What you'll need

  • Coffee: 15-30g, coarse grind (like sea salt)
  • Water: 240-500g, 90-96°C
  • Ratio: 1:15
  • Total time: 3-4 minutes
1

Add coffee

Add coarsely ground coffee to the empty French press carafe.

2

Pour hot water

Pour hot water over the grounds, saturating them completely.

3

Stir & wait

Stir gently and let it steep for 3-4 minutes.

4

Press & serve

Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour immediately to avoid over-extraction.

Pro tip: Don't leave coffee sitting on the grounds after pressing.
METHOD 03

AeroPress (Fast & Smooth)

Smooth, rich coffee with no bitterness

AeroPress Tutorial

What you'll need

  • Coffee: 15-18g, medium-fine grind
  • Water: 200-250g, 85-90°C
  • Ratio: 1:14 to 1:16
  • Total time: 1-2 minutes
1

Assemble & rinse filter

Place a paper filter in the cap, rinse with hot water, then attach to the brewing chamber. Place on top of a sturdy cup.

Pro tip: Rinsing removes paper taste and preheats the device.
2

Add coffee & water

Add your ground coffee to the chamber. Pour hot water (85-90°C) over the grounds, using a 1:15 ratio (e.g., 15g coffee to 225g water).

3

Stir & steep

Stir the mixture for 10 seconds to ensure all grounds are saturated. Let it steep for 60 seconds.

Pro tip: For stronger coffee, steep longer (up to 90 seconds).
4

Plunge slowly

Insert the plunger and press down slowly and steadily (about 20-30 seconds). Stop when you hear a hissing sound.

5

Dilute & enjoy

Add hot water to taste if you prefer a milder cup. Your smooth, clean AeroPress coffee is ready!

METHOD 04

Cold Brew (Smooth & Iced)

Smooth, low-acid, and make-ahead

Cold Brew Tutorial

What you'll need

  • Coffee: 100g, coarse grind
  • Water: 800g, cold filtered
  • Ratio: 1:8 concentrate
  • Total time: 12-24 hours
1

Mix coffee & water

Combine coarsely ground coffee and cold water in a large jar. Stir gently.

2

Steep

Cover and let sit in the fridge or at room temp for 12-24 hours.

Pro tip: 16 hours is the sweet spot for most beans.
3

Strain & serve

Pour through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter. Store concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Serve over ice with water or milk.

METHOD 05

Moka Pot (Bold & Strong)

Rich, espresso-like coffee without a machine

Moka Pot Tutorial

What you'll need

  • Coffee: 15-20g, medium-fine grind
  • Water: Fill just below safety valve
  • Ratio: 1:8 to 1:10
  • Total time: 5-7 minutes
1

Fill bottom chamber

Fill the bottom chamber with hot water up to just below the safety valve. Hot water speeds up brewing and prevents a metallic taste.

Pro tip: Use pre-heated water for faster brewing and better flavor.
2

Add coffee grounds

Fill the filter basket with medium-fine ground coffee. Level it off with your finger - do not tamp or press down.

3

Assemble the pot

Insert the filter basket into the bottom chamber. Screw the top chamber on tightly. Be careful as the bottom may be hot.

4

Heat on medium-low

Place the Moka pot on medium-low heat. Leave the lid open so you can watch the brewing process.

5

Remove when finished

When coffee starts sputtering and bubbling, remove from heat immediately. Stir before serving to blend the layers.

Pro tip: Don't let it boil - remove as soon as you hear a gurgling sound.
METHOD 06

Espresso-Style (No Machine)

Intense coffee shot without expensive equipment

Espresso Style Tutorial

What you'll need

  • Coffee: 15-18g, fine grind
  • Water: Small amount, 90-93°C
  • Ratio: 1:2 to 1:3
  • Method: AeroPress or moka pot
1

Use fine coffee

Grind beans finely, similar to table salt or slightly finer. Freshly ground is essential.

2

Use strong ratio

Use a strong ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 coffee to water. For example, 18g coffee to 45g water.

Pro tip: This creates a concentrate similar to espresso.
3

Brew with AeroPress or moka pot

If using AeroPress: Add fine coffee, pour 45g water just off boil, stir for 10 seconds, then press firmly for 30 seconds. If using moka pot: Follow the moka pot tutorial but use less water for a stronger concentrate.

4

Serve as shot or milk drink

Drink as is for a strong espresso-like shot, or use as a base for lattes, Americanos, or other espresso-based drinks.

CHECKLIST

Beginner Coffee Mistakes

Avoid these common errors

  • ❌ Using pre-ground or stale coffee → Fix: Use fresh whole beans and grind before brewing.
  • ❌ Wrong grind size → Fix: Match grind to method (Coarse for FP, Medium for PO, Fine for Espresso).
  • ❌ Guessing measurements → Fix: Use a fixed ratio (1:16 as default).
  • ❌ Using boiling water directly → Fix: Let water cool to 90-96°C before brewing.
  • ❌ Brewing for too long or too short → Fix: Follow recommended times.
  • ❌ Using dirty equipment → Fix: Clean regularly.
  • ❌ Using low-quality water → Fix: Use filtered or clean drinking water.
  • ❌ Changing too many variables at once → Fix: Change only ONE thing at a time.
Common Coffee Mistakes
PRO TIPS

Barista Secrets

Elevate your coffee game with these professional tips

Burr Grinder

Prioritize the Grinder

If you only upgrade ONE thing, make it the grinder. Burr grinder = consistent taste.

One Ratio

Stick to One Ratio

Don't overcomplicate. Master 1:16 first, then adjust.

Coffee Scale

Weigh Your Coffee

Don't guess. Even a cheap scale helps repeat perfect taste.

Fresh Beans

Use Fresh Beans Only

Best range: 7-30 days after roast. Old beans = flat, bitter taste.

Water Temperature

Don't Use Boiling Water

Boiling water burns coffee. Let it sit for 30-60 seconds before brewing.

Clean Tools

Clean Your Tools

Old coffee oils ruin taste. Clean regularly.

SIMPLE REMINDER: Grind right · Measure correctly · Don't rush brewing · Stay consistent

Get the recipe cards

Download printable PDFs for your coffee station.

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