Click here for my favorite way to measure coffee

Find your perfect coffee-to-water ratio for your preferred brewing method and taste:

Tips:

• Adjust ratios based on your taste preference.
• Consider coffee bean variety and roast level.
• Use the correct grind size for your brewing method.
• Experiment to find your perfect cup!

The post Coffee Ratio Chart appeared first on Coffee In Touch.

Ingredients:

• Coarsely ground coffee: About two tablespoons per 8 ounces of water.
• Water: Fresh, cold water.

Equipment:

• Pot: A heat-resistant pot or kettle.
• Heat source: Campfire, stovetop, or other heat source.

Instructions:

1. Heat the water: Bring the water to a boil in the pot.
2. Remove from heat: Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat source.
3. Add coffee: Add the coffee to the hot water.
4. Stir: Give it a good stir to ensure all the grounds are wet.
5. Steep: Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes.
6. Settle the grounds: Gently tap the pot’s side or add a splash of cold water to help the grounds settle.
7. Pour slowly: Carefully pour the coffee.

Tips:

• Use good quality coffee: While cowboy coffee is simple, using good quality, coarsely ground beans will make a big difference in taste.
• Adjust the amount of coffee: Experiment to find the coffee-to-water ratio you prefer.
• Filter if desired: If you dislike coffee grounds in your cup, you can filter the coffee as you pour using a bandana or cheesecloth.

Alternative method:

Some people also add the coffee grounds to the cold water before bringing it to a boil. This can extract more flavor but might result in a grittier cup.

The post How To Make Cowboy Coffee appeared first on Coffee In Touch.

WE RECOMMEND: Bialetti Moka Express (The Original Moka Pot)

The lower base has a pressure valve and is filled with water. There is a metal cup where coffee is loaded, and that cup has a metal stem to carry the boiling water through the coffee and up into the upper chamber for serving.

It’s a super simple set up, and one that I love to use because it is difficult to mess up.

How To Use a Moka Pot

Making the best coffee is simple! Follow these steps to get started.

• Fill the bottom with water up to the fill line.
• Add coarse ground coffee to the middle chamber, filling it just below the rim.
• Securely screw the top onto the middle chamber.
• Place on a stove over medium heat.
• Allow the water to boil; the hot water will pass through the coffee grounds and extract their flavors and aromas.
• Remove from heat once the coffee starts bubbling and sputtering from the spout.
• Pour and enjoy.

Moka Pot vs Espresso Maker

A common misconception is that a moka pot is an espresso maker. Unfortunately, that is untrue, as the amount of pressure produced during the brew process is too low to be considered espresso. While a moka pot might produce 1 to 2 bar of pressure, espresso standards dictate about 9 bar or higher. However, that shouldn’t dissuade its use, as moka pots make some of the best-tasting coffee.

The coffee from a moka pot is similar to espresso, but it’s not quite the same due to the lower pressure and different brewing methods. The moka pot is a great option for those who want to make espresso-style coffee at home without investing in a more expensive espresso machine. It’s also small, compact, and portable, making it a great option for travel or camping.

How To Clean a Moka Pot

Cleaning a moka pot isn’t difficult at all. Follow these steps to cleaning your moka pot.

1: Unscrew the base.

2: Empty the coffee grinds.

3: Using a brillo pad or similar scrub brush give the entire pot a good scrubbing!

4: Using a narrow brush, scrub the stems of the upper and lower chamber.

Bonus tip: To get things really clean, use vinegar to descale and clean the hard-to-reach areas.

The post How To Use a Moka Pot appeared first on Coffee In Touch.

How To Use a Percolator

A percolator offers a classic method of brewing strong and aromatic coffee, providing a unique experience that combines brewing and serving in a single appliance. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips for using a percolator effectively.

What You’ll Need

• A stovetop percolator
• Coarse ground coffee beans
• Fresh water
• A heat source (like a stove)
• A measuring spoon or scale
• Optional: A kettle and paper filters

Step-by-Step Guide to Percolating Coffee

1. Preparation
   • Clean the Percolator: Ensure all parts (the pot, tube, and upper basket) are clean to prevent any old coffee residues from affecting your brew.
   • Measure: Use a measuring spoon or scale to measure the coffee grounds and water, adjusting to your preferred strength.
2. Setup
   • Add Water: Fill the lower chamber of the percolator with fresh water.
   • Add Coffee: Place the coarse coffee grounds into the upper basket. Usually, a standard ratio might be 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, but adjust according to your preference.
   • Assemble: Ensure the tube is connected properly and screw the lid on securely.
3. Heating and Brewing
   • Start Heating: Place the percolator on your heat source and begin heating slowly.
   • Observe the Peak: Keep an eye on the glass knob atop the lid. Once you see the water starting to percolate (bubble) through it, you know it’s hot enough.
   • Percolate: Reduce the heat slightly and allow the coffee to percolate for 7-10 minutes. The longer it percolates, the stronger the coffee will be.
4. Finishing Up
   • Remove and Discard: Take the percolator off the heat, and carefully remove and discard the used coffee grounds.
   • Let it Sit: Allow the coffee to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the grounds settle at the bottom.

WE RECOMMEND: Cuisinart Classic 12 Cup Percolator

Best Coffee For a Percolator

The best coffee for a percolator is going to depend on the grind size but typically the best is a medium, medium-coarse or coarse grind. The reason for this is because the coffee is cycled through the percolator and it can cause over extraction where the coffee becomes bitter and bad tasting if you were to use finder grounds. Less surface area reduces the chances of that. We also recommend a darker roast as it’ll be less acidic, and should taste delicious.

Volcanica makes a fantastic Papau New Guinea Dark Roast that works great with a percolator. Volcanica makes a great coffee because it is roasted in Atlanta, sealed, and shipped within 1 business day right to your doorstep for an ultra fresh experience.

Coffee For Percolator Pro Tip:

Volcanica will grind the coffee for whichever brew method you’d like, but we recommend getting a cheap Burr grinder, something that’s adjustable for a few bucks, and grinding it yourself. That way you’re getting whole beans with their aromas locked in for that much longer, and when you grind it fresh… it’ll be that much more enjoyable. That’s going to be the best coffee for a percolator.

Electronic Percolator

An electric percolator is a type of coffee maker that brews coffee by continuously cycling hot water through coffee grounds to extract its flavor and aroma. The percolator has a built-in heating element that heats the water, which then rises up a tube and over a perforated basket that holds the coffee grounds. The hot water then drips through the basket and back down into the water chamber, creating a continuous cycle of brewing.

Stove Top Percolator

A stove top percolator is a type of coffee maker that uses heat from a stove top to brew coffee. The percolator typically consists of a metal container with a basket at the bottom for holding the coffee grounds, a tube leading from the bottom of the basket to the top of the percolator, and a lid that fits tightly over the top.

To use a stove top percolator, water is added to the bottom of the container, and coffee grounds are placed in the basket. The percolator is then placed on a stove top and heated, causing the water to boil and rise up through the tube, where it is then dispersed over the coffee grounds.

As the water continues to boil and cycle through the coffee grounds, the coffee becomes increasingly strong and flavorful. The percolator is typically left on the stove top for several minutes, or until the desired strength of the coffee is reached.

Stove top percolators are a classic and traditional method of brewing coffee, and they can be a good option for those who prefer a strong and robust coffee flavor. However, it’s important to note that the brewing process can be somewhat imprecise, and it may take some experimentation to find the right brewing time and coffee-to-water ratio for your tastes.

Conclusion

The post How To Use a Percolator appeared first on Coffee In Touch.

How To Use An Aeropress

How To Use An Aeropress & Aeropress Instructions

The AeroPress is a popular manual coffee brewing device that is known for its versatility, ease of use, and ability to produce a smooth, rich cup of coffee. Here is a general overview of how to use an AeroPress:

1. Heat your water: Start by heating your water to the desired temperature. The AeroPress works best with water that is between 175-205°F (79-96°C). You can use a kettle, stovetop, or microwave to heat your water.
2. Prepare your coffee: While your water is heating, grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. You will need about 1 to 2 scoops of coffee for a standard cup of coffee, or adjust to your liking. Place a paper filter inside the AeroPress cap and rinse it with hot water.
3. Assemble the AeroPress: Place the AeroPress on top of a coffee mug or carafe with the plunger pulled out. Add the coffee grounds to the chamber, and then pour in the hot water, making sure to saturate all the grounds.
4. Stir and steep: Use a spoon or paddle to gently stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10-15 seconds. Then, let the coffee steep for 1-2 minutes, depending on your taste preference.
5. Press and serve: After the coffee has steeped, gently press down on the plunger to extract the coffee into your cup. You can dilute the coffee with hot water if it is too strong, or add milk or sugar if desired.
6. Clean up: Remove the AeroPress cap, push the used coffee grounds into a compost bin or trash can, and rinse the AeroPress and filter with hot water.

The post How To Use An Aeropress appeared first on Coffee In Touch.

Keurig Over Ice Setting

The “Over Ice” setting on Keurig coffee makers is designed to brew a stronger, more concentrated cup of coffee that can withstand the melting ice without becoming too watered down. It’s specifically meant for iced coffee preparation.

When you use the “Over Ice” setting, the Keurig brews a smaller cup size (usually 8 ounces) directly over a cup filled with ice. The result is a chilled and more concentrated coffee, perfect for iced coffee lovers.

Iced Coffee K Cups

Keurig offers a variety of K-cups specifically designed for use with the “Brew Over Ice” setting. This setting is intended for brewing a stronger and more concentrated cup of coffee that can be poured directly over ice.

Keurig’s Brew Over Ice K-Cups come in various flavors and styles, including iced coffee, iced tea, and fruit-based beverages. We like the Green Mountain Dark Roast because it’s rich, bold, and made with 100% Arabica coffee.

These K-Cups typically feature a specially formulated blend of coffee or tea designed to withstand dilution.

Chill The Mug

We recommend keeping whatever glass, mug, etc., you’re planning to use in the fridge or freezer. This will help cool the water and prevent the ice from melting too quickly, diluting the coffee.

Keurig K-Slim, K-Supreme, K-Elite “Brew Over Ice”

The “Brew Over Ice” button on Keurig machines adjusts the temperature and brewing time to optimize the coffee flavor and concentration for iced coffee. When the button is pressed, the Keurig machine lowers the brewing temperature to around 192°F (89°C) to compensate for the ice that will be added later. The brewing time is also adjusted to ensure that the coffee is more concentrated, which helps to balance the dilution caused by the melting ice.

WE RECOMMEND: Keurig K-Supreme Plus

Iced Coffee With Keurig Without “Brew Over Ice”

Select the coffee you will make, and place the pod in the Keurig.

If you have it, use the “shot” feature. This will brew a strong, small shot of coffee into your mug.

If the Keurig does not have a “shot” feature, some machines have a “strong” button. Use that on the smallest available size of coffee. The Keurig will pre-fill the coffee pod to start the steeping process and then continue to dispense water for the desired size.

If your Keurig does not have either of these features, select the smallest setting available. When the water begins to fill the mug, turn off the machine! Turn it back on, open/close the top, and run it again on the smallest setting. This method mimics the “strong” button function by wetting the coffee and brewing it a few seconds later.

At this point, either cover and place in the fridge to reduce the temperature or add ice to chill the coffee.

The post How To Make Iced Coffee With Keurig appeared first on Coffee In Touch.

This guide will walk you through three easy methods to make coffee without a coffee maker so you’ll never have to go without your morning brew again.

How To Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

Method 1: Cowboy Coffee (Stovetop Simmer)

Click here for my favorite way to make coffee

This classic method, favored by campers and outdoor enthusiasts, delivers a robust and full-bodied coffee.

Materials:

• Coarsely ground coffee
• Water
• Saucepan

Instructions:

1. Combine coffee and cold water in the saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Remove from heat and let sit for 4 minutes.
4. Slowly pour into a mug, leaving the grounds behind.

Pro Tip: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a cleaner cup.

Method 2: Faux French Press (Bowl Brew)

Recreate the smooth, rich coffee of a French press without the special equipment.

Materials:

• Coarsely ground coffee
• Water
• Bowl
• Spoon

Instructions:

1. Boil water.
2. Add coffee grounds to the bowl.
3. Pour a small amount of boiling water over the grounds to saturate.
4. Add the rest of the water and let steep for 4 minutes.
5. Gently press the grounds to the bottom with a spoon.
6. Slowly pour into a mug, holding the spoon in place.

Method 3: Filter Method (DIY Drip)

A versatile method using a simple filter to brew a clean and flavorful cup.

Materials:

• Medium-fine ground coffee
• Water
• Filter (paper towel, cheesecloth, or clean sock)
• Mug

Instructions:

1. Boil water.
2. Place the filter over the mug.
3. Add coffee grounds to the filter.
4. Slowly pour hot water over the grounds, allowing it to drip through.

Additional Tips and Tricks:

• Coffee Grind: Experiment with different grind sizes for each method to find your preference.
• Water Temperature: Use water just off the boil (around 200°F) for optimal flavor.
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Start with 1 tablespoon of coffee per 6 ounces of water, and adjust to taste.
• Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

The post How To Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker appeared first on Coffee In Touch.