Great coffee starts with quality beans that we offer here at Crema Peaks, but proper brewing technique unlocks their full potential. Follow these guidelines to extract the best flavors from your Crema Peaks coffee.

The Golden Ratio

The foundation of excellent coffee is the coffee-to-water ratio. And for that golden cup, you'll see the ratios are based off the SCA, or Specialty Coffee Association recommendations for a cup to extract the most from coffee. This is how you can bring out the most of our premium, specialty coffees. While personal preference varies, these ratios provide an ideal starting point for balanced extraction.

Drip Coffee

*Ratio: 1:16 (1 gram coffee to 16 grams water)

• For 12 oz / 2 cups (355ml): 22g coffee / 355g water
• For 18 oz / 3 cups (532ml): 33g coffee / 532g water
• For 24 oz / 4 cups (710ml): 44g coffee / 710g water
• For 30 oz / 6 cups (887ml): 55-60g coffee / 887g water
• For 40 oz / 8 cups (1183ml): 67g coffee / 1183g water
• For 50 oz / 10 cups (1480ml): 69-78g coffee / 1480g water
• Water temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
• Brew time: 4-6 minutes

Tips: Use a medium grind (similar to sea salt). Ensure your coffee maker heats water to proper temperature for optimal extraction. We find with our Bunn, that 55-58g works well for a full 10-cup pot.

*Use 8 grams of medium-ground coffee per cup (5 fl oz). Coffee dosage recommendations are based on the *Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Golden Cup Standard designed for optimal extraction and strength.

Recommended Equipment:
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker - Polished silver, 40oz/1.25L capacity. A SCA-certified drip coffee maker renowned for brewing at the optimal temperature for exceptional extraction.

Pour Over

Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (1 gram coffee to 15-17 grams water)

• For 12 oz (355ml): 21-24g coffee / 355g water
• For 16 oz (473ml): 28-32g coffee / 473g water
• For 34 oz (1006ml): 59-67g coffee / 1006g water
• Water temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
• Brew time: 4-6 minutes

Tips: Use a medium-fine grind. Start with a 30-second bloom (pour just enough water to saturate grounds), then pour in slow, circular motions. Pour over highlights the nuanced flavors and origin characteristics of single-origin coffees. For the 34 oz batch, pour in stages every 45-60 seconds to maintain even extraction.

Recommended Equipment:
Bodum 34oz Pour Over Coffee Maker - High-heat borosilicate glass with reusable stainless steel filter and cork grip, made in Portugal. Perfect for brewing a full 34oz batch.

Gooseneck Electric Kettle - Precise temperature control with stainless steel interior and quick heating. Ideal for achieving the perfect pour over water temperature every time.

French Press

Ratio: 1:12 to 1:15 (1 gram coffee to 12-15 grams water)

• For 12 oz (355ml): 24-30g coffee / 355g water
• For 17 oz (500ml): 33-42g coffee / 500g water
• Water temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
• Brew time: 4 minutes

Tips: Use a coarse grind (similar to breadcrumbs). After adding water, stir gently to ensure even saturation. Place lid on and steep for 4 minutes, then press slowly and serve immediately. French press creates a full-bodied cup with rich oils and texture.

Recommended Equipment:
French Press Coffee Maker 22oz - Double-wall insulated borosilicate glass with ergonomic handle. Keeps your coffee hot longer while delivering a rich, full-bodied brew.

Cold Brew

Ratio: 1:4 to 1:8 (1 gram coffee to 4-8 grams water) - creates concentrate

• For concentrate: 100g coffee / 400-800g cold water
• To serve: Dilute concentrate 1:1 or 1:2 with water, milk, or ice
• Water temperature: Cold or room temperature
• Brew time: 12-24 hours

Tips: Use a coarse grind. Steep in refrigerator or at room temperature for 12-24 hours (longer = stronger). Strain through fine mesh or coffee filter. Cold brew concentrate keeps refrigerated for up to 2 weeks and delivers smooth, low-acid flavor with natural sweetness.

Essential Brewing Tips

Water Quality Matters

Coffee is 98% water. Use filtered water free of chlorine and impurities for the cleanest flavor expression.

Grind Fresh

Grind your coffee just before brewing. Pre-ground coffee loses aromatics and flavor within minutes of grinding.

Store Properly

Keep your coffee in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Use within 2-4 weeks of roasting for peak freshness.

Experiment & Adjust

These ratios are starting points. Adjust to your taste:

• Too weak or sour? Use more coffee or slightly finer grind
• Too strong or bitter? Use less coffee or slightly coarser grind
• Uneven extraction? Ensure even saturation and consistent water temperature

Roast-Specific Recommendations

• Light roasts: Benefit from slightly higher temperatures (200-205°F) and pour over or drip methods to highlight bright, complex flavors
• Medium roasts: Versatile across all brewing methods with balanced sweetness and body
• Dark roasts: Excellent in French press or cold brew where full body and rich chocolate notes shine

Questions about brewing your Crema Peaks coffee? We're here to help you achieve the perfect cup.