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. 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/2-3 cups (355ml): 20-24g coffee / 355g water
• For 20 oz/4 cups (592ml): 32g coffee / 512g water
• For 40 oz/8 cups (1183ml): 64g coffee / 1024g water
• For 50 oz/10 cups (1480ml): 80g coffee / 1280g 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 33-36 ozs 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.

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
• Water temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
• Brew time: 2.5-4 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.

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.

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.