The brew ratio is one of the most important concepts in the world of coffee. It describes the ratio of coffee grounds to water, allowing everyone to find their perfect coffee recipe and, more importantly, remember it! The right brew ratio is the key to perfect taste, the best aromas, and an unforgettable experience. And the best part: it exists for espresso, filter coffee, and cold brew. So let's find the perfect brew ratio together! Happy reading!
What is the brew ratio?
The brew ratio refers to the ratio of coffee grounds to water. It doesn't have to be perfect; it simply describes how many grams of coffee are used for a specific amount of water. Generally speaking:
Brew Ratio = Coffee powder (g) : Water (ml)
The typical ratio for filter coffee is 1:15 to 1:18. That means 1 gram of coffee grounds to 15 to 18 milliliters of water. For espresso, the ratio is significantly smaller: it's 1:2 or 1:2.5.
And why is the brew ratio so important?
The brew ratio is so important because, firstly, it helps you measure your coffee experience, allowing you to remember it and leave nothing to chance. Secondly, the optimal brew ratio fully brings out the complex aromas and nuances of coffee. As you can see, there's no single perfect brew ratio; it needs to be adjusted to each coffee and individual taste.
Here's how to find the right brew ratio
Determine your preferences:
First, you need to ask yourself whether you prefer stronger or milder coffees. If you definitely want strong coffee, then your brew ratio should also be higher.
Test different ratios
As with so many coffee-related topics, experimentation with the brew ratio is extremely important. Only in this way can you find the ideal ratio for your coffee and taste.
Use a scale
Yes, really! It makes the process much easier and saves you a lot of calculations. It's better to decide on a suitable gram and milliliter measurement for your equipment beforehand and then start like this: You want to get 450 ml of filter coffee. With a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18, you'll need between 25 and 30 grams of ground coffee. This is where you should start experimenting.
What are typical brew ratios for different brewing methods?
We've put together a short overview here so you know how and where to start.
Espresso:
Espresso is a highly concentrated coffee drink extracted under high pressure. Therefore, the ratio is very small: 1:2 for dark roasts and 1:2.5 for medium espresso roasts. A recipe for a double espresso might thus be 18 grams of ground coffee to 36 to 45 milliliters of water.
Pour-over method:
For filter coffees prepared with a filter machine or hand filter, ratios between 1:15 and 1:18 should be used. This will give you a balanced extraction with a medium strength.
French Press:
A variation of filter coffee is the French press. Here you need a ratio of 1:12 to 1:15. So for 20 grams of coffee you need 240 to 300 milliliters of water.
Aeropress:
This popular method for on-the-go brewing relies on the brew ratio. You'll need a ratio of 1:10 to 1:15 – depending on your preference.
Conclusion
To unlock the full potential of your coffee, the right brew ratio is your secret weapon! This way, you can impress yourself and others with your coffee knowledge, even with unfamiliar equipment, and be perfectly prepared for any situation. By achieving the optimal coffee-to-water ratio, you can precisely adjust the flavor and strength of your coffee and perhaps even discover a whole new side of it. Have you ever experimented with the brew ratio? Let us know!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
The formula for the perfect coffee: The Brew Ratio
The brew ratio is one of the most important concepts in the world of coffee. It describes the ratio of coffee grounds to water, allowing everyone to find their perfect coffee recipe and, more importantly, remember it! The right brew ratio is the key to perfect taste, the best aromas, and an unforgettable experience. And the best part: it exists for espresso, filter coffee, and cold brew. So let's find the perfect brew ratio together! Happy reading!
What is the brew ratio?
The brew ratio refers to the ratio of coffee grounds to water. It doesn't have to be perfect; it simply describes how many grams of coffee are used for a specific amount of water. Generally speaking:
Brew Ratio = Coffee powder (g) : Water (ml)
The typical ratio for filter coffee is 1:15 to 1:18. That means 1 gram of coffee grounds to 15 to 18 milliliters of water. For espresso, the ratio is significantly smaller: it's 1:2 or 1:2.5.
And why is the brew ratio so important?
The brew ratio is so important because, firstly, it helps you measure your coffee experience, allowing you to remember it and leave nothing to chance. Secondly, the optimal brew ratio fully brings out the complex aromas and nuances of coffee. As you can see, there's no single perfect brew ratio; it needs to be adjusted to each coffee and individual taste.
Here's how to find the right brew ratio
Determine your preferences:
First, you need to ask yourself whether you prefer stronger or milder coffees. If you definitely want strong coffee, then your brew ratio should also be higher.
Test different ratios
As with so many coffee-related topics, experimentation with the brew ratio is extremely important. Only in this way can you find the ideal ratio for your coffee and taste.
Use a scale
Yes, really! It makes the process much easier and saves you a lot of calculations. It's better to decide on a suitable gram and milliliter measurement for your equipment beforehand and then start like this: You want to get 450 ml of filter coffee. With a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18, you'll need between 25 and 30 grams of ground coffee. This is where you should start experimenting.
What are typical brew ratios for different brewing methods?
We've put together a short overview here so you know how and where to start.
Espresso:
Espresso is a highly concentrated coffee drink extracted under high pressure. Therefore, the ratio is very small: 1:2 for dark roasts and 1:2.5 for medium espresso roasts. A recipe for a double espresso might thus be 18 grams of ground coffee to 36 to 45 milliliters of water.
Pour-over method:
For filter coffees prepared with a filter machine or hand filter, ratios between 1:15 and 1:18 should be used. This will give you a balanced extraction with a medium strength.
French Press:
A variation of filter coffee is the French press. Here you need a ratio of 1:12 to 1:15. So for 20 grams of coffee you need 240 to 300 milliliters of water.
Aeropress:
This popular method for on-the-go brewing relies on the brew ratio. You'll need a ratio of 1:10 to 1:15 – depending on your preference.
Conclusion
To unlock the full potential of your coffee, the right brew ratio is your secret weapon! This way, you can impress yourself and others with your coffee knowledge, even with unfamiliar equipment, and be perfectly prepared for any situation. By achieving the optimal coffee-to-water ratio, you can precisely adjust the flavor and strength of your coffee and perhaps even discover a whole new side of it. Have you ever experimented with the brew ratio? Let us know!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team