However, every detail matters. Getting a consistent grind coarseness, using proper measurements, and having the right temperature water will also improve how your cup of joe tastes. What you’ll need:
Quality, fresh coffee beans (we gravitate toward beans from Guatemala and Ethiopia)Chemex coffeemakerFiltered water (we love this Berkey Water filter)Water kettle (something with a gooseneck spout is best for pouring)Paper filtersCoffee grinder (the better the grind, the better the coffee. However, quality beans and filtered water trump grind, so just get what you can!)Scale (ensures accuracy)
Now, on to preparation. If you dig around enough, you’ll find varying recommendations on the ratio of coffee to water. I’ve worked this recipe for a number of years and end up using 1g of coffee to 16ml of water. So for a pot of coffee that yields about 2 big cups (250ml each), you’d use 32g of coffee + ~500ml water. This assumes you’re using a high-quality coffee bean and filtered water. Sometimes coffee is made unnecessarily strong to hide bean or water imperfections. I also tend to grind my coffee just a smidge finer (to the consistency of table salt) than what’s usually recommended (rough sea salt), which seems to balance well with a little bit more water to make a beautiful cup of coffee. That said, don’t be fooled. This is going to be a bold cup of coffee! I make adjustments when using a different bean or system, but this process has held up well for me for years (and we drink coffee pretty much every day). We hope you LOVE this coffee brewing method. It’s: Tried and testedEasy to masterConsistent& Delicious every time Enjoy your perfect cup of coffee as is, or use as a base in beverages like our Mushroom Latte 2 Ways! It can also be used in recipes like our Coconut Coffee Ice Cream, Cold Brew Caramel Frappuccino (just cool your coffee first), Vegan Chocolate Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches, and 3-Ingredient Vegan Mocha Milkshake. If you try this coffee brewing method, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends! Why do you “bloom” coffee?In short, before being brewed, coffee contains gasses produced during the roasting process. Blooming the coffee releases some of those gasses so your final cup has a cleaner taste. Plus, it helps level the coffee grounds to make pouring easier. Do you have to use a Chemex for pour-over?No! But it is one of the best options for making multiple cups of coffee. For single servings, I use a Beehouse or this slick travel coffee maker. What are the best beans for coffee?Most high-end local coffee shops will offer good beans. Small-batch single-origin (or specialty blends) are best. If you aren’t near a big city, looking for coffee beans from Portland or Seattle will usually set you straight. Or you can look into roasting your own at home! Should I buy ground or whole coffee beans? What are the best beans?Either will be fine if you get them to the right consistency. Most grinders at stores or coffee shops will have a pour-over setting you can try. Ultimately, you’re going for a consistency similar to table salt. If you have your own grinder, buy whole beans and grind right before you brew. Does good coffee require filtered water?Yes! This makes a remarkable difference in coffee quality. Strong brewing, great beans, or other tricks won’t make up for funky water. What’s the best grind for a Chemex?Table salt consistency. If your coffee ends up tasting dry or bitter, you probably need to use a coarser grind. What’s the best grinder for a Chemex?If bean and water quality are the two most important things in brewing a pour-over, the grind consistency would be #3. A burr grinder is the best for consistency and not changing the flavor (blade grinders can heat up the beans, causing quality issues). For the money, the Baratza Encore is a great value for getting the perfect pour-over grind. For travel, a hand grinder like this one is great. But be warned — it’ll take 5-10 minutes of grinding for a full pot of coffee! What’s the best kettle for a Chemex?Okay, now we’re getting fancy! Any kettle with a gooseneck will be preferred over a standard tea kettle as it gives you more control when pouring. I use an electric kettle and have been very happy with this one.
