How to Create the Perfect Cup of Pour-Over Coffee at Home

Many people are gravitating towards specialty coffee drinks, especially during the current pandemic. Making pour-over coffee is a great way to recreate the cafe experience at home, and it’s not as overwhelming as creating espresso and other specialty drinks. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to making pour-over coffee at home.

First, you will need the right equipment. A gooseneck kettle is essential for pouring the water slowly over the grinds and for accurate temperature control. You’ll also need a dripper to place over the cup onto which the brewed coffee will pour; both ceramic and metal are options. Lastly, you will need a filter for the dripper. You can use a paper filter for an easy clean-up, or you can opt for a steel-wool mesh filter used with the pour-over style machine.

Next, you need the right ingredients. Select freshly roasted coffee beans and grind as you need. Start with a grind of medium-fine, since a finer grind can bestow an overly strong cup. Measure two tablespoons of grounds for every 8 ounces of water. Preheat the cup and the dripper with hot water while you bring the kettle to a boil.

Finally, start pouring hot water from the kettle over the grounds. For the best results, pour just enough water to saturate all the grinds then wait for around 30 seconds to let the water seep into the grounds. This is called “blooming” and it helps even out some of the acidity. After blooming, pour the rest of the water slowly in circular motions. The goal is to just barely keep the grounds wet, without letting it overflow. It usually takes around 3-4 minutes for all the water to pour through. Then, simply discard the grounds, enjoy, and relax.

Making pour-over coffee at home is an enjoyable and convenient way to recreate the cafe experience. With the right equipment and ingredients, you are sure to make a delicious cup of coffee every time!