Coffee 101
Making the perfect cup of coffee at home is all about finding the right balance, especially when it comes to the coffee-to-water ratio. While it varies based on personal preference and brewing method, getting it right ensures you unlock the full flavor potential of your beans—whether it's floral, nutty, or chocolaty. The right ratio also ensures your coffee is strong enough to stand up to milk or cream, giving you the ideal cup every time without the risk of it being too weak or overly strong. Understanding these basics will help you brew a consistently great cup of coffee.
Firstly, how big of a cup do I really need?
Coffee cups and mugs come in all different sizes today, so a 'cup' measurement that's typically used in baking does not apply here. Typically, a common size for a 'cup' of coffee is 6 fluid ounces or 177 milliliters, and the cup of coffee you make maybe more or less than that. The US standard cup measurement is typically about 8 ounces or 237 milliliters.
Keep in mind you can find coffee mugs that range from 5 to 12oz, and this is where understanding the coffee ratio below will help in making that perfect cup for you.
Please note: Some coffee pot manufacturers deviate from the 6oz per cup standard. so you should check the total water capacity of your pot before assuming that the pot will be measured in 6oz cups.
Coffee Ratios
The ratio for the perfect balance of coffee & water is called the "Golden Ratio." This ratio was developed by the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) to ensure the best cup of coffee or The Golden Cup Standard.
The National Coffee Association and SCAA defines 10 grams or 0.36oz per 6-oz cup as the proper measure for brewed coffee using the American standards. Keep in mind the ideal ratio depends on the brewing method, the type of coffee, and personal taste.
Coffee’s golden ratio is 1:18 (1 gram of coffee to every 18 grams of water). If you want a stronger cup, use a ratio of 1:15 or if you want a lighter cup, use 1:18. But somewhere between 15 to 18 grams of water to every gram of coffee is most common. Espresso on the other hand, uses a ratio of 1:2 (1 gram of coffee to 2 grams of water) because it is a concentrate that is typically diluted in water or milk. For cold brew, this can range from a ratio of 1:4 to 1:18 depending on if you want a concentrate or a ready-to-drink coffee. We recommend a coffee to water ratio of 1:5 for concentrate. When you’re ready to drink, dilute by doubling the volume or to taste. Pro tip, dilute with milk for a more creamy beverage.
How much coffee do I need to use per cup?
In making coffee, it's important to be consistent in the amount of coffee you use so you don't use too much or too little. The coffee can be measured in grams, tablespoons, or scoops as long as they are all clearly marked.
There is some room to adjust accordingly for personal taste, but here are a few things to take into consideration:
A typical cup of coffee would be 8 ounces, and so you will want to use 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of coffee. A levelled tablespoon is about 5.3 grams of ground coffee, so if you do the math that falls in the range of about 8 to 10.6 grams needed.
The best way to achieve the right amount of water and ground coffee is by using a scale so that you always get the same amount of coffee per cup (and don't feel bad if you just want to keep it simple) but just keep in mind adding more coffee won’t necessarily get you to a desired flavor.
As a basic guideline when using tablespoons and an 8-ounce cup: 1 cup = 2 tablespoons coffee + 8 ounces water etc.
2 tablespoons coffee + 8 ounces water
4 tablespoons coffee + 16 ounces water
6 tablespoons coffee + 24 ounces water
8 tablespoons coffee + 32 ounces water
How many cups of coffee can I make from the the sizes you offer?
The amount of coffee you use each week depends on factors like cup size, brewing method, and preferred strength. By considering these variables, you can estimate your coffee consumption and determine how often to restock.
When pouring your daily cup of coffee, it is important to think about what size mug to use. The average sized mug is 8 to 12 ounces, so we will calculate using a standard 8-oz mug or 237 grams.
Let's use the coffee ratios for a lighter and stronger coffee to compare the number of cups of coffee you can approximately yield for each offering based on an 8-oz cup.
For Lighter Coffee
We will use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:18, this is 1 gram of coffee to 18 mL of water. So if we divide our mug size by our coffee-to-water ratio, 237/18, we get approximately 13, which is the amount of coffee we need to brew one cup. Which means purchasing a 12oz (340 gram) bag of coffee will give you around 26 cups of coffee. Again, keep in mind this ratio is for a 8oz cup each time.
For Stronger Coffee
We will use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15, this is 1 gram of coffee to 15 mL of water. So if we divide our mug size by our coffee-to-water ratio, 237/15, we get approximately 15.8, which is the amount of coffee we need to brew one cup. Which means purchasing a 12oz (340 gram) bag of coffee will give you around 21 cups of coffee. Again, keep in mind this ratio is for a 8oz cup each time.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee offers numerous health benefits, especially when consumed in moderation (3-4 cups daily). It boosts cognitive function, enhances physical performance, and supports heart health by reducing risks of cardiovascular disease. Coffee improves liver and gut health, promotes weight management, and is rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. It can alleviate headaches, protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. To enjoy these benefits, stick to unsweetened black coffee, as sugary additives may negate them.
This is for informational purposes only, so please remember to always consult a medical professional to determine the correct amount for you.
Tips for Healthier Coffee
The healthiest kind of coffee to drink is the kind that retains its natural nutrients and antioxidants while minimizing added sugars, fats, and artificial ingredients.
Skip Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners: Use natural alternatives like stevia or honey sparingly.
Limit Creamers: Opt for low-fat or plant-based options instead of heavy cream.
Add Superfoods: Try adding cinnamon, cocoa powder, or collagen powder for extra health benefits–just be mindful that these things will alter the flavor of the coffee.
Moderate Your Intake: Stick to 3–4 cups per day to avoid excessive caffeine consumption. The average 8oz. cup of coffee has 65mg-120mg of caffeine.
When is coffee considered not good for you?
Coffee is generally safe when consumed in moderation, but it’s important to be mindful of your body’s tolerance and any pre-existing health conditions. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the right amount for you.
Coffee can be considered bad for you when consumed in excessive amounts or under certain conditions that may make you more sensitive to its effects. Here are a few scenarios that can be considered bad:
Excessive Consumption
Consuming over 400mg of caffeine daily (about 4-5 cups) can lead to anxiety, sleep issues, increased heart rate, and digestive problems. Heavy, regular consumption can also cause caffeine dependence, with withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability if intake is suddenly reduced.
Sensitivity to Caffeine
Some people metabolize caffeine more slowly, leading to jitters, headaches, and palpitations, even with small amounts.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
High caffeine intake during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight. Pregnant women are usually advised to limit intake to 200 mg/day (about 1–2 cups). Please consult with your healthcare provider for more information.
Bone Health Concerns
Excessive coffee consumption may interfere with calcium absorption, potentially contributing to osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Coffee is acidic and can worsen conditions like gastritis or acid reflux (GERD) and agitate conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Issues with Blood Pressure
Caffeine can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, which may be risky for those with hypertension or heart disease. You should always consult your primary care physician when considering a change to your diet, and coffee is no exception.
Adding Excessive Sugar & Dairy
High-sugar coffee drinks or those with excessive cream can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease when consumed regularly.
What are the Best Brewing Methods?
The best coffee brewing methods vary based on personal preference, but each brings out different flavors and characteristics:
Drip Coffee Maker: Easy and convenient, it brews coffee quickly and consistently, producing a balanced cup.
French Press: Known for its rich, full-bodied coffee, the French Press allows oils from the coffee grounds to remain in the brew, creating a more robust flavor.
Pour-Over: A hands-on method that allows precise control over the brewing process, resulting in a clean, flavorful cup with bright notes.
Espresso: A concentrated, bold brew made under high pressure, offering intense flavors, often used as the base for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
AeroPress: A versatile and portable brewing method that produces a smooth, rich cup of coffee, with the ability to experiment with different brewing techniques.
Cold Brew: Coffee brewed with cold water over an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic taste, ideal for hot summer days.
Moka Pot: A stovetop brewing method that makes a strong, espresso-like coffee with a rich, bold flavor.
