Brewing ratios are simple yet powerful formulas that determine the strength, flavour, and overall quality of your coffee. So, understanding them will really help you improve your coffee game – whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home barista.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What brewing ratios are and why they matter.
• How to use brewing ratios for different coffee methods.
• Tips to master brewing ratios for consistently great coffee.

What are brewing ratios?

A brewing ratio is the relationship between the amount of coffee and water you use. It’s typically expressed as a ratio, like 1:15, meaning one gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or millilitres) of water. This simple formula lays the foundation for a balanced coffee that’s packed with flavour.

Ratios vary depending on your brewing method and personal taste. Two common brewing ratios are:

• 1:15, and 
• 1:17

These are the most popular brewing ratios and a great starting point for most brewing methods. They produce coffee with a balanced strength and flavour.

• 1:15 results in a slightly stronger, fuller-bodied cup.
• 1:17 offers a lighter, more delicate flavour.

Typical brewing ratios by method

• Pour-over (e.g., V60)
  Go for a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio for clarity and brightness. Start with 15g of coffee to 250g of water for a single cup.
• Cafetière: 1:12 to 1:15 for a bold, full-bodied brew. Try 30g of coffee to 360g of water for two servings.
• Espresso: 1:2 to 1:3 for a rich, concentrated shot. A typical espresso might use 18g of coffee for a 36g shot.
• Cold brew: 1:8 to 1:10 for smooth, low-acidity coffee. Use 100g of coffee to 800g of water for a single batch.

Why brewing ratios matter

• Balance: The right ratio prevents your coffee from being too bitter (over-extracted) or too weak (under-extracted).
• Reproducibility: Once you find your perfect ratio, you can recreate your favourite cup every time.
• Adaptability: Brewing ratios allow you to tailor your coffee to suit different brewing methods and personal preferences.

Basically, brewing ratios are the key to consistency. They ensure that your coffee tastes great every time. Eliminating guesswork and frustration. Saving you time!

How to use brewing ratios

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Start with freshly roasted beans

The quality of your coffee starts with the beans. Always use freshly roasted coffee to maximise flavour.

2. Weigh your coffee and water

Precision is key when working with brewing ratios. Use a digital scale to measure your coffee and water accurately.

3. Adjust your ratio for taste

Once you’ve brewed your coffee, give it a swirl, and get sipping. If it tastes too strong, try a higher ratio like 1:17. If it’s too weak, reduce the water slightly.

4. Mind your grind size

Each brewing method requires a specific grind size, which affects extraction and how well your brewing ratio works:

• Coarse: think cafetière and cold brew.
• Medium: think drip coffee or pour-over.
• Fine: think moka pot or espresso.

5. Monitor your brew time

The brewing ratio works best when paired with the right brew time. For instance:

• Cafetière: 4-5 minutes
• Pour-over: 3-4 minutes
• Espresso: 25-30 seconds
• Cold brew: 12-24 hours

6. Keep your water quality in check

Water makes up 98% of your coffee. Use filtered water and heat it to 195-205°F (90-96°C) for optimal extraction.

Troubleshooting brewing ratios

Even with a solid brewing ratio, you might run into issues. Here’s how to fix them:

• Coffee tastes too weak? Try a lower ratio, like 1:15, or use a finer grind to slow down extraction.
• Coffee tastes too strong or bitter? Increase the ratio to 1:17, or use a coarser grind to speed up extraction.
• Inconsistent results? Double-check your scale and grind size for accuracy.

Experiment to find your perfect ratio

While 1:15 to 1:17 ratios are a great starting point, coffee is deeply subjective. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different ratios, brewing methods, and beans to discover what works best for you.

For example…

• Prefer a stronger morning brew? Opt for a 1:14 ratio.
• Love a lighter, tea-like cup? Go for 1:18.

The beauty of brewing ratios is that they’re flexible – you can adapt them to match your unique taste.

Brewing ratios are the key to better coffee

Whether you’re brewing with a cafetière, a V60 pour-over, or experimenting with a cold brew, understanding brewing ratios is the first step to consistently great coffee. By starting with a simple 1:15 ratio and adjusting based on your method and preferences, you can craft a cup that’s uniquely yours.

With this knowledge, you’ll no longer be at the mercy of guesswork. Instead, you’ll have the confidence to make every cup memorable.