If you have ever had the opportunity to stop by the Coffee Corral in Red Bank New Jersey then you know about the pour over method of brewing a fresh cup of coffee. The pour over method is a staple of our coffee coffee brewing techniques here at the Coffee Corral, and one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy one of our various single origin coffees and blends. Utilizing the pour over method allows for the perfect extraction allowing you to taste the unique notes and qualities of each of our coffees. Preparing a cup of freshly roasted coffee using the pour over method takes a little bit more time than traditional drip coffee pots, but we promise you it is well worth the wait. Follow these steps and make the perfect pour over cup of coffee right at home.
What You Need to Make the Perfect Pour Over Coffee
- Your favorite Single Origin or Coffee Blend from the Coffee Corral
- Tea kettle
- Coffee Dripper (You can find these in any home goods store or online at Amazon)
- Coffee Filter
Step 1 – Boil Water
Bring approximately 2 cups of water to boil. If you plan on making more than one cup of coffee feel free to add more water. Once the water comes to a boil, remove it from the stove and allow it to cool briefly before using it to prepare coffee (ideal temperature is approximately 195°F). The goal here is to use water that is just off the boiling point.
The type of water that you use to brew coffee matters. At The Coffee Corral we recommend using fresh cold water that is not chemically softened or distilled. Water makes up the bulk of any coffee preparation method, if you do not like drinking tap water chances are you will not like coffee brewed with tap water. If you do not have access to fresh cold filtered water, we recommend using bottled water.
Step 2 – Place the Dripper on Top of the Mug
- Place a coffee filter inside of the dripper, and place the dripper on top of your favorite mug.
- Pre-soak the filter and mug by pouring boiling water over the filter, this will rinse out any paper taste.
- Pour the water out of the mug after doing this an before moving onto the next step.
Step 3 – Measure Out the Correct Amount of Coffee Grounds
You will get the best flavor from The Coffee Corral’s coffee beans by grinding the beans freshly each time you make a cup of coffee. If you do not own a grinder you can use preground coffee as well.
- It is generally best to use one tablespoon of coffee for every cup of water (1tbsp for every 6oz of water).
- The average coffee mug holds approximately 2 cups of water.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of coffee and water used based on personal taste and preference.
- We generally recommend a grind setting between fine and medium for the pour over method.
- Add the ground coffee to the coffee filter inside of the coffee dripper.
Step 4 – Pour a Little Bit of Water
At this point our water has been heated to the correct temperature, our dripper/filter/mug are prepped and ready to go.
- Slowly begin pouring a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds.
- The grounds will begin to froth and foam a bit creating what is called a flume.
- Wait approximately 35-40 seconds before slowly continuing to pour more water over the grinds.
- Be sure not to pour the water too quickly, so the filter does not overflow or move out of place.
Step 5 – Enjoy
At this point you should have the perfect cup of pour-over coffee, add milk or cream and sweeten to taste.