How to Brew:

Quick Guide to Brewing Coffee: Explore the Best Methods for Your Perfect Cup 

At Café Fusión Coffee Co., we feel that every cup of coffee should be a sensory journey, filled with rich flavors, delicate aromas, and a balance of bitterness and sweetness. To achieve this, how you brew your coffee is just as important as the quality of the beans you use. Whether you’re just getting started with brewing at home or you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur, there’s a brewing method that will suit your tastes and the unique flavor profiles of our expertly roasted beans. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a variety of popular coffee brewing methods, explaining the steps and the tools you need to brew the perfect cup. We’ll also offer tips for maximizing the flavors from Café Fusión Coffee Co. signature roasts. Please note, this is a very GENERAL guide on brewing methods; simple and by no means exhaustive. Some methods (ahem...pour-over and espresso) can get so technical, and well, it depends how far you want to go down the rabbit hole. Nevertheless, we hope these tips help you get started on the journey to better coffee!  

1. Pour-Over: Precision and Control

The pour-over method offers unmatched control over the brewing process, allowing you to highlight the subtle nuances of your coffee. This method is ideal for single-origin coffees, like our Jarabe and decaf Dormilona, or lighter to medium roasts like Punta. 

What You'll Need: 

  • Pour-over dripper (Hario V60 or Chemex) 
  • Paper filters 
  • Gooseneck kettle 
  • Scale 
  • Timer 
  • Freshly ground coffee (medium to medium-course grind, but you can experiment with this) 

Brewing Instructions: 

  1. Boil Water: Heat water to around 200°F (just off the boil). 
  2. Prepare the Filter: Place the paper filter in your pour-over dripper and rinse it with hot water. This removes any papery taste and warms your brewing equipment. 
  3. Weigh and Grind: Measure 25 grams of coffee beans and grind them to a medium coarseness, similar to sea salt. 
  4. Bloom: Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds (about twice the weight of the coffee) and let it sit for 30-45 seconds. This step releases gases trapped in the grounds. 
  5. Brew: Start pouring water slowly and in circles, beginning at the center and working outward. Pour in stages, aiming for a total water weight of around 400 grams. 
  6. Wait and Enjoy: The brewing should take around 3-4 minutes. Once done, let the coffee drip fully and enjoy! 

This method especially brings out the bright acidity and fruity notes of Punta, giving you a clean, crisp cup.  

Pro tip: it helps to put whatever container you’re pouring into on the scale and zero the scale before introducing coffee and hot water. 

2. French Press: Bold and Full-Bodied

If you prefer a richer, fuller-bodied coffee, the French Press is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for medium to dark roasts, like our Jaguar blend, which offers a smooth, cocoa finish. 

What You'll Need: 

  • French press 
  • Coarse ground coffee 
  • Kettle 
  • Scale 
  • Timer 

Brewing Instructions: 

  1. Boil Water: Heat water to around 200°F and allow it to cool slightly. 
  2. Prepare Coffee: Use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. For a standard 34-ounce French press, this equates to about 50 grams of coffee and 750 ml of water. 
  3. Add Coffee: Place the ground coffee into the French press. 
  4. Add Water: Pour hot water over the grounds, ensuring all coffee is fully saturated. 
  5. Stir and Steep: Give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure even extraction, and place the lid on the French press. Let it steep for 4 minutes. 
  6. Press and Serve: Slowly press the plunger down, applying even pressure. Pour the coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction. 

This method highlights the rich, robust flavors of our Jaguar blend, perfect for those who enjoy a deep and smooth cup. 

3. AeroPress: Versatile and Quick

The AeroPress is beloved for its versatility and quick brewing time. It’s great for both full body coffee and lighter, filter-like brews. If you’re craving a bold, espresso-like flavor without an expensive machine, try this with any of our medium-dark to ultra-dark roasts. 

What You'll Need: 

  • AeroPress 
  • AeroPress filters 
  • Coffee (medium to medium-coarse grind) 
  • Kettle 
  • Timer 
  • Stirring paddle 

Brewing Instructions: 

  1. Boil Water: Heat water to around 200°F. 
  2. Prepare the Filter: Rinse the AeroPress filter with hot water. 
  3. Assemble AeroPress: Place the filter into the cap and screw it onto the bottom of the AeroPress. Place the AeroPress on a sturdy cup or carafe. 
  4. Add Coffee: Add 17 grams of ground coffee for a strong brew. Adjust for strength preferences. 
  5. Pour Water: Add water up to the mark on the AeroPress (around 220 grams). 
  6. Stir and Steep: Stir the mixture for 10 seconds, then place the plunger on top and press down slowly for about 20-30 seconds. 
  7. Serve: Enjoy a strong, concentrated brew that pairs perfectly with our darker roasts. 

The AeroPress offers versatility in brewing styles, but the espresso-style brew is where it really shines, offering intense flavors with minimal bitterness. 

4. Cold Brew: Smooth and Refreshing

For those who enjoy a smooth, chilled coffee, cold brew is an ideal method, especially for warmer months. Our Punta light-medium roast blend, with its caramel, fruity, and citrus notes, is perfect for this method. 

What You'll Need: 

  • Coarse ground coffee 
  • Cold brew maker or large jar 
  • Filter or cheesecloth 
  • Water 
  • Scale 

Brewing Instructions: 

  1. Measure Coffee: Use a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio. For 1 liter of water, you’ll need about 125 grams of coarsely ground coffee. 
  2. Add Water: In a cold brew maker or large jar, add the coffee grounds and then pour cold water over them. 
  3. Stir and Steep: Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours, depending on your strength preference. 
  4. Filter: After steeping, strain the coffee through a filter or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. 
  5. Serve: Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to taste, and serve over ice. 

Cold brew brings out the smooth, mellow characteristics of our Punta, with a refreshing finish. 

5. Espresso: The Heart of Coffee Craftsmanship

Espresso is the foundation for many popular coffee drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. If you have an espresso machine, you can brew an intense and flavorful shot using any of our coffees, but especially our medium-dark blends like Jaguar with its notes of caramel, cocoa, and light smoke. Keep in mind, there are many things to consider when dialing in espresso to your taste. This will serve as a very simple, general intro to what you’ll need to get started.  

What You'll Need: 

  • Espresso machine 
  • Espresso grinder 
  • Freshly roasted coffee (fine grind) 
  • Scale 
  • Tamper 

Brewing Instructions: 

  1. Preheat Machine: Make sure your espresso machine is fully warmed up before brewing. 
  2. Grind and Measure: Use about 18 grams of finely ground coffee for a double shot. 
  3. Tamp: Evenly distribute the coffee grounds in the portafilter and tamp them down with firm, even pressure. 
  4. Brew: Insert the portafilter and start brewing immediately. A double shot should take around 25-30 seconds to extract. 
  5. Serve: Enjoy the bold, concentrated flavors of espresso, either on its own or as the base for another drink. 

Our Jaguar medium-dark blend is designed to shine under pressure (excuse the pun), producing a smooth, balanced shot with a velvety crema. 

6. Moka Pot: Old-World Charm

The Moka pot, often referred to as the stovetop espresso maker, cafetera, or la greca, technically doesn’t make true espresso, but it is an excellent way to brew rich, concentrated coffee with minimal equipment. If you’re a dark coffee lover or used to Italian or Latin-style coffee, this method pairs perfectly with our Obsidian ultra-dark roast, known for its strong, smoky, but smooth and balanced flavor. 

What You'll Need: 

  • Moka pot 
  • Coffee (fine to medium-fine grind) 
  • Water 

Brewing Instructions: 

  1. Prepare the Pot: Fill the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with water up to the safety valve. 
  2. Add Coffee: Add medium-fine ground coffee to the filter basket, leveling it off without tamping. 
  3. Assemble and Heat: Assemble the pot and place it on medium heat. The water will begin to boil and push through the coffee grounds. We recommend adding boiling water first for less bitterness but be aware that you’ll get to the next step much faster. 
  4. Wait for Brewing to Finish: Once you begin to hear a light gurgling sound, the brewing process is complete. Remove the pot from heat immediately. We recommend submerging the pot below the safety valve into some cold water or running it under cold water.  
  5. Serve: Pour the coffee immediately and enjoy the rich, intense flavor. 

This method offers a nostalgic, full-bodied cup reminiscent of traditional espresso, though less intense. 

Pro tip: If you let the pot heat for too long on the stove, this can lead to a lot of bubbling and spurting as hot steam comes through the spout. You don’t want to get to this point because it can lend bitter notes to the cup. You can cut the bitterness down by sprinkling a very tiny pinch of regular table salt into your coffee and stirring. Don’t believe us? Try it! 

7. Drip Coffee: Convenient and Consistent

Last but not least, drip coffee is one of the most popular and convenient brewing methods, offering a great balance between ease and flavor. It’s perfect for those who want a simple yet delicious cup. If you’re brewing a batch of our Jarabe medium roast, this drip coffee method will give you a smooth, balanced cup with minimal effort. 

What You'll Need: 

  • Automatic drip coffee maker 
  • Freshly ground coffee (medium grind) 
  • Water (filtered for best results) 
  • Paper filters or reusable filter 

Brewing Instructions: 

  1. Prep the Coffee Maker: Place a clean paper filter into the basket of your drip coffee maker, or use a reusable filter if you prefer. Rinse the paper filter with hot water to eliminate any papery taste. 
  2. Weigh and Grind: Measure your coffee based on the size of your coffee maker. A good starting point is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. For a 12-cup drip coffee maker, use around 70-80 grams of medium ground coffee. 
  3. Add Water: Pour filtered water into the reservoir of the coffee maker. For the best flavor, ensure the water-to-coffee ratio matches your desired strength. 
  4. Brew: Start the coffee maker and let it run its full cycle. 
  5. Enjoy: Once the brewing cycle is complete, pour yourself a cup and enjoy. For best flavor, consume the coffee within 30 minutes or keep it in a thermal carafe to maintain freshness. 

This method works well with Jarabe, which offers balanced flavors with a smooth, easy-drinking profile. A good drip coffee machine offers consistency, making it easy to brew a reliable cup every time without much guesswork. 

Closing Thoughts 

We believe that every brewing method has its unique charm, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to making coffee. Each method brings out different qualities in our beans, and with our variety of roasts, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your brewing style. 

Whether you're brewing a crisp, fruity cup with a pour-over, a rich and bold French Press brew, or a creamy shot of espresso, each method can be tailored to suit your preferences. Experiment with these methods using our expertly roasted coffees, and you'll discover the full potential of your favorite beans. 

For more tips and insights on coffee brewing and selecting the best beans, be sure to check out resources like the Specialty Coffee Association for brewing standards and guidelines. Happy brewing!