Three Strands Coffee Brewing Guide

At Three Strands Coffee Co., we roast and cup every batch to shine at a 16:1 water-to-coffee ratio. This balance highlights the rich flavors and complexity of our carefully sourced beans. Whether you're brewing with a drip machine, pour-over, or French press, this guide will help you craft the perfect cup.

Brewing Guides

Drip Coffee (Automatic Brewer)

Smooth, Consistent, and Effortless

  • Ratio: 1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water
  • Grind Size: Medium (like sand)
  • Water Temperature: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
  • Brew Time: 4–6 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Measure 1 gram of freshly ground coffee for every 16 grams (or milliliters) of water. For a standard 1L brew, use 62g of coffee.
  2. Rinse your paper filter to remove any papery taste.
  3. Start the brewer and let the machine work its magic.
  4. Pour and enjoy the smooth, balanced cup.

Pour Over V60, Chemex etc

Bright, Clean, and Complex

  • Ratio: 1:16 (e.g., 25g coffee to 400g water)
  • Grind Size: Medium-fine (like table salt)
  • Water Temperature: 200°F (93°C)
  • Brew Time: 3–4 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the filter with hot water to preheat and remove paper flavor.
  2. Add freshly ground coffee to the brewer.
  3. Bloom: Pour twice the weight of water over the grounds (e.g., 50g water for 25g coffee) and let it bloom for 30–45 seconds.
  4. Slowly pour the remaining water in circles over 2–3 minutes.
  5. Let it drain fully, serve, and savor the layered flavors.

French Press

Rich, Bold, and Full-Bodied

  • Ratio: 1:16 (e.g., 30g coffee to 480g water)
  • Grind Size: Coarse (like sea salt)
  • Water Temperature: 200°F (93°C)
  • Brew Time: 4 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Add coarsely ground coffee to your French press.
  2. Pour hot water evenly over the grounds and stir gently.
  3. Place the lid on and let it steep for 4 minutes.
  4. Slowly press the plunger down.
  5. Pour and enjoy a rich, full-bodied brew.

Aeropress

Smooth, Versatile, and Quick

  • Ratio: 1:15 (e.g., 17g coffee to 255g
    water)
  • Grind Size: Medium-fine (slightly finer than drip)
  • Water Temperature: 200°F (93°C)
  • Brew Time: 2 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Insert a filter into the AeroPress cap and rinse it with hot water.
  2. Add ground coffee to the AeroPress.
  3. Pour hot water up to the top, stir gently, and steep for 30 seconds.
  4. Insert the plunger and press slowly over 20–30 seconds.
  5. Enjoy a smooth, rich cup—or add hot water for an Americano-style brew.

Espresso (Home or Commercial Machine)

Bold, Intense, and Sweet

  • Ratio: 1:2 (e.g., 18g coffee for a 36g shot)
  • Grind Size: Fine (like table salt)
  • Water Temperature: 200°F (93°C)
  • Brew Time: 25–30 seconds

Instructions:

  1. Use 18–20g of finely ground coffee in the portafilter.
  2. Distribute and tamp evenly.
  3. Pull a 25–30 second shot aiming for a 1:2 ratio. (ideally with a 6-12 sec preinfusion if able)
  4. Rest single-origin espresso for at least a week after roasting for the best flavor.

Cold Brew

Smooth, Sweet, and Refreshing

  • Ratio: 1:8 for concentrate (e.g., 100g coffee to 800g water)
  • Grind Size: Coarse (like French press)
  • Water Temperature: Cold/Room Temperature
  • Brew Time: 12–18 hours

Instructions:

  1. Combine coarse coffee and cold water in a jar or cold brew maker.
  2. Stir gently and let it steep in the fridge for 12–18 hours.
  3. Strain through a fine filter or cheesecloth.
  4. Dilute the concentrate 1:1 with water or milk, and enjoy over ice.

Brewing Tips

  • Use Fresh Beans: For peak flavor, brew within 2–4 weeks of roasting.
  • Filtered Water: Clean water makes clean coffee. Use filtered or spring water.
  • Dial In Your Grind: Adjust grind size if the brew tastes too sour (grind finer) or too bitter (grind coarser).
  • Scale It: Use a scale for precise brewing—consistency is key.

Every brew method reveals something unique about our coffee. Start with our recommended 16:1 ratio and adjust to your taste. Whether it’s the bold body of a French press or the bright clarity of a pour-over, you’ll experience the depth and balance we roast for.