How to Brew Medium Roast Coffee at Home

Cats & Cosby Coffee bag beside a French press and a mug of fresh coffee on a kitchen counter

Great coffee starts with fresh beans and the right grind for your brewing method. Medium roast is forgiving and works well in almost every brewer, so use this guide to find the method that fits your morning. Cats & Cosby Coffee comes as whole bean or drip ground, so grind fresh for any of the methods below if you buy whole bean.

Drip coffee machine

Use a fine grind. Add 1 level to slightly rounded tablespoon (about 10 g) of coffee for each 6 oz cup of water, then brew as usual.

Hand drip (pour-over)

Use 8 to 10 g of medium-fine coffee per cup, with water at 190 to 195°F. Wet the grounds first and let them bloom for a few seconds, then pour slowly in a clockwise circle until you reach your desired amount.

French press

Use a coarse grind and 1 to 2 tablespoons (10 to 20 g) of coffee for each 6 oz cup. Let hot water, just off the boil, steep with the grounds for about 4 minutes, then press the plunger down slowly. Avoid water that is at a full boil.

AeroPress

Use 15 g of medium-fine coffee for 7 oz of water and a paper filter. Add the water, stir, and steep for about 1 minute, then press down gently.

Moka pot

Use a medium-fine grind and fill the basket without packing it down. Heat on medium-low and remove the pot from the heat as soon as it begins to sputter.

Espresso

Use an espresso-fine grind and fill the portafilter to the line. A precise, consistent grind is what gives you a rich crema.

Iced pour-over

For each serving, use 10 g of medium-fine coffee, 4 oz of hot water and 2 oz of ice in the server. Bloom the grounds for 30 seconds, brew over the ice, and swirl to chill it evenly.

Cold brew

Combine equal parts coarse ground coffee and filtered water. Steep for 12 to 24 hours, strain, and add water or milk to taste. Store it in the refrigerator.

Tips for a better cup

Most methods work best with water between 185 and 195°F. Grind size matters more than most people expect, so adjust finer if the coffee tastes weak or sour and coarser if it tastes bitter. Keep your equipment clean and descale your machine regularly.

Try it

Ready to brew? Pick up Cats & Cosby Coffee, or join the WABC Coffee Club and save 15% on every order.

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