Most mornings I wake up, put on a record, and make myself a cup of coffee. I grind my beans by hand—a morning ritual I thoroughly enjoy despite sometimes enduring some snide comments from friends. Whether you grind your coffee the old-fashioned way or not, I recommend investing in a high-quality grinder as the coffee will extract differently depending on the size of the grounds.
It helps to know: This recipe requires a scale, a brewing device (such as a V60 or small dripper; I use a Kalita Wave), and a paper filter.
Though not necessary, a spouted kettle also helps with accuracy.
Grind the coffee for a paper filter; it should look about the size of a fine sand.
Set the paper filter in your brewing device over your mug.
Pour boiling water over the filter, heating your mug and rinsing off any papery taste from the filter.
Discard the water.
Spoon the coffee into the filter, shaking to level the grounds.
Tare your scale so it reads 0.
Start a timer and slowly pour around 50 grams of boiling water into the center of the coffee, being careful not to touch the sides of the filter.
Wait 30 to 45 seconds as the coffee rises and bubbles, releasing its carbon dioxide.
Slowly pour boiling water in a circular motion starting in the center and moving outward until the filter is three-quarters full, still being careful not to touch the side of the filter (or the water will go straight through to the cup).
Wait as the water drips through the coffee into your mug, and a darker crust forms around the perimeter of the grounds.
Continue with this process until you’ve added about 300 grams of boiling water and the timer reads between 3 and 4 minutes.
(If it takes more time, your grind is likely too fine.
If it takes less time, your grind is likely too coarse).