You're probably here because you want to learn how to make drip coffee. I must say, that was a smart move, because we're about to find out!
In basic terms, you can make drip coffee by pouring hot water into a perforated container holding ground coffee beans. Drip brew coffee makers became popular in the 1970's.
What have we learned about them in such a short space of time?
Why is Drip Coffee Different to Other Types?
What is drip coffee and what makes it so special? Let's compare drip coffee to some other mainstream varieties.
Espresso Vs Drip Coffee
The line between espresso and drip coffee is a fuzzy one, but there are ways to separate the differences.
Firstly, the grind size is an important factor. You should use a very fine grind size for espresso coffee, with dark beans. The espresso comes out more slowly when the coffee is ground more finely. To know how to make drip coffee properly, you should know that the grind size should be coarse.
The drip coffee process is slower and the ground coffee is in contact with water for longer. When preparing an espresso, the brewing time should be shorter. This is possible because of high-powered espresso machines that use pressure to force the water through the coffee.
There is more caffeine in drip coffee, but this can be put down to a larger cup size. When we look at the caffeine content per oz, we find a higher concentrated drip coffee.
Americano Vs Drip Coffee
The principal difference between an Americano and drip coffee is the method. You brew drip coffee by allowing water to drip down through grounds. An Americano is prepared by forcing steam through coffee grounds at a high pressure. This gives you an espresso base. You then add hot water to turn it into an Americano.
The caffeine content of both types are more or less the same, but the taste is different. The differences in flavor are down to the brew time, coffee grounds and other factors. An Americano can offer a richer taste and a fuller body.
How much Caffeine does Drip Coffee Contain?
It's interesting to learn that our coffee tolerance has increased with time. Back in the 1950's, an average cup of coffee was 4-6 fl oz. Nowadays, we're talking anything between 8 oz and 24 oz!
The National Coffee Association says that a typical cup of drip coffee (8 oz) will contain between 65 and 150 mg of caffeine. This is a big variation and depends on factors like grind size, brew time and water temperature.
Health Benefits of Drip Coffee
In the US, drip brewing is the most popular way to make coffee. I would largely put this down to the satisfying, traditional method. But it's good to know that there are some health benefits, too.
- Drip coffee uses a traditional method. This means no added chemicals, such as ones you'd find with instant coffee or plastic pods. I advise using unbleached paper as your filter to further avoid chemical exposure.
- Coffee filters are good for your cholesterol! They trap oily substances known as diterpenes. Diterpenes can block a receptor in the intestines that regulates cholesterol. Taking these out of your cup of coffee can decrease your risk of bad cholesterol.
- There is research to suggest that all types of coffee can have health benefits. It can protect against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver cancer.
- Moderate coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. This makes it a good choice for those who struggle to control their blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
Can you get Flavored Drip Coffee?
You can actually purchase flavored coffee beans. They are created with flavored oil, which gets sprayed on the coffee beans after roasting. Flavored beans add a nice twist to your usual cup and are great if you're hosting a dinner party.
To be on the safe side, I advise using a separate filter for flavored coffee. Flavored coffee can leave a lingering taste and affect future regular coffee. If you must use the same filter, be sure to clean it afterward.
Best-selling flavors include hazelnut, pumpkin spice, and vanilla. Which flavor would you go for?
How to Make Drip Coffee
You can make the best drip coffee using a machine, or manually. It's up to you. Let's pretend for now that you don't have a machine. I'll show you how to make drip coffee with the good old manual cone method. A perfect cup of coffee has to be practiced and mastered, but this is a good place to start.
Methods |
|---|
Choose the best beans. Always use freshly roasted beans. Stale or older beans will affect the flavor of your cup. Begin with a medium roast for your drip coffee, you can always modify this next time. |
Get the correct grind size. Once you have your fresh, high quality beans, it's time to grind. It's so important to get this right, or you risk over-extraction or under-extraction. If you grind finer, water will take longer to pass through the coffee and you increase steeping time. If the grinds are too coarse, water passes too quickly which leads to under-extraction. For the best results, use a fine or medium grind. Always use a high-quality grinder and grind just before brewing! |
Assemble the contents. Place your brewing device in a cup and then fit a filter into the device. Pre-heat the filter and the pot below. Add the coffee and wet with a small amount of water. This is a pre-infusion process to bloom the coffee. Now you're ready to pour in the rest of the water. |
Water quality and water ratio. I recommend using two tablespoons of ground coffee to six oz of water. For perfectionists, avoid using tap water as it contains too many minerals. Filtered water or bottled water is the best option here. |
Brewing temperature and time. If the water temperature is too hot, it will scold your coffee. Too cold, and it can be under-extracted. The ideal brewing temperature sits at 195-205 degrees F. If you don't have access to machinery with temperature control, let the water boil and then sit for a minute or so. Brew your coffee for about 5 minutes. If it drips too fast, your coffee will be under-extracted. |
Dispose and drink! Clean your filter and dispose of left-over coffee. Drink immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor! |
How to Choose the Best Drip Coffee Maker
Choosing the best drip coffee maker can be a minefield. Most Americans have an automatic drip coffee maker, whether at home or in the office. This is quicker and more convenient than the manual method. You can buy some models fairly cheaply and they have slight variations.
What you might want... | What to go for... |
|---|---|
A tasty cup of coffee, without that plastic smell or flavor. | A drip coffee maker with a glass or stainless steel carafe. There are also some great thermal options available. |
An efficient coffee maker that lets you brew multiple cups at once. | A machine with a powerful heater and large container. Some options allow you to brew up to 14 cups in 6 minutes. |
Complete control over your cup of coffee. | A drip coffee maker with specific settings. You can set a number of cups you want to make as well as the strength and flavor of the coffee. |
A machine that is easy to use, even during those sleepy mornings. | A well-designed machine with a wide opening for easy water filling. |
The option to make bulk coffee or an individual cup. | A machine that offers both! Some drip coffee makers have the ability to make numerous cups, or just one for when you're going solo. |
Extra safety features. | Maybe you tend to rush off and forget to turn off your machine? You can purchase one with an automatic turn-off. These are programmed to shut down after a certain amount of time. |
The bottom line
Now you know how to make drip coffee like a pro! You can follow these guidelines, but always make tweaks along the way to suit your taste.
I can see why it's the most popular coffee-making method in the States. Drip coffee offers additional health benefits, easy method and custom options.
Have you tried making your own yet?
