How To Make Black Coffee

If you want to learn how to make black coffee, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything from beans to brew. Making a great cup is simpler than you might think, and it all starts with good ingredients and a little know-how.

Let’s break down the core process. At its heart, making black coffee is about combining hot water with ground coffee beans to extract their flavor. The goal is balance—not too weak, not too strong, and without bitterness.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy setup to start. Here are the basic tools:

A coffee grinder (a burr grinder is best, but a blade grinder works).
A way to heat water (a kettle).
Your chosen brewing device (like a drip machine, French press, or pour-over).
A digital scale for accuracy (a measuring spoon can work in a pinch).
A timer (your phone is fine).
A mug to enjoy your creation.

Choosing Your Coffee Beans

This is the most important step. The beans define your cup’s flavor.

Origin: Beans from Ethiopia are often floral and fruity. Beans from Colombia might be nutty and chocolatey. Try a few to see what you prefer.
Roast Level: Light roasts are brighter and more acidic. Medium roasts are balanced. Dark roasts are bold and smoky. For black coffee, medium roasts are a fantastic starting point.
Freshness: Always buy whole beans. Look for a roast date on the bag, and use them within a month of that date for peak flavor.

The Grind: Size Matters

Grind size directly impacts flavor. Coffee that’s ground too fine can taste bitter. Coffee ground to coarse can taste sour and weak.

Fine grind: Looks like table salt. Used for espresso.
Medium grind: Like sand. Perfect for drip machines and pour-overs.
Coarse grind: Like sea salt. Best for French press and cold brew.

Always grind your beans just before you brew. Pre-ground coffee loses its aromas and oils very quickly, leading to a flat taste.

Perfect Coffee-to-Water Ratio

This is your recipe. A standard starting point is the “Golden Ratio.”

Use 1 gram of coffee for every 16-18 grams of water.
In simpler terms, that’s about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.

You can adjust this to your taste. Prefer a stronger cup? Try a 1:15 ratio. Like it a bit lighter? Go for 1:18.

Water Quality and Temperature

Since coffee is 98% water, the water matters.

Use filtered water if you can. Tap water with strong chlorine or mineral tastes will effect your coffee.
The ideal water temperature is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just let boiling water sit for 30 seconds before using.

Step-by-Step: The Pour-Over Method

Pour-over brewing gives you great control. Here’s how to do it with a V60 or similar cone.

Boil your water and let it rest briefly.
Place a paper filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water. This removes paper taste and warms your brewer.
Discard the rinse water from your mug or carafe.
Add your medium-ground coffee to the filter.
Start your timer. Pour just enough water to saturate all the grounds (about twice the weight of the coffee). Let it “bloom” for 30 seconds.
Slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion, keeping the water level consistent.
Let all the water drip through. Your total brew time should be about 2:30 to 3:30 minutes.
Remove the dripper and enjoy your coffee.

Step-by-Step: The French Press Method

The French press makes a full-bodied, rich cup.

Heat your water to just below boiling.
Add your coarse-ground coffee to the empty press.
Pour in your hot water, ensuring all grounds are wet. Start your timer.
Place the lid on top with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
Slowly press the plunger down. If you meet a lot of resistance, your grind is to fine.
Pour the coffee into your mug immediately to avoid over-extraction from the grounds sitting in the water.

Step-by-Step: The Automatic Drip Method

For a standard coffee maker, optimization is key.

Use a medium grind. Pre-ground is often too fine or too coarse for optimal results.
Use the correct amount of coffee based on the machine’s markings and your preferred ratio.
Always use fresh, cold water in the reservoir.
Run a cycle with just water first to clean the machine and warm it up.
Brew your coffee. If it tastes weak or bitter, adjust your grind size or amount of coffee next time.

Troubleshooting Your Black Coffee

Is your coffee not tasting right? Here are common fixes.

Too bitter? Your coffee is over-extracted. Use a coarser grind, shorten brew time, or use slightly cooler water.
Too sour or weak? Your coffee is under-extracted. Use a finer grind, increase brew time, or ensure your water is hot enough.
Tastes flat? Your beans might be stale. Always use freshly roasted and freshly ground beans.
Muddy or gritty? Your grind is to inconsistent (common with blade grinders). Consider upgrading to a burr grinder.

Experimenting with Flavor

Once you’ve mastered a basic cup, you can play with variables.

Try single-origin beans to taste specific regional profiles.
Adjust your ratio for a heavier or lighter body.
Change the water temperature slightly to highlight different notes in the coffee.
Explore other brew methods, like an AeroPress or a Clever Dripper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls for a better cup every time.

Using stale, pre-ground coffee.
Measuring coffee by volume (scoops) instead of weight (grams). A scoop of light roast is denser than a scoop of dark roast.
Using water that is not hot enough or is actually boiling. Boiling water can scald the coffee.
Not cleaning your equipment regularly. Oils and residues from old coffee will make new coffee taste rancid.
Letting coffee sit on a hot plate for to long. It becomes burnt and bitter. Use a thermal carafe instead.

FAQs About Making Black Coffee

What is the simplest way to make black coffee?

The simplest method is an automatic drip machine. You just add grounds and water and press a button. For more control and often better flavor, a French press is also very straightforward.

How can I make my black coffee less bitter?

First, check your grind size—it’s probably to fine. Second, make sure your water isn’t to hot. Third, don’t brew for to long. Using fresh, light or medium roast beans can also help reduce perceived bitterness.

Do I really need a scale to make good coffee?

While you can use measuring spoons, a scale is the single best investment for consistency. Coffee density varies, so a tablespoon of one bean isn’t the same weight as a tablespoon of another. A scale removes the guesswork.

Can I use regular tap water?

You can, but if your tap water has a strong taste (like chlorine or minerals), that taste will be in your coffee. A simple charcoal filter pitcher can make a big difference in the final flavor.

How fine should I grind coffee for a drip machine?

A medium grind is ideal for most drip machines. It should resemble rough sand. If the coffee brews to fast and tastes weak, go a bit finer. If it drips slowly and tastes bitter, go a bit coarser.

Why does my coffee taste sour?

A sour taste usually means under-extraction. Your water might not be hot enough, your grind might be to coarse, or your brew time might be to short. Try adjusting one variable at a time.

Enjoying Your Craft

Making black coffee is a simple ritual that rewards attention to detail. The journey is part of the enjoyment—from selecting beans to savoring that first hot sip. Your perfect cup is out there, and now you have the tools to find it. Start with the basics, practice, and don’t be afraid to tweak things to match your personal taste. There’s always something new to learn in the world of coffee, and the best cup is the one you most enjoy drinking.