The EllaVated Brew Guide — French Press, Moka Pot & Cold Brew
This coffee brewing guide is your go-t resource for brewing an exceptional cup at home. Whether you're new to specialty coffee or a seasoned home barista, a great coffee brewing guide covers the methods, ratios, and techniques that make all the difference. Follow this coffee brewing guide to master three of the most rewarding brew methods — French press, moka pot, and cold brew.
French Press Coffee
French press is one of the most beloved methods in any coffee brewing guide — simple, forgiving, and producing a rich, full-bodied cup that drip machines simply can't match.
What You'll Need
- Coarse ground coffee (2 tablespoons per 6 oz water)
- Hot water (195–205°F / just off boil)
- French press
- Timer
How to Brew
- Preheat your French press with hot water, then discard.
- Add coarse ground coffee to the press.
- Pour hot water evenly over the grounds, saturating fully.
- Stir gently, place the lid on (plunger up), and steep for 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger down slowly and steadily.
- Pour immediately and enjoy.
Pro Tip: Don't let your coffee sit in the press after brewing — it will over-extract and turn bitter. Pour it all out right away.
Best EllaVated Roasts for French Press: House Blend, Midnight Ember, Highland Kahawa
Moka Pot Coffee
No coffee brewing guide is complete without the moka pot — the stovetop espresso maker that's been a staple of Italian kitchens for nearly a century. It brews a bold, concentrated coffee with rich crema, perfect on its own or as the base for lattes and cappuccinos.
What You'll Need
- Fine-to-medium ground coffee (finer than drip, coarser than espresso)
- Hot water (pre-boiled)
- Moka pot
- Stovetop
How to Brew
- Fill the bottom chamber with pre-boiled water up to the safety valve.
- Fill the filter basket with ground coffee — level it off without tamping.
- Screw the top and bottom chambers together firmly.
- Place on medium-low heat with the lid open.
- Watch for coffee to flow into the upper chamber — remove from heat when you hear a hissing/gurgling sound.
- Pour and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Using pre-boiled water prevents the grounds from scorching during heat-up, which eliminates bitterness.
Best EllaVated Roasts for Moka Pot: Nonna B's Italian Roast, African EllaVation Espresso Blend, Dark Roast Espresso Blend
Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew is the smoothest, lowest-acid method in this coffee brewing guide — and easier to make at home than most people think. The key is time: a long, slow steep in cold water extracts all the sweetness and body with none of the bitterness.
What You'll Need:
- Coarse ground coffee (1 cup per 4 cups cold water)
- Cold or room temperature filtered water
- Large jar or pitcher
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
How to Brew:
- Combine coarse ground coffee and cold water in your jar or pitcher.
- Stir to ensure all grounds are saturated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours (longer = stronger).
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve over ice, straight or diluted 1:1 with water or milk.
Pro Tip: Cold brew is brewed as a concentrate — dilute to taste. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust from there.
Best EllaVated Roasts for Cold Brew: Chill Cold Brew Blend, Midnight Ember, House Blend
The Golden Rules of Great Coffee
Every coffee brewing guide comes back to these fundamentals — no matter which method you choose:
- Grind fresh — pre-ground coffee goes stale fast; grind right before brewing when possible
- Use filtered water — coffee is 98% water; quality matters
- Mind your ratios — too much or too little coffee throws off the whole cup
- Control your temperature — water that's too hot scorches; too cool under-extracts
- Buy fresh-roasted — coffee peaks in flavor 7–21 days after roast date
At EllaVated, every bag is roasted to order and shipped fresh — so your coffee arrives at peak flavor, ready to brew perfectly every time.
Ready to find your perfect roast? Shop EllaVated Coffee →
