The single most common reason for bad coffee at home is the wrong ratio. Too little coffee and it's weak and watery. Too much and it's bitter and overwhelming. Here's the definitive guide.
The golden ratio: 1:15 to 1:17. One gram of coffee for every 15–17 grams of water. This is the starting point for almost every brew method. Adjust to taste from here — never from scratch.
By brew method:
Pour-over: 1:16 (24g coffee / 384g water)
French press: 1:15 (60g coffee / 900g water for a 32oz press)
Aeropress: 1:15 to 1:17 depending on recipe
Drip: 1:15 to 1:17 (follow the golden ratio, not the machine's default)
Cold brew concentrate: 1:4 to 1:5 (dilute 1:1 before drinking)
Espresso: 1:2 (18g coffee / 36g espresso out)
Moka pot: fill the basket level — the ratio is built into the design
Use a scale. Tablespoons are inconsistent — different grind sizes pack differently. A $10 kitchen scale is the most impactful coffee upgrade most people never make.
Adjust systematically. Too weak? Use more coffee or less water. Too strong? Use less coffee or more water. Change one variable at a time.
Measure it. Every time. The difference is not subtle.
Foxhole Mission Breakfast Medium Roast — measure it right. → foxholecoffeeco.com