How To Make The Tastiest Filter Coffee?

The tastiest filter coffee is made with freshly ground coffee beans, hot water between 92–96 °C, and the right ratio of about 60 grams of coffee per litre of water. Use a paper filter, pour slowly in circular motions, and give the coffee time to bloom. That way, you get the very best out of every bean.

Filter coffee is a classic brewing method loved for its smooth taste and clear aromas. It’s simple, affordable, and absolutely delicious. We’ll guide you step by step so you can make the perfect filter coffee at home. Time to get started!

What exactly is filter coffee?

Filter coffee is a brewing method where hot water slowly passes through ground coffee using a paper or metal filter. The result is a clean, smooth cup of coffee with refined aromas. Unlike espresso or moka, filter coffee is less intense, making it perfect for those who enjoy subtle flavours.

This method is often called "slow coffee" because it’s all about attention and precision. You control how much coffee you use, how hot your water is, and how quickly you pour and you can taste the difference. So filter coffee isn’t just nostalgic, it’s also a brilliant way to truly experience what your favourite beans have to offer.

What do you need to make filter coffee?

You don’t need an expensive machine to make filter coffee, but you do need a few essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Freshly ground coffee beans: preferably medium roast and coarsely ground.
  • Paper filter: suitable for your filter holder or machine.
  • Filter holder or coffee maker: such as a Hario V60, Chemex, or a classic filter machine.
  • Hot water: between 92 and 96 °C for the best extraction.
  • Gooseneck kettle (optional): for controlled pouring.
  • Scales: to measure the right ratio.
  • Coffee grinder (optional, but recommended): for freshness and the correct grind size.

With these tools at home, you’ve got everything you need to take your coffee brewing to the next level. No fuss, just pure enjoyment.

How much coffee per cup of filter coffee should you use?

The golden ratio for filter coffee is 60 grams of coffee per litre of water. But you don’t always need to brew a full litre. For one 200 ml cup, use around 12 grams of coffee. That’s roughly one level tablespoon with a small heap.

If you want to be more precise (and we highly recommend it), use a scale. That way, you’ll get consistent flavour every time. Also consider your personal preference: if the coffee is too strong, use slightly less. Too weak? Add a bit more.

A handy rule of thumb:

  • 1 cup (200 ml) = 12 grams of coffee
  • 2 cups (400 ml) = 24 grams of coffee
  • 4 cups (800 ml) = 48 grams of coffee

By experimenting with the amount, you’ll discover exactly what suits your taste best—and that’s what it’s all about.

Step-by-step: making filter coffee

Making filter coffee isn’t rocket science, but it’s a small ritual that rewards a bit of care with extra flavour. Follow this step-by-step plan and you’ll have a lovely cup ready in minutes:

Boil water
Let it cool slightly to around 92–96 °C. Water that’s too hot burns the coffee, while water that’s too cool won’t extract enough flavour.

Place the paper filter and rinse it
Rinse your filter with hot water. This removes any papery taste and warms your filter holder.

Add ground coffee
Use the correct amount of coffee (e.g. 24 grams for 2 cups). Give the filter a gentle shake so the coffee is evenly distributed.

Pour a small amount of water onto the coffee (blooming)
Wait about 30 seconds. The coffee “blooms” and releases trapped gases, improving extraction.

Slowly continue pouring in circular motions
Do this in stages, giving the water time to extract all the flavours. Take about 2 to 3 minutes for this step.

Let the coffee drip through and serve immediately
Remove the filter, pour the coffee into your favourite mug, and enjoy!

All done! And honestly, doesn’t this sound far nicer than just pressing a button?

Can you make filter coffee without a machine?

Absolutely! You can make filter coffee without a coffee machine, perfect for camping, a holiday cottage, or just going back to basics. All you need is hot water, a paper filter, and something to catch the coffee.

Here’s how:

Use a filter holder or improvise
No filter holder? You can use a funnel or even a reusable coffee cup with a wide opening.

Place the paper filter in the holder
Rinse the filter with hot water and discard the water afterwards.

Add ground coffee
Stick to the same ratios as usual: about 12 grams per cup.

Slowly pour hot water over the coffee
Start with a small amount (for blooming), then continue pouring in circles, just like with a V60 or Chemex.

Let it drip and enjoy
It may take a bit longer than an automatic method, but the result is pure and full of flavour.

This way of brewing proves one thing: you don’t need a fancy machine for great coffee, just a bit of care and attention.

Common mistakes with filter coffee (and how to avoid them)

Even though making filter coffee isn’t complicated, it’s often the small details that make the difference. One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong grind size. If your coffee is too coarse, the result will be weak and watery. Too fine? It can turn bitter and unpleasant. A medium grind, similar to coarse sand, is ideal.

The temperature of the water is also crucial. If you pour boiling water straight onto the coffee, you risk burning the flavour. If the water is too cool, the coffee will taste flat. Always let boiled water cool slightly to around 94 degrees.

Another mistake is skipping the so-called “blooming” stage—the moment when the coffee opens up after adding a small amount of water. This allows gases to escape and helps release the full flavour. Skip this step, and you miss out on a lot of aroma.

The ratio of coffee to water also deserves attention. Guessing the amount doesn’t always work well. Use a kitchen scale and stick to the recommended ratio to ensure a balanced cup every time. And finally: pour slowly. Pouring too quickly doesn’t give the coffee enough time to release its flavour. Take your time and pour in steady circles.

Finally: filter coffee is all about simple enjoyment

This is where we nicely wrap up the article and inspire the reader to get started themselves. Here you can let enthusiasm, experience, and a love for coffee shine through, while subtly encouraging them to explore products from Café du Jour.