Ok, so you have taken the first step by purchasing Kona Coffee & Tea - Single Estate - 100% Kona Coffee. If you haven't, begin HERE. Now that you have the best coffee, let our 100% Kona Coffee experts help you out with recipes, tips, and guidance so that you can be sure you are extracting the best from your 100% Kona Coffee. Below, we'll get into four different brew methods and their exact recipes for making the perfect cup. 

BEST COFFEE BREW METHODS

1. FRENCH PRESS

Recommended coffee: Kona Peaberry.

 

The French Press is an ideal brew method for those looking to get a full, bold extraction. This full-immersion brew method is great for those mornings that require an extra kick.

 

Coffee: 41 grams Kona Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona
Water: 735 grams (26 oz) filtered water
Grind: coarse
Time: 6-8 minutes
Makes ~ (2) 12-oz cups

1. Warm the french press with hot water.
2. Grind 41 grams of Kona Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona on coarse.
3. Pour out the preheat water from french press.
4. Add the coarse ground coffee.
5. Slowly add 735 grams water just off boil.
6. Stir gently 4-6 circles.
7. Allow to sit undisturbed for 5-7 minutes.
8. Stir gently again 1-2 circles.
9. Slowly press the plunger.

If the plunger is hard to press, use a coarser grind. If the final cup is watery and bitter, use a finer grind. Want some more pro tips? Go here.

2. POUR OVER

Recommended coffee: Kona Single Estate Medium Roast.

The Pour over is the most simple way to brew a clean cup of coffee. Most brewing machines are pour overs. Chemex is our favorite pour over method. 

Coffee: 21 grams Kona Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona
Water: 365 grams (13 oz) filtered water
Grind: drip
Time: 3-5 minutes
Makes ~ (1) 12-oz cup

1. Place the filter in your pour over brewer and pour warm water through the brewer into the cup you intend to use, warming the cup and wetting the filter.
2. Grind 21 grams of Kona Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona to a drip grind.
3. Pour out water from the warmed cup.
4. Add ground coffee to the pour over brewer and give a gentle shake to level grounds.
5. Add about 80-100 grams of water pouring slowly from the middle out trying to wet all the grounds.
6. Allow coffee to bloom (fresh coffee will expand as gases escape).
7. Gently tap or stir to settle the coffee grounds.
8. In a circular motion from the middle out, pour a fine stream of hot water over the grounds carefully to avoid pouring directly onto the filter about 80-100 grams at a time allowing the pourover to drain in between pours until you have reached 365 grams of water.

If the brew takes longer than 3-5 minutes, use a coarser grind. If it brews too quickly, use a finer grind.

3. AEROPRESS

Recommended coffee: Kona Single Estate Light Roast.

This AeroPress method is one of our favorites. It is a great way to enjoy an immersion brew with less grounds and grit.

Coffee: 21 grams Kona Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona
Water: 365 grams (13 oz) filtered water
Grind: fine
Time: 5-6 minutes
Makes ~ (1) 12-oz cup

1. Insert filter and pour warm water through the base of the aeropress into the cup you intend to use, warming the cup and wetting the filter.
2. Grind 21 grams of Kona Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona on fine.
3. Pour out the preheat water from the coffee cup.
4. Place the AeroPress on the cup and add coffee.
5. Slowly add about half the water. 
6. Stir well (we do 5 circles).
7. Add the remaining water; water will naturally drip out allowing you to add the full amount of water over time.
8. Insert the plunger gently on the base, just at the rim, to form an airtight seal and prevent the coffee from dripping out.
9. Set the timer for 3-4 minutes.
10. After 3-4 minutes carefully remove the plunger and stir well again.
11. Return plunger and press slowly.

If the press is difficult to push, use a slightly coarser grind. If the final cup tastes watered down and bitter, use a finer grind.

4. SIMPLE COLD BREW

Recommended coffee: Kona "Ka Hale" roast. (this is the same coffee we use at the cafe in Hawaii for our cold brew)

Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot, resulting in a stronger than normal flavor to counter the dilution of the ice, cold brew is slowly cold-processed, giving it a gentle infusion of flavor with very low acidity.

Coffee: 60 grams Kona Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona
Water: 475 grams (16 oz) filtered water
Grind: fine
Time: 18-24 hours (it’s worth the wait)
Makes ~ 14 oz cold brew concentrate

1. Grind 60 grams Coffee & Tea, 100% Kona on coarse.
2. Add the coffee into a 20 oz jar.
3. Add 475 grams cold filtered water and gently stir.
4. Place the lid on the jar and let sit on the counter or refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
5. Slowly pour the coffee through a coffee filter into a clean jar or container of your choice (holding grinds back with a flat edge will help the coffee strain quicker).
6. Cool and dilute to taste.
7. Can hold up to two weeks covered in the refrigerator.

Some Sweet Advice: At-Home Simple Syrup Recipe

Simple syrup is a delightful liquid sugar sweetener that many cafes use to sweeten cold beverages. It can easily be made at home. Combine 1 cup filtered water with 1 cup sugar in a pot and bring to a boil. Allow to cool before using as a sweetener for your Cold Brew as desired.

If you want some Cold Brew right now and can’t get to our Kona café, you can also use an AeroPress (see above).

COLD BREW Q&A

WHOLE BEAN OR GROUND COFFEE?

Whole bean all the way! For optimal results, we recommend you purchase your Kona Coffee & Tea 100% Kona Coffee whole bean and grind at home, as needed. We also recommend using a high quality burr grinder for premium results. While we do strongly recommend buying whole bean, we are also happy to grind for you. Our 100% Kona coffee comes in fine grind, drip grind, coarse grind, and whole bean. 

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE MY COFFEE?

The best way to store your coffee is to leave it In the bag it came in. Honestly. We put extra thought and investment into the quality and sustainability of our packaging. Simply roll down the lip of the bag, press out any excess air and seal the bag tightly when finished. Store the coffee in an area that is room temperature, dark, dry and scent-free. DO NOT store coffee in the freezer or fridge (condensation will build every time you remove and return the coffee) and do not store coffee near anything that has a strong scent.

Kona Coffee & Tea recommends you purchase your 100% Kona Coffee in quantities you can enjoy within a 3-5 weeks of purchase. We roast small batches and ship your 100% Kona Coffee fast and fresh. Your Kona Coffee will arrive sealed in bags with one-way valves. One-way valves allow freshly roasted carbon to let off gasses from the roasting process, while simultaneously preventing any oxygen from entering the bag. Your coffee will stay fresh in the sealed bags for months if need be. 

You can now subscribe to any 100% Kona coffee we offer and become your own at home barista.