A member of Starbucks’ Coffee Education Team says that “Too few coffee grounds result in over-extracted or bitter coffee. Too many grounds result in under-extracted coffee that does not achieve the full flavor of the blend. “[1] X Research source
Depending on your brew method (see part 2) you will need a different level of coarseness for your brew. Pour-over brewing requires a fine grind (like granulated sugar), traditional drip coffee is best with a medium grind (like sea salt) and coffee presses require a coarse grind. [3] X Research source Over-extracted coffee tends to taste considerably worse than coarser, under-extracted coffee, so when in doubt go for an under-extracted (coarse) grind. [4] X Research source To make it taste like Starbucks coffee, you might want to use the blends available for purchase at Starbucks franchises.
Be sure not to keep your coffee in refrigerator or freezer, even in airtight containers. Another Starbucks’ coffee educator says these two appliances are ““not the friend, but rather the enemy of good coffee. " This is because while being stored in refrigerators and freezers, moisture develops which damages the flavor. [6] X Research source
A coffee press requires a coarse grind, so be sure your grounds resemble the size of sea salt. Fill the press with your grounds, then pour hot water (just off the boil) over the grounds, making sure to completely saturate them. Place the plunger back on the press but wait four minutes before pressing it down, giving the coffee time to brew. After you’ve pressed the plunger down, enjoy your coffee![8] X Research source
For flat-bottom filters be sure to use a medium-sized grind, like the sea salt grind used for a coffee press. Meanwhile, cone-shaped filters are best with a finer grind, like granulated sugar. After you’ve got your grind right, just measure out your coffee (2 tablespoons for every six ounces of water) and press “Brew” on the machine! While the convenience is tempting, if you want Starbucks-quality coffee every time, only make however much coffee you need for one sitting. Don’t reheat coffee or you will dull the flavor. [9] X Research source
Boil your water, remembering the 2:6 ration from above, but adding a little extra. Use this extra hot water to moisten your filter. Once you’ve boiled your water and pre-moistened your filter, grind your coffee using a fine grind, like that used in cone-shaped filters. It should resemble granulated sugar. Once you’ve got your coffee measured out and sitting in your filter, pour your hot water over the grounds, but pause when you’ve filled it half-way. This allows the coffee to be fully and even saturated, developing flavor. After your pause, pour over the rest, going in small circles to distribute the water evenly. It should take about three minutes for your cup to be finished brewing. To make iced coffee, just pour your brew over fresh ice, let it chill, and serve![10] X Research source
Or perhaps you’re a hardy soul and take your coffee black? If so, you’re done!
There really is no “right” way to do this, since this part of making a Starbucks coffee is always up to you, whether it was brewed by a barista or your own hands.
