Coffee (1/2 Gallon) Recipe
Make Coffee (1/2 Gallon) Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Coffee Brew
Optional Additions (serve to taste)
Method
Coffee Brew
Weigh and grind beans
Weigh 0.5 lb (8 ounces) of whole coffee beans. For a 1/2 gallon yield (64 fl oz brewed coffee), use a coffee-to-water ratio of about 1:16 by weight. Grind the beans to a medium-coarse grind (like coarse sea salt) for automatic drip or pour-over. If using a French press, grind slightly coarser; for an espresso machine this recipe is not intended.
Rinse equipment
Heat about 8 fl oz filtered water until hot but not boiling (200°F / 93°C ideal). Use this to rinse the brew basket, carafe, or French press to warm and remove any dust. Discard rinse water.
Measure brewing water
Measure 64 fl oz (half gallon) of filtered water. Heat the water to between 195–205°F (90–96°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring to a boil and let sit 30 seconds.
Bloom (for pour-over or drip with paper filter)
If using pour-over or drip with a paper filter, place the ground coffee in the filter. Pour about 4–6 fl oz of the hot water evenly over the grounds to saturate them and start the bloom; let bloom 30–45 seconds. This releases trapped CO2 and improves extraction.
Complete the pour
Slowly pour the remaining hot water over the grounds in a steady spiral (pour-over) or start the drip cycle (automatic brewer). For French press: add all hot water to grounds, stir gently to ensure even saturation, place lid with plunger up and let steep. Total contact time: 3.5–4.5 minutes for pour-over/drip; 4 minutes for French press.
Separate grounds from coffee
When brewing is complete, allow the coffee to finish dripping through the filter or press the French press plunger down slowly and evenly. For automatic drip, remove the carafe from the heat source promptly to avoid over-extraction from retained heat.
Serve or store
Pour brewed coffee into a pre-warmed half-gallon insulated container to keep it hot, or serve immediately. If you intend to store brewed coffee, let it cool slightly before refrigerating in a sealed container; consume within 24–48 hours for best flavor.
Optional Additions (serve to taste)
Offer sugar, milk/cream, or simple syrup at the point of service. Add to an individual cup to taste and stir until combined. Typical additions: 1–2 tsp sugar or 1–2 tbsp milk per 8 fl oz cup, but adjust according to preference.