Coffee / Hot Tea Recipe

Heat water

Bring 4 cups (about 950 ml) of filtered water to a boil, then let it rest 30 seconds to reach approximately 200°F (93°C).

Prepare coffee

Measure 4 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee (medium grind). If using a scale, target a coffee-to-water ratio of about 1:15 (roughly 25 g coffee to 375–400 g water).

Brew (Drip or Pour-over)

Place a filter and the ground coffee in your dripper. Start a 30–45 second bloom by pouring just enough hot water to saturate the grounds (about 60–80 ml). After bloom, continue pouring in slow circular motions until you've added all the water to reach 4 cups. Total brew time should be about 3–4 minutes.

Brew (French press alternative)

Add grounds to the French press, pour in all hot water, stir gently, place the lid and cover. Let steep 4 minutes, then press the plunger slowly and steadily.

Finish and season

Pour brewed coffee into mugs. Stir in sugar or simple syrup to taste (start with 1–2 tsp). Add a pinch of salt if desired to reduce bitterness. If using milk or cream, steam or heat milk to about 150–160°F (65–70°C) and add to taste (about 1–2 tbsp per cup). Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Heat water

Bring 4 cups (about 950 ml) of filtered water to the appropriate temperature: near-boiling (95–100°C / 203–212°F) for black tea, or about 175–185°F (80–85°C) for green tea. For black tea, allow water to reach a rolling boil.

Measure tea

Use 1 tablespoon (1 tbs) of loose-leaf black tea per cup (4 tbs for 4 cups) or 1 tea bag per cup. Adjust strength to taste.

Steep

Place loose-leaf tea in an infuser or teapot. Pour the hot water over the tea. Steep black tea 3–5 minutes (3 for lighter, 5 for stronger); green tea 2–3 minutes. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.

Finish and season

Remove tea leaves or tea bags. Sweeten with granulated sugar, honey, or simple syrup to taste (start with 1 tsp per cup). Add milk or a lemon slice: do not add milk if you plan to use lemon (it will curdle). Stir and serve with optional cinnamon stick or lemon slice.

Divide the prepared coffee or tea among 4 mugs. Offer cream, milk, sugar, honey, lemon slices, and cinnamon sticks at the table so each guest can customize their cup.