Making coffee with a V60 dripper
Want to make coffee as good as in a trendy coffee shop? The V60 method is the star of filter coffee that reveals all the flavors of your coffee. No need to be a professional barista, here are all the detailed steps to make your coffee like a chef!
What is the V60 method?
The V60 is a V-shaped cone with a precise angle of 60°, hence its name. Designed by the Japanese brand Hario, this dripper allows for a gentle and precise extraction, ideal for bringing out all the aromatic subtleties of the coffee. Thanks to its shape and its helical grooves, the water flows evenly, guaranteeing a balanced infusion.
Why is the V60 a great choice?
Total control: You manage every parameter of the infusion: water temperature, pouring rate, infusion time. Ideal control to refine your recipe.
Pure and delicate taste: The paper filter absorbs oils and retains sediment, resulting in a clear and aromatic cup.
Simplicity and elegance: With a minimum of equipment, you get coffee worthy of the best artisanal roasters.
Necessary material
- A V60 dripper, available in ceramic, glass, metal or plastic.
- V60 paper filters, adapted to the size of the dripper.
- A gooseneck kettle, ideal for precise pouring.
- A digital scale, for exact measurements.
- A coffee grinder, preferably with burrs, for a uniform grind.
- A carafe or cup to collect the brewed coffee.
Steps to making perfect coffee with the V60
Heating the water : Heat the water to between 90 and 96°C. Too high a temperature risks burning the coffee and extracting bitter notes, while water that is too cold will not reveal its full aromatic potential.
Rinsing the filter : Place the filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water. This will remove any paper residue and preheat the entire equipment. Don't forget to discard this water before starting the infusion.
Dosage and grind : Weigh between 15 and 18 grams of freshly ground coffee for 250 ml of water. The grind should be medium to fine, close to the texture of powdered sugar. A grind that is too coarse will result in under-extracted and bland coffee, while a grind that is too fine could result in over-extraction and an overly bitter cup.
Pre-infusion (blooming) : Carefully pour 30-40 ml of hot water over the ground coffee to moisten it evenly. Let it sit for 30 seconds to allow the CO₂ to escape, which improves the extraction of aromas.
Main pour : Slowly pour the rest of the water in concentric circles, starting in the center and gradually expanding. The idea is to maintain even saturation of the entire grind. Distributing the water in phases helps control the extraction and prevents it from brewing too quickly.
Brewing Time : Total brewing time should be between 2 and 3 minutes. If the brew is too fast, fine-tune your grind. If it is too slow, opt for a slightly coarser grind.
Tasting : Once the infusion is complete, remove the dripper and immediately enjoy your coffee. Take the time to smell the aromas before tasting, in order to fully appreciate the complexity of your coffee.
Additional tips for optimal coffee
Use filtered water : Tap water can alter the flavors. Choose filtered or spring water.
Grind just before brewing : Ground coffee quickly loses its aroma. Grinding just before brewing ensures maximum freshness.
Stable Temperature : Maintaining a constant temperature is essential for a balanced extraction.
Cleaning the equipment : Clean equipment ensures pure coffee. Rinse your V60 thoroughly after each use.
You now have all the keys to prepare a V60 coffee worthy of the best coffee shops. Test, adjust, have fun and explore new coffees to vary the pleasures. Share your creations with your loved ones and discover the art of filter coffee! ☕