Coffee Brewing

Jan 26

At The Commonage we believe that coffee is more than just a drink - it's an experience. Whether you're enjoying a cup at Ntchisi Forest Lodge, Kaza Kitchen, Uka Cafe, or at home - you're tasting the result of careful craftsmanship and passion for quality.

Why the Right Brewing Process Matters

Brewing great coffee isn’t just about high quality beans, it’s about using the right techniques at every step. From the grind size to the water to coffee ratio, these small details make a big difference in the final cup. That’s why we’ve trained our baristas and now offer this guide, so you can also brew amazing coffee at home.

Grinding: Match the Method to the Setting

The grind size is crucial for extracting the right flavors. Here's how we do it:

Filter coffee: Medium grind
French press: Coarse grind
Espresso: Fine grind

We recommend grinding your coffee fresh before brewing, if possible, to maintain full flavor and aroma.

Brewing Ratios We Use

Getting the right coffee to water ratio is essential for balance and clarity:

Filter Coffee:
Use 60g of freshly ground coffee per liter of water
(or 15g per 250ml cup)
Espresso:
We use a 2:1 ratio or example, 18g of coffee yields 36g of espresso
Pulled in 24 seconds for rich, balanced shots

Home Brewing Guide: Filter Coffee

What you need:

Medium-ground coffee
Pour-over setup or drip coffee maker
Filter paper
Hot water (92–96°C / just off the boil)
Scale or measuring spoon
Timer

Steps:

Measure 15g of coffee for every 250ml of water (or 60g per liter).
Rinse your filter paper with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the brewer.
Add ground coffee to the filter and gently shake to level the bed.
Bloom: Pour just enough hot water to wet the grounds (about double the weight of the coffee) and wait 30 seconds.
Pour slowly in circles, adding the rest of the water over 2–3 minutes.
Let it finish dripping, remove the filter, and enjoy your cup.

Home Brewing Guide: French Press