The ideal coffee-to-water ratio isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s more like a “choose your own adventure” for your taste buds. Your perfect ratio depends on your personal preference and brewing method (and maybe how early your alarm went off).

The number one reason for bitter coffee? Not using enough coffee. Yep, skimping on the grounds is like trying to make soup with half the ingredients — it just won’t taste right.

According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the golden rule is 55 grams of coffee per liter of water, give or take 10%. If you’re the precise type, grab a kitchen scale. If not, don’t panic — measuring spoons have your back. A simple and reliable starting point is 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water, which gives you that sweet spot for optimum extraction.

And remember: tweaking your coffee-to-water ratio is the easiest way to customize your brew. Want it bolder? Add a little more coffee. Prefer it lighter? Dial it back a touch. You’re not just brewing coffee — you’re crafting your own masterpiece, one delicious cup at a time.

☕ (And if your first cup doesn’t come out perfect, that’s just “research” for the next one.)