Utica Coffee Roasting Company is a small-batch roaster based in Utica, New York, known for its carefully sourced single-origin and blended beans. This guide walks you through the best way to brew their coffee at home, whether you have a drip machine, pour-over, or French press. The key is to start with freshly roasted beans, grind just before brewing, and use the right water temperature to get a balanced, flavorful cup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) Utica Coffee Roasting Company whole beans (any roast)
- 1 cup (240 ml) filtered water, heated to 200°F (93°C)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) milk or cream, to taste
- Optional: sugar or sweetener, to taste
Instructions
- Weigh or measure the coffee beans. For a standard 6-ounce (180 ml) cup, use 2 tablespoons (10 g) of whole beans. Adjust the amount to your taste – more beans for a stronger cup, less for milder.
- Grind the beans just before brewing. For a drip coffee maker, use a medium grind (like sea salt). For a French press, use a coarse grind (like breadcrumbs). For a pour-over, use a medium-fine grind (like sand).
- Heat filtered water to 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it rest for 30 seconds.
- Place the ground coffee in your brewing device. If using a drip machine, add the coffee to the filter. If using a French press, add the coffee to the carafe. For a pour-over, place the filter in the dripper and add the coffee.
- Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in a slow, circular motion, making sure all grounds are saturated. For a pour-over, start with a small amount (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml) to “bloom� the coffee for 30 seconds, then continue pouring the rest.
- Let the coffee brew. For a drip machine, it will brew automatically. For a French press, steep for 4 minutes, then press the plunger down slowly. For a pour-over, the water should drain through in about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately. Add milk, cream, or sweetener if desired.
Tips
- Water quality matters: Use filtered water. Tap water with strong minerals or chlorine can dull the coffee’s flavor.
- Don’t over-extract: If your coffee tastes bitter, your grind is too fine or you’re brewing too long. If it tastes sour, your grind is too coarse or the water is too cool.
- Store beans properly: Keep beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid the refrigerator or freezer, as moisture can degrade the beans.
- Adjust to your taste: The 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio (10 g coffee per 160 ml water) is a good starting point. Try 1:14 for a stronger cup or 1:18 for a lighter one.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the coffee hot in your favorite mug, with or without milk and sugar. It pairs well with a buttery croissant, a slice of banana bread, or a simple biscotti for a morning or afternoon treat. For an iced version, brew double-strength coffee, pour over ice, and add cold milk.
Variations
- Iced Coffee: Brew the coffee double-strength (use 4 tablespoons / 20 g of beans per cup of water), then pour over a glass filled with ice. Add milk or simple syrup to taste.
- Mocha: Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 g) of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of simple syrup to the hot coffee, then top with steamed milk.
- Cold Brew: Combine 1 cup (100 g) of coarsely ground beans with 4 cups (960 ml) of cold water in a jar. Steep for 12-18 hours in the refrigerator, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter. Serve over ice, diluted with water or milk to taste.
- Spiced Coffee: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the grounds before brewing for a warm, aromatic twist.
Storage and Reheating
Brewed coffee is best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the coffee into a mug and warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or on the stovetop over low heat. Note that reheating can make coffee taste more bitter; you can add a pinch of salt to counteract that. For the best flavor, brew only what you’ll drink in one sitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grind size for Utica Coffee beans?
It depends on your brewing method. For drip coffee makers, use a medium grind. For French press, use a coarse grind. For pour-over, use a medium-fine grind. If you’re unsure, start with a medium grind and adjust from there.
How long do Utica Coffee beans stay fresh?
Whole beans stay fresh for about 2-4 weeks after the roast date if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Once ground, they lose freshness much faster – use ground coffee within a week for the best flavor.
Can I use tap water instead of filtered?
Yes, but if your tap water has a strong taste or odor, it will affect the coffee. Filtered water is recommended for the cleanest flavor.
How much coffee should I use per cup?
A standard ratio is 2 tablespoons (10 g) of coffee per 6 ounces (180 ml) of water. Adjust to your taste – use more for a stronger cup, less for milder.
Can I reuse the grounds?
It’s not recommended. Reusing grounds extracts bitter compounds and results in a weak, unpleasant cup. Use fresh grounds each time.
What if my coffee tastes too bitter?
Bitter coffee is often caused by over-extraction. Try a coarser grind, cooler water (just below boiling), or a shorter brew time. Also, make sure your equipment is clean – old coffee oils can add bitterness.
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