What is the recommended water-to-coffee ratio for drip brewing?

The recommended water-to-coffee ratio for drip brewing falls within the range of 1:15 to 1:18. This ratio is important for achieving a balanced extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds. When using this ratio, the resulting brew tends to have a harmonious flavor profile that showcases the coffee's natural characteristics without being overly weak or too strong.

Using a water-to-coffee ratio of 1:15 means that for every gram of coffee, you would use 15 grams of water, whereas a ratio of 1:18 would use 18 grams of water for every gram of coffee. This flexibility allows for minor adjustments depending on personal taste preferences or specific coffee beans being used. Moreover, this range is widely accepted in the coffee brewing community and aligns with the principles taught by organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association.

Other ratios provided typically lead to either under-extraction or over-extraction, which can adversely affect the taste and quality of the brewed coffee, making the selected option the most reliable for producing a desirable cup when drip brewing.