The V60 is one of the most popular coffee brewing methods amongst speciality coffee lovers. Its simple design offers great control over the extraction, resulting in a clean, aromatic cup with well-defined flavours.
Although brewing V60 coffee may seem complicated at first, by following the right method and paying attention to a few details, you can achieve excellent results at home.
In this guide, we explain how to brew V60 coffee step by step, what you’ll need, and the most important factors for achieving a balanced extraction.
What is the V60?
The V60 is a manual drip coffee maker designed by Hario. Its name refers to the 60-degree angle of its cone, a shape that promotes even extraction. Thanks to its internal ridges and a wide bottom opening, the flow of water can be precisely controlled, directly influencing the final result.
Brewing coffee with the V60 brings out the acidity, sweetness and aromatic nuances characteristic of each origin, which is why it has become one of the preferred methods in the speciality coffee world.
What do you need to make coffee with a V60?
Before you start, it’s a good idea to have all the necessary items ready.
- V60 coffee maker.
- Paper filter specifically designed for the V60.
- Freshly roasted speciality coffee.
- A coffee grinder or freshly ground coffee with a medium grind.
- A kitchen scales.
- A gooseneck kettle.
- Filtered water.
- A serving jug or cup.
Although some accessories aren’t essential, using kitchen scales and a gooseneck kettle makes the brewing process much easier and allows you to replicate the recipe with greater precision.
V60 coffee recipe
As a starting point, this is a well-balanced recipe that works very well with most speciality coffees.
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Amount of coffee | 22 g |
| Amount of water | 320 ml |
| Water temperature | 92-94 ºC |
| Grind size | Medium (similar to coarse salt) |
| Bloom o pre-infusion | 30-40 seconds |
| Total extraction time | Between 2:45 and 3:15 minutes |
How to make V60 coffee step by step
We offer you this guide so that you can achieve a good result.
Step 1. Heat the water and prepare the filter
Heat the water to a temperature of between 90 and 96 °C; 92–94 °C is a good starting point for most coffees.
Place the paper filter in the V60 and rinse it thoroughly with hot water. This simple step removes any possible paper taste and also preheats both the coffee maker and the container into which the coffee will be poured.
Once you have done this, discard the water used for rinsing.
Step 2. Grind and weigh the coffee
Weigh between 18 and 24 grams of coffee to make approximately 300 ml of coffee.
The grind should be medium, similar to the coarseness of coarse salt. If the grind is too fine, the water will pass through the coffee too slowly and the coffee may taste bitter. If it is too coarse, extraction will be insufficient and you will end up with a flat or overly acidic coffee.
Whenever possible, grind the coffee just before brewing to preserve as much of its aroma as possible.
Step 3. Perform the bloom or pre-infusion
Pour in a quantity of water equivalent to approximately three times the weight of the coffee (between 45 and 60 ml for this recipe).
Try to wet all the coffee evenly and leave it to rest for about 30 to 40 seconds.
During this time, the coffee releases the carbon dioxide that has built up since roasting. This phase, known as the bloom, promotes a much more even extraction throughout the rest of the brewing process.
Step 4. Continue pouring
Once the pre-infusion is complete, continue adding the water gradually, using gentle, steady circular movements.
Ideally, maintain a steady flow, taking care not to pour too quickly or directly onto the sides of the filter.
The full extraction should take approximately 2.30 to 3 minutes. This time may vary slightly depending on the grind size used and the type of coffee.
Step 5. Serve and adjust the recipe
Once all the water has passed through the coffee, remove the V60 and serve the drink.
You can make small adjustments to this recipe to suit your preferences. Slightly varying the grind size, the coffee-to-water ratio or the extraction time will allow you to find the balance that best brings out the characteristics of each coffee.
What ratio of coffee to water should you use in a V60?
One of the most important aspects of brewing coffee with a V60 is maintaining the right ratio of coffee to water.
As a general guide, a ratio of between 1:15 and 1:17 is usually used.
- A 1:15 ratio produces a cup with more body and intensity.
- A 1:16 ratio offers a very balanced result.
- A 1:17 ratio produces a lighter, clearer brew.
The recipe of 22 grams of coffee to 320 ml of water, recommended by Cafés El Magnífico, falls within this range and is an excellent starting point for most speciality coffees.
Common mistakes when brewing V60 coffee
Although the method is simple, there are some mistakes that can affect the final result.
- Using the wrong grind size. The grind size is one of the factors that most influences extraction. A small adjustment can completely change the flavour of the cup.
- Not pre-infusing. Skipping the bloom makes it difficult to achieve a consistent extraction and can result in some areas of the coffee being under-extracted.
- Pouring the water too quickly. Pouring all the water in at once reduces control over the extraction and often leads to less balanced results.
- Using poor-quality water. Water makes up over 98 per cent of the drink. If it contains excess minerals or off-flavours, these will also appear in the cup.
- Not weighing the coffee. Brewing coffee ‘by eye’ may work occasionally, but it makes it difficult to replicate a recipe that has produced a good result.
Frequently asked questions about making coffee with a V60
What grind size is best for making V60 coffee?
A medium grind is usually used, similar to the coarseness of coarse salt.
What temperature should the water be?
Between 90 and 96 °C, with 92–94 °C being a commonly used guideline.
How long does a V60 brew take?
It usually takes between 2 minutes 45 seconds and 3 minutes 15 seconds to complete.
Can you brew a V60 without a scale?
Yes, although using a scale ensures you always maintain the same ratio and achieve much more consistent results.
What coffee is recommended for a V60?
Ideally, use freshly roasted speciality coffee and grind it just before brewing to make the most of its aromas and nuances.
Everything you need to make V60 coffee at Cafés El Magnífico
If you want to get the most out of this brewing method, at Cafés El Magnífico you’ll find both V60 coffee makers and filters, as well as a carefully curated selection of speciality coffees particularly suited to filter brewing methods.
Choosing a good coffee, using the right grind size and following a consistent recipe are the three key elements for brewing an excellent V60 coffee at home and discovering the full potential of this extraction method.