V60 brewing guide
A V60 is a cone-shaped brewer that sits on your mug or a serving jug. Add a paper filter and ground coffee, then slowly pour hot water over the grounds.
This guide walks you through a simple one-mug recipe using everyday measures. No scales or specialist kettle required, just a steady pour and a little patience.
What you'll need
- V60 dripper
- V60 paper filter in the correct size for your dripper
- Coffee ground for V60 (fine ground)
- Kettle and fresh water
- Tablespoon
- Heat-resistant mug that supports the dripper securely
Using whole beans? You’ll also need a grinder. A swan-neck kettle helps control the pour, but an ordinary kettle is fine if you pour slowly and carefully. No scales required.
A simple one-mug recipe
Start with two level tablespoons of fine ground coffee for one mug of water.
Before heating, use your drinking mug to measure the cold water, leaving room for milk if you take it. Follow your kettle’s minimum-fill instructions; if you heat extra water, only use the measured amount for brewing.
This is an approximate starting point, as mugs and spoonfuls vary. Adjust the coffee quantity next time to suit your taste.
How to brew
Step 1: Prepare the filter. Fold the paper filter along its seam and fit it into the V60. Stand the dripper securely on your mug, rinse the filter with a little hot water, then carefully discard the rinse water.
Step 2: Add the coffee. Put two level tablespoons of fine ground coffee into the filter. Gently shake the dripper to level the grounds.
Step 3: Wet the grounds. After boiling, let the kettle settle briefly. Slowly pour just enough hot water to wet all the coffee, then wait about 30 seconds. This water counts towards your brewing total.
Step 4: Pour slowly. Add more hot water in small, gentle pours over the grounds. Pause between pours to let it drain, keeping the water well below the filter’s rim. With an ordinary kettle, take particular care not to pour too quickly.
Step 5: Watch the mug. Check the coffee level between pours and stop adding water before the mug gets too full. Leave room for the water still draining through the filter, and for milk if you use it.
Step 6: Finish and serve. Let the remaining water drain, then carefully lift the dripper onto a heat-resistant dish. Stir your coffee gently and enjoy.
Taste and adjust
Too strong? Add a little hot water to your finished cup.
Too weak? Use a little more coffee next time with the same amount of water.
Bitter or drying? If you grind your own beans, try a slightly coarser grind next time.
Sour or sharp? Try a slightly finer grind next time, if grinding your own beans.
Draining very slowly? Check that you’re using the correct filter and that your coffee isn’t ground too finely. Don’t press or squeeze the grounds to speed it up.
Using pre-ground coffee? Choose a V60 grind. Ask us for help if you’re unsure which option to select.
Change one thing at a time, in small amounts. These are starting suggestions, so let your taste guide you.
