
“Nothing beats the charm of making coffee the old fashioned way – it’s a ritual that fills the senses with warmth and comfort.”
Java Journey: How to Brew Old School Coffee
There’s something special about brewing coffee the old-fashioned way. The process is simple, yet it requires a level of patience and attention that modern coffee makers just can’t match. If you’re looking to make coffee the way your grandparents did, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll show you how to make coffee the old-fashioned way, step by step. From grinding the beans to brewing the perfect cup, we’ve got you covered.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. The good news is that you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Coffee Beans
The first thing you’ll need is a bag of coffee beans. Look for beans that are high quality and freshly roasted. You can usually find them at your local coffee shop or online.
Grinder
To make coffee the old-fashioned way, you’ll need a manual grinder. Electric grinders are convenient, but they can’t match the precision of a manual grinder. Look for a burr grinder, which will give you a consistent grind size.
Coffee Pot
You’ll also need a coffee pot. Look for a pot that is made of glass or ceramic. Avoid using plastic, as it can affect the flavor of the coffee.
Water
You’ll need fresh water for brewing. Make sure the water is cold and filtered.
Spoon
Finally, you’ll need a spoon for measuring the coffee and water.

Grind Your Beans
Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to get started. The first step is to grind your coffee beans. Here’s how:
Step 1: Measure the Beans
Use your spoon to measure out the desired amount of coffee beans. A good rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of coffee for every six ounces of water.
Step 2: Grind the Beans
Place the beans in your manual grinder and start grinding. The grind should be medium-fine, similar to table salt. This will give you the best flavor and aroma.
Brew Your Coffee
Now that your beans are ground, it’s time to brew your coffee. Here’s how:
Step 1: Boil the Water
Fill your coffee pot with cold, filtered water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil.
Step 2: Add the Ground Coffee
Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat and add the ground coffee. Stir the coffee to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Let it Steep
Let the coffee steep for four to five minutes. This will allow the flavor to fully develop.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
After the coffee has steeped, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the grounds. Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy!
Clean Up
Once you’ve finished your coffee, it’s time to clean up. Here’s how:
Step 1: Discard the Grounds
Discard the used coffee grounds. You can compost them or use them as a natural fertilizer for your plants.
Step 2: Rinse the Pot
Rinse the coffee pot with hot water and wipe it clean with a towel. Avoid using soap, as it can leave a residue that affects the flavor of future batches.
Step 3: Clean the Grinder
Finally, clean your manual grinder by wiping it down with a dry cloth. Avoid using water, as it can rust the metal parts.

Conclusion: Keep it Old School
Congratulations! You’ve just brewed your own cup of coffee the old-fashioned way. It may take a little longer than using a modern coffee maker, but the taste and aroma are worth it. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of coffee beans or brewing methods. And remember, making coffee the old-fashioned way is all about taking your time and enjoying the process.
Frequently asked questions
What supplies do I need to make old-fashioned coffee?
You will need high-quality coffee beans, a manual burr grinder, a glass or ceramic coffee pot, cold filtered water, and a spoon for measuring.
How should I grind my coffee beans?
Grind your beans in a manual burr grinder to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt. This will give you the best flavor and aroma.
How do I brew my coffee?
Once you have ground your beans, boil cold filtered water and add the coffee. Let it steep for four to five minutes before straining and enjoying.
How do I clean up after making old-fashioned coffee?
Discard the used grounds, rinse the coffee pot with hot water and wipe it clean, and wipe your manual grinder down with a dry cloth to avoid rusting the metal parts.
Is it worth the extra effort to make old-fashioned coffee?
Yes, the taste and aroma of coffee made the old-fashioned way is worth the extra effort and time. It’s also a fun and satisfying process to be involved in.

Coffee nerd from Toronto. Enjoys coffee before, during and after a nice meal. Engineer turned writer that started blogging at Wawee Coffee. And couldn’t stop.