How to brew coffee with a V60 (Drip)

The V60 is a manual pour-over method that’s widely loved for producing a clean, bright, and nuanced cup of coffee.

Originating in Japan, this method is prized by those who enjoy a hands-on brewing process and appreciate coffee’s subtler flavours. The V60 offers control over every aspect of the brew, from water flow to extraction time.

  • Equipment You'll Need to Brew With a V60 (drip)

    • V60 dripper and filter
    • Freshly roasted coffee beans (a medium-fine grind works best)
    • Kettle (preferably a gooseneck for precision pouring)
    • Scale (optional, for precise measurements)
    • Timer

  • Brewing Steps for a V60 (drip)

    1. Prepare the Filter and Rinse It
      Place the paper filter in the V60 dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste and preheat the dripper. Discard the rinse water.
    2. Measure and Grind your Coffee
      For a single cup, use around 15–18 grams of coffee to 250ml of water (1:15 coffee-to-water ratio). Grind the coffee to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt.
    3. Start with the Bloom
      Add the ground coffee to the filter and level it out. Begin by pouring a small amount of water (about double the weight of the coffee, e.g., 30-40ml for 15 grams of coffee) and let it bloom for 30–45 seconds. This process releases gases from the coffee and allows for a more even extraction.
    4. Continue Pouring in Circles
      After the bloom, pour the remaining water in a slow, circular motion, starting from the center and spiraling out. Aim to keep the water level steady and avoid pouring directly on the filter. A full pour should take about 2.5 to 3 minutes.
    5. Serve and Enjoy
      Once the water has dripped through, remove the dripper, give the coffee a quick stir, and pour into your cup and enjoy. V60 coffee is known for its clean, bright flavor and clarity.

Brewing Tips for a V60 (drip)

More so than any other brewing method, the pouring technique has a big impact on the final flavour when using a V60.

  • Slower, controlled pours allow for even extraction.
  • If the coffee tastes weak, try a finer grind or slower pour.
  • If too strong or bitter, adjust with coarser grounds or a slightly quicker pour.

PROS & CONS

Some advantages & disadvantages of using a V60 (drip)

Clean, bright flavour

The paper filter removes oils, giving a smooth, light-bodied taste.

High control

Pour speed and technique significantly influence the coffee’s taste.

Portability

Small and easy to take on the go.

Requires practice

Pouring technique and consistency take time to master.

Takes longer to brew

Due to the time required for pouring, this method is not as quick as others.

Higher price for filters

Needs specialised filters, which can be more expensive.

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