Looking to brew coffee without a coffee maker? We've got you covered with a few options! But before we get started, you'll need some equipment and preferably pre-ground coffee or a grinder. While we plan on releasing an article on how to grind coffee without a coffee grinder, we always recommend using one for the best brewing experience. From using just a cup and kettle to needing a filter, we've got you covered. We'll even touch on low-cost brewing methods that don't require a coffee maker.

Our options are ranked from the least amount of equipment needed (like just a cup!) to standard but affordable brewing methods like pour-overs. Discover unique ways to brew coffee without a coffee maker with our helpful guide!

What is cupping:

If you're not in the coffee industry, the term "cupping" may be unfamiliar to you. It's actually the simplest way to brew coffee, requiring nothing more than hot water and a cup. While it may not be the most enjoyable way to drink coffee (since the grounds remain in the cup), it's an incredibly cost-effective brewing method that requires very little equipment. Cupping is a common practice among coffee professionals, including green coffee buyers and roasters, for evaluating coffee quality and identifying areas for improvement in their roasting process. The Specialty Coffee Association has established guidelines for cupping, but following them is not necessary.

What equipment is needed:

1. A cup
2. Kettle but hot water that can pour into a cup is all that is needed

How to brew with the cupping method:

We will be following the SCA cupping guidelines but, you can use any coffee-to-water ratio as you see fit. The SCA uses the Gold Standard ratio for cupping of 1:16.67 which is 1 gram of coffee for every 1 gram of water.

The cup you are using should be able to fit 225 grams of water. Cupping bowls usually hold exactly that

1. Use 13.5 grams of coarsely ground coffee.
2. Add the coffee to your cup.
3. Boil water and wait until it reaches 95 degrees Celsius.
4. Pour the water into the glass and let the coffee steep for four minutes.
5. After four minutes, break the crust of the coffee by lightly mixing the grounds at the top with a spoon.
6. Wait until the coffee cools down, which usually takes around 14+ minutes, before tasting it with a spoon. Alternatively, strain the coffee and drink it like any other brewing method. For best results, taste the coffee at various time intervals up to 25 minutes or more to evaluate how its taste changes over time and as it cools.

Things to note:

It's important to note that cupping is not typically consumed in the same way as a regular cup of coffee. Instead, it involves taking spoonfuls at various time and temperature intervals to assess the coffee's flavor profile. Drinking the coffee like a regular cup would result in a mouthful of coarse grounds. However, if you strain the coffee using a wire mesh filter or filter cloth, you can enjoy it just like any other cup of coffee.

What is Cowboy Coffee:

Our next brewing method is reminiscent of cupping, as it shares many similarities in terms of required equipment and process. Cowboy coffee, only requires a cup, a kettle, and coarsely ground coffee. Although it's helpful to have something to strain the coffee with as you'll need to carefully separate the water and coffee grounds.

For Cowboy coffee, a higher coffee-to-water ratio such as 1:13 (1 gram of coffee for every 13 grams of water) is recommended to achieve a rich, oily, and creamy body. This brewing method is best suited for medium to darker roasted coffees, so it's advisable to avoid expensive single-origin light roasts.

What equipment is needed:

1. A cup
2. Kettle but hot water that can pour into a cup is all that is needed
3. A strainer would be nice

How to brew with the Cowboy method:

To make a 24-ounce of Cowboy Coffee, follow these steps

1. Measure 680 grams of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Measure around 52 grams of coarsely ground coffee. Experiment with different grind sizes to achieve your preferred taste.
3. Once the water reaches boiling point, remove it from heat and add the coffee directly into the kettle.
4. Quickly stir the coffee to ensure all the grounds are in contact with the water, and then set a timer for 4 minutes.
5. After 4 minutes, give the coffee another quick stir and let it settle for 2 minutes to allow the coffee to sink.
6. If desired, skim the grounds and foam off the top of the coffee in the kettle for a cleaner cup.
7. Carefully pour the coffee, avoiding the grounds from the bottom. Use a fine filter if you have one to catch the coarsely ground coffee.
8. Let the coffee cool and enjoy!

What is Cold Brew Coffee:

Cold brewing coffee is an alternative method for making coffee that requires minimal equipment. It has gained a lot of popularity and you may have already experimented with it. The process involves immersing the coffee in water, similar to a French Press, but instead of using hot water, you use room temperature or cold water and let it steep for 16 to 24 hours. To make a small batch, you can use a mason jar and a cheesecloth or a wire mesh filter to strain the coffee. Cold brew coffee has a lower acidity and a unique taste that is sweet and chocolatey, with notes of nuts and roasted flavors. You can also make a concentrated version by using a smaller container and then mix it with either water or milk to create the final beverage (which we will show you below).

What equipment is needed:

1. 16oz mason jar with lid
2. Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer

How to brew with the Cold Brew Coffee method:

Our recipe calls for a 1:5.4 ratio of coffee to water.

To make 12 ounces of cold brew coffee you will be using 63 grams of coarsely ground coffee to 340 grams of water.

1. Place the 63 grams of coffee in a mason jar.
2. Add 340 grams of water to the jar and stir with a spoon.
3. Close the lid of the jar and shake it a few times to ensure that the coffee and water are well-mixed.
4. Let the mixture steep for 16-24 hours, depending on your preference for strength.
5. Strain the liquid using a cheesecloth or fine metal mesh strainer.
6. To finish, mix 1:1 or 1:2 parts of the concentrate with water to make your final beverage.

What is Woodneck Coffee:

The Hario Woodneck filter is a type of cloth filter that is capable of producing coffee with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel and an oily body. Cloth filters like this one are known to filter more finely than metal filters, resulting in a very clean cup of coffee. While there are various types of cloth filters available for coffee brewing, we opted for the Hario Woodneck filter, which has been a popular choice in Japan for years and is still used by many coffee shops today.

What equipment is needed:

1. Hario Woodneck filter or a simple cloth filter ($10.00 or $40.00 for the filter and brewing vessel)
2. A vessel to brew into

How to brew with a Woodneck Filter method:

You will need a medium-fine grind (finer than a typical pour-over) for this brewing method and the total brew time should be around 3 minutes (similar to a pour over). We will be using 26 grams of coffee for 340 grams of water for this recipe.

1. First, bring the water to a boil and let it stand for a few minutes until it cools down to around 92-95 degrees Celsius.
2. As the water cools, measure 26 grams of coffee and pour it into the cloth filter.
3. Shake the filter gently to ensure that the coffee is evenly distributed.
4. Start a timer and pour roughly 50 grams of water over the coffee, allowing it to bloom for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour the remaining water, taking care to stop the brew at 340 grams of total water within 3 minutes. You can either pulse brew by pouring 50 grams of water every 15-20 seconds, or do a slow continuous pour for the entire length of the brew.
6. Stir the coffee in the mug, allow it to cool, and enjoy!