Pumpkin Spice

How to Brew Pumpkin Spice

A little care makes each cup your own. These recipes are starting points—adjust to your taste and follow your package and brewer instructions when they differ.

One everyday mug

• Coffee: 21 g (roughly 3–4 level tablespoons; weighing is more consistent).
• Water: 12 US fl oz / 355 mL, about 1½ measuring cups. This is water added; the finished drink will be a little smaller.
• Grind: medium for drip or pour-over; coarse for French press. Grind whole beans just before brewing.
• Water temperature: 200–205°F (93–96°C). Use fresh, good-tasting water.

Choose your brewer

1. Standard drip coffee maker: Put a filter and the medium-ground coffee in the basket. Add the measured water and run a normal cycle using your machine’s instructions. For machines with a larger minimum batch, double both quantities; do not rely on the carafe’s “cup” markings.
2. Pour-over: Rinse the paper filter and discard that water. Add coffee, wet evenly with about 45 mL of the measured brew water, and wait 30–45 seconds. Pour the remaining water slowly in stages. Aim for roughly 3–4 minutes total, then let it drain.
3. French press: Use 22 g coarse coffee with the same 355 mL water. Stir gently, steep 4 minutes, press slowly, and pour all the coffee out promptly.

Easy café-style variation

Brew 18 g coffee with 8 fl oz / 237 mL water, then add 4 fl oz warm, frothed milk or a milk alternative. For an optional finishing touch, add a small pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Taste before sweetening so the coffee’s own flavor can shine. Add milk and syrups to the cup, never to the brewer’s water tank.

Promise Table tip: Taste the coffee before adding sweetener, then try a little milk to find the balance you enjoy.

Fine-tune your next cup: If it is weak, use a little less water. If it is harsh or bitter, try a slightly coarser grind; if sharply sour, try a little finer. Change one thing at a time. Store coffee sealed away from heat and light.

Brew it. Sip it. Make it yours.