Kopi Luwak is one of the most luxurious coffees in the world, with a high price tag to match. Have you ever wondered what makes it so special? With this guide, you’ll learn how to brew kopi luwak at home, so you can make the most out of this delicious coffee without wasting your money.
Contents
How to Brew Kopi Luwak
First, it’s important to start with good-quality beans. I am not going to go into details about where to find Kopi Luwak beans in this article. However, it is important that you do your research and buy from a reputable seller.
Once you have your beans, the next step is to roast them. You can either roast them yourself or purchase pre-roasted beans.
Depending on the brewing method you will be using, the materials you need and the process of brewing will be a bit different. For the purpose of being inclusive, I will quickly go through a few methods so you can take your pick.
Method 1: Using the Pour Over Method
This is where you simply put coffee grounds in a filter and pour hot water over it, allowing the coffee to drip into your cup or carafe.
What You Will Need
- Kopi Luwak Coffee beans
- Grinder
- Pour over brewer
- V60 (A “V” shaped filter with angles of 60 degrees)
- Hot water
Instructions
- Begin by heating your water to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit
- Grind your kopi luwak beans to medium grind size. This will allow the water to pass slower making your coffee stronger.
- Place your V60 filter in your pour-over brewer and wet the filter with hot water. This will rinse the paper filter and warm up your brewer.
- Add your coffee grounds to the V60, making sure they are spread evenly in a somewhat thick layer across the screen.
- Pour just enough hot water over the coffee grounds to saturate them, then wait for about 30 seconds for the coffee to “bloom.”
- Slowly begin pouring hot water in a steady spiral over the grounds, adding just enough water to saturate them again as you go. Stop when your brewer is full or until the grounds are saturated one more time.
- Let your coffee brew for two to three minutes, or until the water trickles out clear
Method 2: Using a French Press
A French press is a coffee maker that uses a plunger to force hot water through coffee grounds, resulting in a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.
What You Will Need
- Kopi Luwak Coffee beans
- Grinder
- French Press
- Hot water
Instructions
- Heat your water to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grind your beans to a medium-coarse grind, slightly finer than you would for a drip coffee maker.
- Add the coffee grounds to your French press and pour in just enough hot water to saturate them. Stir the mixture gently with a spoon.
- Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds, then add the rest of the hot water
- Put the lid on your French press, but do not press the plunger down yet. Allow the coffee to steep for four minutes.
- After four minutes, slowly press down on the plunger until it reaches the bottom of the French press. Pour your coffee and enjoy!
Method 3: Using an Espresso Machine
Espresso is a type of coffee that is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It is rich and full-flavored and can be enjoyed on its own or used as the base for other specialty drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Espresso is made using an espresso machine, as you might imagine.
You can also use an Espresso machine to make kopi luwak. I recommend this method if you want to add milk to your coffee and make it creamy or less intense. Of course, you can still add milk directly to your coffee but an espresso machine will allow you to froth it and boost the flavor.
What You Will Need
- Kopi Luwak Coffee beans
- Grinder
- Espresso maker
- Hot water
- Milk and sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by grinding your kopi luwak beans to a fine or extra-fine grind. If using an espresso machine, make sure the grounds are very fine in order to produce a smooth, rich shot of espresso.
- Turn on your espresso maker and add enough hot water through the machine to saturate the grounds.
- Allow the coffee to brew for about 30 seconds
- If you would like to enjoy an espresso with milk or sugar, froth your milk in a separate vessel and add it to your espresso shot. Or, simply add a bit of sugar to taste.
- Enjoy your delicious cup of kopi luwak!
Related Questions
Is Kopi Luwak Coffee Healthy?
Yes, kopi luwak coffee has many health benefits. Just like regular coffee, it has antioxidants. This protects the body against chronic diseases and even keeps inflammation at bay. Kopi luwak is also known to be a good antibacterial protecting the body against viruses and bacteria.
Does Kopi Luwak Contain Caffeine?
Yes, kopi luwak contains caffeine. However, its caffeine content is lower than that of mainstream coffee. For instance, it has about half the caffeine content in regular arabica coffee and roughly one-quarter that in robusta coffee.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer a pour-over, French press, or espresso, there are many ways to enjoy the delicious and unique flavor of kopi luwak coffee. Whether you’re looking for a simple morning pick-me-up or an indulgent treat to savor with friends, this exotic brew is sure to please!
