A sweet, balanced cup of coffee can become part of your everyday routine. With a filter machine, a measured recipe and a few small adjustments, you can help your coffee’s natural sweetness come through.
For this guide, we’re brewing our Colombian coffee from Inzá. Use the recipe as a starting point, then let your taste guide the adjustments.
What does sweetness in coffee mean?
Sweetness in coffee is often subtle. Depending on the beans and roast, it might remind you of fruit, honey, caramel or chocolate. These impressions come from the coffee itself, rather than added flavourings.
Brewing helps you find a balance where sharp sourness or harsh bitterness doesn’t overwhelm those flavours.
Meet the coffee
Our Colombian coffee comes from smallholder farmers in Inzá, in the Tierradentro region of northeastern Cauca.
Farmers grow mainly Castillo and Caturra varieties at around 1,700 metres above sea level, on small plots ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 hectares.
The starting recipe
• Coffee: 30 g
• Water: 500 ml
• Grind: Medium, roughly resembling granulated sugar
• Equipment: Filter coffee machine, suitable paper filter and scales
For a larger batch, use 60 g of coffee with 1 litre of water. Always stay within your machine’s recommended brewing range.
Measure the water before brewing. You’ll get slightly less coffee in the carafe because the grounds retain some water.
Step 1: Prepare your machine
Start with a clean filter basket and carafe. Coffee residue from previous brews can affect the flavour.
Place the paper filter in the basket, rinse it with warm water and discard the rinse water.
Step 2: Weigh and grind
Weigh your coffee and grind it on a medium setting. If you buy your coffee pre-ground, choose a grind suitable for a filter coffee machine.
Add the grounds to the filter and gently level the surface. There’s no need to press them down.
Step 3: Add water and brew
Pour fresh, cold drinking water into the reservoir. If your tap water has a noticeable taste, try filtered water.
Choose the appropriate batch setting if your machine has one, then start the brewing cycle and let it finish.
Step 4: Mix and taste
Gently swirl the carafe or stir the finished coffee before pouring.
Let your cup cool a little before tasting again. As the temperature drops, you may find it easier to notice its sweetness and other flavours.
Adjust for a sweeter balance
Keep your coffee and water quantities consistent while you adjust the grind.
If it tastes sour or sharp: try a slightly finer grind on your next brew.
If it tastes bitter or drying: try a slightly coarser grind.
If it tastes balanced but too strong: add a little hot water to your cup.
Make one small change at a time. These adjustments are starting points; the right setting depends on your coffee, grinder and machine.
Give sweetness room to shine
Keep your machine clean and descale it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Enjoy the coffee freshly brewed, or transfer it to a thermal carafe if you’re keeping some for later. Leaving it on a hotplate for a long time can make the flavour less enjoyable.
The best recipe is one you enjoy and can repeat. Start here, pay attention to the cup and make small adjustments until you find your balance.
