A Simple Guide To Making Bulletproof Coffee

Quick answer

• Use high-quality, low-toxin coffee beans.
• Blend your brewed coffee with MCT oil and grass-fed butter.
• Brew your coffee strong and hot.
• Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
• Blend until frothy and emulsified.
• Adjust fat amounts to your preference.

Who this is for

• Anyone looking to kickstart their day with sustained energy.
• Those interested in low-carb or ketogenic lifestyles.
• Coffee lovers wanting to experiment with a richer, creamier brew.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Your brewer matters, but the basics apply across the board. Whether you’re using a drip machine, a pour-over, or even an AeroPress, the goal is a strong, clean cup. Paper filters are generally best for removing oils and sediment, which is key for a smooth Bulletproof Coffee. Metal filters will let more oils through, which can alter the final texture.

Water quality and temperature

This is non-negotiable. Bad water makes bad coffee, plain and simple. Always use filtered water. For Bulletproof Coffee, you want your water hot, but not boiling. Aim for 195-205°F (90-96°C). Too cool, and you won’t extract properly. Too hot, and you can scorch the grounds.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Freshly ground beans are a game-changer. Pre-ground coffee loses its aroma and flavor fast. The grind size depends on your brewer, but for most methods, a medium grind is a good starting point. For Bulletproof, you want a robust brew, so don’t be afraid to go a little coarser than you might for a delicate pour-over.

Coffee-to-water ratio

This is where you dial in the strength. For Bulletproof Coffee, you’ll want a higher coffee-to-water ratio than usual. Think of it as brewing a concentrated base. A good starting point is around 1:15 or 1:16 (grams of coffee to grams of water). That’s roughly 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz of water, but adjust to your taste.

Cleanliness/descale status

Seriously, clean your gear. Old coffee oils build up and go rancid, ruining the taste of even the best beans. If you have a drip machine, descale it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For manual brewers, a good rinse after each use is usually enough.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Gather your ingredients: You’ll need your favorite coffee beans, MCT oil (or coconut oil), and unsalted grass-fed butter.

• What “good” looks like: Everything is ready to go. No scrambling for supplies.
• Common mistake: Forgetting the butter or oil. You’ll end up with just strong coffee. Keep it all handy.

For the best flavor and benefits, we recommend using high-quality grass-fed butter.

Kerrygold Grass-Fed Pure Irish Salted Butter Sticks, 16 OZ

• KERRYGOLD PURE IRISH SALTED BUTTER: Our European-style salted butter is made on family farms from the milk of grass-fed cows, who graze year round on lush Irish pastures, for a golden yellow butter that's rich & creamy.
• ALL-NATURAL, ALL-PURPOSE: Kerrygold Salted Butter is a great all-purpose, all-natural butter. Keep a block in your butter dish to spread on fresh bread, or enhance the flavor of your baking & cooking.
• KERRYGOLD BUTTER: Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, our pure Irish butter is rich and soft. From salted butter to unsalted, garlic and herb to reduced fat, Kerrygold butter elevates your dishes.
• MORE THAN BUTTER: Beloved for our richly flavorful butter, we put the same care and quality into our all-natural cheese, like our classic Dubliner, aged cheddar, Swiss, and Blarney Castle cheese.
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2. Grind your beans: Grind them just before brewing for maximum freshness. Aim for a medium grind.

• What “good” looks like: A consistent, fluffy pile of grounds.
• Common mistake: Using pre-ground coffee. The flavor just won’t be there. Grind it fresh, even if it’s just a small batch.

3. Heat your water: Bring filtered water to 195-205°F (90-96°C).

• What “good” looks like: Water is hot but not aggressively bubbling.
• Common mistake: Boiling water. This can make your coffee taste bitter. Let it sit for about 30 seconds off the boil.

4. Brew your coffee: Use your preferred method to brew a strong cup. For a standard drip machine, use about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz of water.

• What “good” looks like: A rich, dark liquid filling your carafe or mug.
• Common mistake: Brewing too weak. You need a concentrated base for the fat to blend properly. Use more coffee.

5. Add butter and MCT oil: Pour your hot, strong coffee into a blender. Add 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter and 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil. Start with less if you’re new to this.

• What “good” looks like: A creamy, slightly opaque mixture ready to be blended.
• Common mistake: Adding too much fat at once. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Start conservatively.

6. Blend: Secure the lid tightly and blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds.

• What “good” looks like: A thick, frothy, emulsified latte-like consistency. No oily separation.
• Common mistake: Not blending long enough. The mixture needs to emulsify to get that creamy texture. Blend until it looks like a latte.

7. Pour and enjoy: Pour your frothy Bulletproof Coffee into a mug.

• What “good” looks like: A delicious, creamy beverage that smells amazing.
• Common mistake: Letting it sit too long. The emulsion can break down. Drink it fresh.

8. Adjust for next time: Taste your coffee. Too oily? Use less oil next time. Not creamy enough? Add a bit more butter or blend longer.

• What “good” looks like: You’ve got a system dialed in for your perfect cup.
• Common mistake: Not learning from your brew. Every cup is a chance to refine your technique.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your coffee tastes bitter, then reduce the water temperature or grind size because too much heat or too fine a grind can scorch the grounds.
• If your coffee tastes sour or weak, then increase the coffee-to-water ratio or water temperature because you’re likely under-extracting.
• If your blended coffee has an oily sheen, then blend for longer or add a bit more butter because it hasn’t fully emulsified.
• If your blended coffee has a gritty texture, then ensure your coffee is ground appropriately for your brewer and that you’re using a good filter because fine sediment can cause grittiness.
• If you experience digestive upset, then reduce the amount of MCT oil because it’s a potent fat that can take some getting used to.
• If your coffee doesn’t taste rich enough, then increase the amount of grass-fed butter because it adds creaminess and a smooth mouthfeel.
• If you notice sediment in your cup, then check your filter type and ensure it’s seated correctly because a damaged or inappropriate filter can lead to this.
• If your coffee tastes “off” or stale, then check the freshness of your beans and the cleanliness of your equipment because old oils and stale grounds are the usual culprits.
• If you’re new to Bulletproof Coffee, then start with just 1 tablespoon of MCT oil and 1 tablespoon of butter because this allows your digestive system to adjust.
• If you want a thicker, latte-like consistency, then blend for a bit longer and ensure your coffee is hot enough because heat helps with emulsification.

FAQ

What kind of coffee beans are best for Bulletproof Coffee?

Look for high-quality, organic, and low-mycotoxin beans. Beans grown at high altitudes and processed using methods like washed or honey processing are often recommended.

How much MCT oil and butter should I use?

Start with 1 tablespoon of each and see how you feel. You can gradually increase to 2 tablespoons of each, or even more, based on your personal preference and tolerance.

Can I use regular butter?

While you can, it’s highly recommended to use unsalted, grass-fed butter. It has a better fatty acid profile and a cleaner taste that is crucial for the Bulletproof Coffee experience.

What if I don’t have a blender?

You can try vigorously whisking the ingredients together. It won’t achieve the same smooth, emulsified texture as a blender, but it will mix them to some extent. A milk frother can also help.

Is Bulletproof Coffee healthy?

It’s a popular choice for those on ketogenic or low-carb diets for its energy-boosting properties. However, it’s calorie-dense and lacks many nutrients found in a balanced breakfast.

Can I add sweeteners or other flavors?

Some people add a touch of stevia or cinnamon. However, the core Bulletproof Coffee recipe is meant to be simple. Adding sugar defeats some of the intended purposes.

How do I store leftover Bulletproof Coffee?

It’s best consumed immediately after brewing and blending. If you must store it, keep it refrigerated, but it won’t have the same creamy texture once cooled.

What are mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds that can grow on coffee beans. Bulletproof Coffee emphasizes using beans tested to minimize these.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific brand recommendations for coffee, MCT oil, or butter. (Check dedicated review sites for current best-sellers.)
• Detailed nutritional breakdowns or health claims. (Consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized advice.)
• Advanced brewing techniques for single-origin coffees. (Explore resources on specialty coffee brewing.)
• DIY methods for making MCT oil or butter. (These are complex industrial processes.)
• The science behind mycotoxins and their effects. (Look for research papers or health-focused publications.)