Make Your Own Bulletproof Coffee
Quick answer
- Use high-quality, fresh coffee beans.
- Grind your beans right before brewing.
- Blend your brewed coffee with unsalted grass-fed butter and MCT oil.
- Start with small amounts of butter and oil, then adjust to taste.
- Use filtered water for the best flavor.
- Keep your brewing equipment clean.
For the creamiest bulletproof coffee, make sure to use unsalted grass-fed butter. It really makes a difference in the flavor and texture.
- KERRYGOLD SALTED BUTTER STICKS: Made in Ireland, leveraging generations of dairy craftsmanship — Kerrygold Salted Butter Sticks 4 pack deliver a smooth and satisfying flavor
- GRASS FED BUTTER: What sets this European butter apart is the milk. Grass-fed cows produce naturally rich milk, giving Kerrygold butter its silky texture and that golden yellow color
- REAL, SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Crafted using pasteurized cream and salt, Kerrygold keeps it refreshingly simple. Taste the difference with quality ingredients handled with care for a balanced, pure Irish butter
- RICH, CREAMY, & EASY TO SPREAD: This spreadable butter softens beautifully at room temperature, making it a natural choice for toast, muffins, and warm bread. No waiting, no effort—just a smooth, satisfying spread every time
- ELEVATE EVERYDAY COOKING: A dependable salted butter for daily meals, however you cook. Sauté vegetables, make hollandaise sauce or perfectly golden grilled cheese, finish seafood dishes, or prepare butter popcorn for movie night
Who this is for
- Anyone looking to try the bulletproof coffee trend at home.
- Coffee lovers who want to experiment with new recipes.
- People interested in a richer, more calorie-dense coffee experience.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
Your brewer matters. A drip machine is fine, but a pour-over or French press can give you more control. For bulletproof, you want a clean cup, so paper filters are usually the way to go. Metal filters can let through more oils and fine grounds, which might not be ideal for the smooth texture you’re after.
Water quality and temperature
Tap water can have off-flavors. Filtered water is a no-brainer for good coffee, and especially for something as rich as bulletproof coffee. Too hot, and you’ll scorch the grounds. Too cool, and you won’t extract enough flavor. Aim for water between 195-205°F.
Grind size and coffee freshness
Freshly roasted beans are key. Coffee loses flavor fast after grinding. So, grind your beans just before you brew. For drip or pour-over, a medium grind works well. If you’re using a French press, go coarser.
Coffee-to-water ratio
This is where you dial in your strength. A good starting point for regular coffee is around 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water by weight). For bulletproof, you might want it a little stronger, so maybe 1:14. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Cleanliness/descale status
Gunk in your brewer is the enemy of good coffee. Make sure your coffee maker, grinder, and blender are clean. If you’ve got mineral buildup, descale it. A clean machine makes a clean-tasting cup.
Step-by-step (brew workflow)
1. Gather your ingredients. You’ll need your coffee beans, filtered water, unsalted grass-fed butter, and MCT oil.
- What “good” looks like: Everything is prepped and ready to go.
- Common mistake: Forgetting an ingredient halfway through. Keep it all within reach.
2. Weigh your coffee beans. Use a scale for accuracy. A good starting point is about 20 grams of coffee for 10-12 oz of water.
- What “good” looks like: Precise measurement ensures consistent results.
- Common mistake: Guessing the amount. This leads to weak or overly strong coffee.
3. Grind your beans. Grind them right before brewing for maximum freshness. Use a burr grinder for an even grind.
- What “good” looks like: A uniform grind size appropriate for your brewer.
- Common mistake: Using pre-ground coffee. It’s already lost too much flavor.
4. Heat your water. Bring filtered water to the correct temperature, between 195-205°F.
- What “good” looks like: Water that’s hot but not boiling.
- Common mistake: Using boiling water. It can scald the coffee grounds and create a bitter taste.
5. Brew your coffee. Use your preferred method – pour-over, drip, or French press.
- What “good” looks like: A smooth, aromatic brew.
- Common mistake: Rushing the brewing process. Let it flow naturally.
6. Pour brewed coffee into a blender. Make sure the blender is tall enough for the hot liquid.
- What “good” looks like: All the brewed coffee is in the blender.
- Common mistake: Overfilling the blender. Leave some space for blending.
7. Add butter. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted grass-fed butter.
- What “good” looks like: The butter is ready to be incorporated.
- Common mistake: Using salted butter. It will make your coffee taste weird.
8. Add MCT oil. Begin with 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of MCT oil.
- What “good” looks like: The oil is measured and ready to go.
- Common mistake: Adding too much MCT oil at once. It can cause digestive upset.
9. Blend on high. Blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is frothy and emulsified.
- What “good” looks like: A creamy, latte-like consistency with no oil slick on top.
- Common mistake: Not blending long enough. The butter and oil won’t combine properly.
10. Pour and enjoy. Serve immediately.
- What “good” looks like: A rich, smooth, and satisfying drink.
- Common mistake: Letting it sit too long. It can separate.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using stale coffee beans | Weak flavor, dull taste, lack of aroma. | Buy freshly roasted beans and check the roast date. Grind just before brewing. |
| Grinding coffee too early | Loss of volatile aromatics, stale taste. | Invest in a good burr grinder and grind only what you need, right before brewing. |
| Using poor quality water | Off-flavors, metallic or chemical notes that mask coffee’s natural taste. | Use filtered water. It makes a huge difference in the final cup. |
| Incorrect water temperature | Under-extraction (sour, weak) or over-extraction (bitter, burnt). | Use a thermometer or let boiling water sit for 30-60 seconds before brewing. |
| Wrong grind size for brewer | Channeling (water bypasses grounds) or over-extraction (muddy). | Match grind size to your brewer type (coarse for French press, medium for drip). |
| Not cleaning brewing equipment | Rancid oils build up, leading to bitter, stale coffee. | Clean your brewer, grinder, and blender regularly. Descale as needed. |
| Using too much MCT oil initially | Digestive distress, “MCT oil shits.” | Start with 1 teaspoon and gradually increase as your body adjusts. |
| Insufficient blending time | Greasy texture, oil and coffee separation, not emulsified. | Blend for at least 20-30 seconds on high speed until creamy and smooth. |
| Using salted butter | Unpleasant salty taste that ruins the coffee’s flavor profile. | Always use unsalted, preferably grass-fed butter for the best taste. |
| Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio | Coffee is too weak or too strong for your preference. | Use a scale to measure coffee and water. Start with a 1:15 ratio and adjust from there. |
| Not letting boiling water cool slightly | Scorched coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter and harsh flavor. | Let water sit off the boil for about 30-60 seconds before pouring over grounds. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your coffee tastes bitter, then reduce the brew time or use a coarser grind because you are likely over-extracting.
- If your coffee tastes sour or weak, then increase the brew time or use a finer grind because you are likely under-extracting.
- If you experience digestive upset after drinking bulletproof coffee, then reduce the amount of MCT oil because your body may not be used to it.
- If your bulletproof coffee has an oily layer on top, then blend for longer because the butter and oil have not fully emulsified.
- If your coffee tastes bland, then check the freshness of your beans and consider a better grind because stale coffee lacks flavor.
- If your brewed coffee has sediment, then check your filter or grind size because fine particles are getting through.
- If you want a richer flavor, then consider a slightly higher coffee-to-water ratio or a darker roast because these contribute to body and intensity.
- If your water has a noticeable taste, then use filtered water because tap water can negatively impact coffee flavor.
- If your coffee tastes “off” or stale, then clean your brewing equipment because old coffee oils can turn rancid.
- If you are new to MCT oil, then start with a very small amount (e.g., half a teaspoon) because some people are sensitive to it.
- If your bulletproof coffee doesn’t feel satisfying, then ensure you’re using enough butter and oil, or try a stronger coffee brew because fat content and coffee strength contribute to satiety.
FAQ
What kind of coffee beans should I use?
Use high-quality, freshly roasted Arabica beans. Look for beans roasted within the last few weeks. The origin and roast level are up to your preference, but a medium to dark roast often works well.
How much butter and MCT oil should I add?
A common starting point is 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted grass-fed butter and 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of MCT oil per cup of coffee. It’s best to start small and adjust to your taste and tolerance.
Can I use regular butter?
While you can, unsalted grass-fed butter is recommended. It has a different fatty acid profile and flavor that’s considered ideal for bulletproof coffee. Regular salted butter will alter the taste significantly.
What is MCT oil?
MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides. It’s a type of fat that’s easily digested and can be quickly converted into energy. It’s often derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.
Is bulletproof coffee healthy?
Bulletproof coffee is high in fat and calories, which can be satiating. Its “health” benefits are debated and depend heavily on your individual diet and goals. It’s not a replacement for a balanced meal for most people.
Can I make bulletproof coffee ahead of time?
It’s best consumed immediately after blending. If left to sit, the butter and oil can separate from the coffee, and it won’t have the same creamy texture.
What if I don’t have a blender?
You can try whisking vigorously by hand, but it’s difficult to achieve the same emulsified texture. A milk frother might help a little, but a blender is really key for the proper consistency.
Can I add other things to my bulletproof coffee?
Some people add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a bit of collagen powder. However, for the classic bulletproof experience, it’s just coffee, butter, and MCT oil.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific health claims or dietary protocols associated with bulletproof coffee. (Explore resources on ketogenic diets or intermittent fasting if interested.)
- Detailed comparisons of different MCT oil brands or types. (Research MCT oil benefits and types separately.)
- Advanced brewing techniques for specific coffee origins or roasts. (Look into single-origin coffee brewing guides.)
- The science behind how fats are metabolized in the body. (Consult nutritional science resources.)
- Recipes for other high-fat, low-carb beverages. (Search for keto-friendly drink recipes.)