The Proper Way To Brew Instant Coffee

Quick answer

• Use good quality, fresh instant coffee. Don’t skimp here.
• Start with filtered water. Tap water can mess with the taste.
• Heat your water to just off the boil, around 200°F. Too hot burns it.
• Measure your coffee and water. It’s not just “eyeballing” for a good cup.
• Stir until it’s all dissolved. No gritty bits allowed.
• Taste it. Adjust as needed. It’s your coffee.

Who this is for

• The busy camper who needs a quick, decent cup.
• Anyone who thinks instant coffee is just “okay” and wants better.
• Folks who are new to brewing their own coffee and want a simple start.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

For instant coffee, there’s no “brewer” in the traditional sense. You’re basically dissolving coffee granules or powder in hot water. The “filter” is more about what you’re dissolving it into. A mug or a heat-safe container works. Make sure it’s clean. No old tea stains or soap residue.

For instant coffee, the ‘filter’ is more about what you’re dissolving it into. A clean, good quality coffee mug is essential for a pleasant experience.

Nextmug - Temperature-Controlled, Self-Heating Coffee Mug (Black - 14 oz.)

• ALWAYS THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE – The Nextmug will keep your hot coffee, tea or preferred beverage at the perfect temperature wherever you are. Simply select Warm (130° F), Hot (140° F), or Piping (150° F) and enjoy for hours.
• SMART MUG TECHNOLOGY – Long-lasting battery maintains your ideal temperature. LED lights display battery life & real-time temperature. Includes Spill-Resistant Lid & Charging Coaster.
• SUPER SIMPLE – On-board Control Button easily turns mug On/Off & sets the temperature. Takes only seconds to set the mug to your perfect temperature. No app required - no passwords, re-booting or security concerns.
• THE PERFECT GIFT - Give the gift for him and the gift for her that is certain to delight. Perfect for everyone on your list…moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, teachers, birthdays, graduations and more!
• NEXTMUG CARES - Nextmug cares about our communities and our customers. We care by donating Nextmugs to teachers and first responders . We’re also committed to sustainable packaging by using 100% recyclable materials with all our products. Our dedicated customer service agents are based in the USA and always ready to help.

Buy on Amazon

Water quality and temperature

This is huge. If your tap water tastes funky, your coffee will too. Use filtered or bottled water if you can. For temperature, aim for just off the boil. Around 195-205°F is ideal. If you don’t have a thermometer, let your kettle sit for about 30-60 seconds after it stops boiling.

Grind size and coffee freshness

With instant coffee, the “grind size” is already done for you. The key is the freshness of the instant coffee itself. Once opened, it can lose its flavor. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid the fridge unless the packaging specifically says to.

Coffee-to-water ratio

This is where most people wing it. A good starting point is about 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee per 6 oz of water. So, for a standard 8 oz mug, you might use 1.5 to 2.5 teaspoons. Don’t be afraid to adjust this to your taste. More coffee for stronger, less for weaker.

Cleanliness/descale status

Even though there are no complex parts, cleanliness matters. Make sure your mug or brewing vessel is spotless. If you’re using a kettle, make sure it’s free of mineral buildup. Scale can affect water temperature and impart off-flavors.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Measure your water.

• What to do: Pour the desired amount of water into your kettle or pot. For a standard mug, 6-8 oz is common.
• What “good” looks like: You have the right amount of water for your serving size.
• Common mistake: Overfilling the kettle, which can lead to longer heating times or spills. Avoid this by measuring before heating.

2. Heat the water.

• What to do: Heat the water until it’s just off the boil. Aim for around 195-205°F.
• What “good” looks like: The water is steaming, but not aggressively bubbling.
• Common mistake: Boiling the water too long or too vigorously. This can scorch the coffee when it dissolves. Let it rest for a minute after boiling.

3. Prepare your mug.

• What to do: Make sure your mug is clean and dry.
• What “good” looks like: A sparkling clean mug, ready for coffee.
• Common mistake: Using a dirty mug that will impart old flavors. Always rinse or wash your mug before brewing.

4. Measure the instant coffee.

• What to do: Use a measuring spoon to add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee per 6 oz of water. Adjust based on your preference.
• What “good” looks like: You have the correct amount of coffee for your desired strength.
• Common mistake: Guessing the amount. This leads to inconsistent results. Use a measuring spoon for accuracy.

5. Add coffee to the mug.

• What to do: Spoon the measured instant coffee into your clean mug.
• What “good” looks like: The coffee granules are sitting in the mug, ready for water.
• Common mistake: Pouring hot water directly onto the coffee grounds in the mug. This can cause clumping.

6. Pour hot water over coffee.

• What to do: Carefully pour the hot (not boiling) water over the instant coffee in the mug.
• What “good” looks like: The water starts dissolving the coffee granules.
• Common mistake: Pouring too fast or too close, which can splash hot water. Pour gently and steadily.

7. Stir to dissolve.

• What to do: Stir the mixture with a spoon until all the coffee granules are fully dissolved.
• What “good” looks like: A smooth, uniform liquid with no visible undissolved coffee.
• Common mistake: Not stirring enough, leaving undissolved coffee at the bottom. This results in a gritty texture and wasted coffee.

8. Let it steep briefly (optional).

• What to do: Allow the coffee to sit for about 30 seconds to a minute.
• What “good” looks like: The flavors have a moment to meld.
• Common mistake: Drinking it immediately without letting it settle. A brief pause can improve the taste.

9. Taste and adjust.

• What to do: Take a small sip. Add more coffee for strength, a little hot water for weakness, or a touch of sweetener if desired.
• What “good” looks like: The coffee tastes exactly how you like it.
• Common mistake: Settling for a mediocre cup. Your coffee, your rules. Don’t be afraid to tweak it.

10. Enjoy.

• What to do: Sip and savor your properly brewed instant coffee.
• What “good” looks like: You’re enjoying a surprisingly good cup of coffee.
• Common mistake: Rushing the experience. Take a moment to appreciate the simple things.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your coffee tastes bitter, then you likely used water that was too hot or the coffee itself is lower quality. Try cooling the water slightly or using a different brand.
• If your coffee tastes weak, then you probably didn’t use enough instant coffee or the water was too cool. Increase the coffee amount or ensure water is properly heated.
• If you notice undissolved granules, then you didn’t stir enough or the water temperature was too low for proper dissolution. Stir more vigorously and check water temp.
• If your coffee has a metallic tang, then it’s likely your tap water quality. Switch to filtered or bottled water.
• If you’re in a hurry and need the fastest cup, then skip the water cooling step, but accept it might be a bit more bitter. Prioritize speed over perfection.
• If you want to make a larger batch, then scale up your coffee and water measurements proportionally. Double the coffee for double the water.
• If your instant coffee seems to have lost its flavor, then it’s likely old or wasn’t stored properly. Try a fresh container.
• If you want to experiment with flavor, then add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract after brewing.
• If you’re camping and have limited water, then measure carefully to avoid wasting precious water.
• If you want to control sweetness, then add your sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.) after the coffee is fully dissolved.

FAQ

Can I use cold water for instant coffee?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Cold water won’t dissolve the coffee granules effectively, leading to a weak and gritty drink. It’s best to use hot water for proper dissolution.

Does the type of instant coffee matter?

Absolutely. Just like ground coffee, instant coffee comes in different roasts and quality levels. A premium instant coffee will taste much better than a cheap one.

How much instant coffee should I use?

A good starting point is 1 to 2 teaspoons per 6 ounces of water. Adjust this based on how strong you like your coffee. It’s all about personal preference.

Can I reheat instant coffee?

It’s generally not recommended. Reheating can degrade the flavor, making it taste stale and bitter. It’s best to brew a fresh cup.

What’s the difference between instant coffee and regular coffee?

Instant coffee is made by drying brewed coffee so it can be rehydrated with hot water. Regular coffee requires brewing ground coffee beans with hot water through a filter.

Is instant coffee bad for you?

In moderation, instant coffee is generally considered safe. It still contains caffeine and antioxidants, similar to regular coffee, though some processing methods might slightly alter nutrient content.

Can I make iced instant coffee?

Yes! Dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of hot water first, then pour it over ice and add cold water or milk.

Why does my instant coffee taste sour?

Sourness often indicates under-extraction, which can happen if the water isn’t hot enough or if you didn’t stir enough to fully dissolve the coffee.

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

• Detailed comparisons of different instant coffee brands.
• The science behind freeze-drying versus spray-drying instant coffee.
• Advanced brewing techniques for specific flavor profiles with instant coffee.
• The history of coffee or the global coffee industry.
• Recipes for coffee-based cocktails or elaborate coffee drinks.
• Information on espresso machines or other complex brewing equipment.