WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Your choice of Joey Dee’s Coffee

Try Joey Dees Light/Medium Columbian Ground Coffee

Hosting an event or gathering? Brewing coffee for a crowd can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and equipment, you can serve high-quality coffee that keeps everyone happy. Here’s a guide to scaling up your coffee brewing while maintaining flavor, along with tips for creating a fun and customizable coffee bar.

Tips for Brewing Coffee in Large Batches

1. Choose the Right Equipment
   • Large French Press: Ideal for small to medium gatherings, French presses can brew rich, full-bodied coffee. Use multiple presses for larger groups.
   • Coffee Urns: These are perfect for serving dozens of people. Choose one with a warming function to keep coffee hot without burning it.
   • Drip Coffee Makers: Multi-cup drip machines are a simple and reliable option for consistent brews.
   • Pour-Over System: A Chemex or large pour-over setup can provide high-quality coffee. Use a multi-cup pour-over stand for faster service.
   • Cold Brew Concentrate: For summer events, brew a large batch of cold brew concentrate ahead of time and dilute it with water or milk as needed.

1. Scale Up the Ratios

1. • Stick to the golden coffee-to-water ratio: 1:16 (1 gram of coffee per 16 grams of water). For large batches, use a kitchen scale to measure accurately.
   • Example: For 12 cups of coffee (96 ounces), use about 6 ounces (170 grams) of ground coffee.

1. Grind Fresh

1. • Grind coffee just before brewing for maximum freshness and flavor. Use a burr grinder to ensure consistency, which is especially important when brewing in large quantities.

1. Preheat Equipment

1. • Preheat your coffee urn, French press, or carafe with hot water to keep the coffee warm longer and avoid temperature shock.

1. Brew in Smaller Batches for Quality

1. • If brewing with equipment like pour-overs or French presses, make multiple smaller batches and combine them in a large thermal carafe or coffee urn.

Creating a Coffee Bar for a Crowd

1. Set Up a Customizable Coffee Station
   Offer guests the opportunity to personalize their drinks. Include:
   • Syrups: Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice.
   • Milk Alternatives: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and half-and-half.
   • Sweeteners: Sugar, raw sugar, honey, stevia, or simple syrup for easy blending.
   • Toppings: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder.

1. Serve Hot and Cold Options

1. • For hot coffee, provide thermal carafes or urns to keep the coffee warm.
   • For cold options, have pitchers of cold brew or iced coffee ready, along with ice and milk alternatives.

1. Include Decaf

1. • Always have a decaf option available for guests who want coffee without the caffeine buzz.

1. Offer Easy Grab-and-Go Options

1. • Set out pre-filled coffee cups with lids for guests to grab if the event is busy.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Coffee Service

• Plan Ahead: Brew coffee in advance and keep it warm in thermal carafes to avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Label Everything: Clearly mark syrups, milk alternatives, and sweeteners for easy customization.
• Use Quality Beans: A crowd deserves great coffee too! Choose freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing.
• Avoid Overheating: Keep brewed coffee at the right serving temperature (around 175°F/80°C). Overheating can lead to bitter flavors.

Why You’ll Love It

Brewing coffee for a crowd doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. With proper planning and the right tools, you can create a seamless coffee experience that will leave your guests impressed and caffeinated. The addition of a customizable coffee bar makes it interactive and fun, ensuring there’s something for everyone.