How to Brew CBD Coffee: Methods, Tips, and Recipes

CBD coffee brews just like regular coffee, but a few tips will help you get the best flavor and maximum CBD extraction from every cup. Here is your complete brewing guide.

The Basics: CBD Coffee Brews Like Regular Coffee

If you know how to make coffee, you know how to make CBD coffee. Use the same ratios, the same water temperature, and the same equipment. The CBD is already infused into the beans during roasting, so no measuring, mixing, or adding anything extra is required.

Standard ratio: 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6oz of water.

Brewing Methods Ranked for CBD Coffee

1. French Press (Best for CBD Extraction)

French press is arguably the best method for CBD coffee because the metal mesh filter allows more oils and compounds to pass through into your cup. Since CBD bonds with the natural oils in coffee beans, an unfiltered method extracts slightly more CBD per cup.

• Grind: Coarse
• Water temp: 200F (just off boil)
• Steep time: 4 minutes
• Ratio: 2 tablespoons per 6oz water

2. Pour-Over (Best for Flavor Clarity)

Pour-over produces the cleanest, most nuanced cup. The paper filter removes some oils but still delivers a strong CBD dose. This is the best method for tasting the distinct flavor profiles of our Ethiopia (fruity, floral) or Colombia (chocolate, caramel) origins.

• Grind: Medium-fine
• Water temp: 200-205F
• Brew time: 3-4 minutes total
• Ratio: 2 tablespoons per 6oz water

3. Drip Coffee Maker (Most Convenient)

Your standard drip machine works perfectly. Automatic drip is the most common brewing method and produces consistent results every time.

• Grind: Medium
• Water temp: Automatic (most machines hit 195-205F)
• Ratio: 2 tablespoons per 6oz water

4. Espresso (Concentrated CBD)

Espresso uses a higher coffee-to-water ratio, meaning each shot contains a more concentrated dose of CBD. A double shot uses about 18g of coffee, delivering roughly 15-18mg of CBD in a small, potent serving.

• Grind: Fine
• Brew time: 25-30 seconds
• Dose: 18g for a double shot

5. Cold Brew (Smooth and Strong)

Cold brew extracts CBD effectively because of the long steep time (12-24 hours), even though it uses cold water. The result is a smooth, low-acid, naturally sweet cup with a solid CBD dose. Check out our full cold brew recipe.

• Grind: Coarse
• Water: Cold or room temperature
• Steep time: 12-24 hours in the fridge
• Ratio: 1 cup coffee to 4 cups water (dilute to taste)

6. K-Cup (Fastest)

Our CBD K-Cups are 100% compostable and contain 20mg of CBD per pod. Just pop one in your Keurig and brew. No grinding, no measuring, no cleanup.

Does Heat Destroy CBD?

This is the most common concern about brewing CBD coffee. The short answer: no, not at normal brewing temperatures. CBD begins to degrade at temperatures above 320F (160C). Standard coffee brewing happens between 195-205F (90-96C), which is well below the degradation point. Your CBD remains intact during brewing.

Tips for the Best CBD Coffee

• Grind fresh: Grind your beans just before brewing for the best flavor and CBD extraction. Pre-ground coffee loses freshness faster.
• Use filtered water: Coffee is 98% water. Better water makes better coffee.
• Do not boil: Let boiling water sit for 30 seconds before pouring. Water that is too hot can make coffee bitter.
• Add healthy fats: CBD is fat-soluble. Adding a splash of cream, oat milk, or coconut oil may improve CBD absorption.
• Store beans properly: Keep beans in an airtight container at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze.

CBD Iced Coffee Recipe

Brew CBD coffee at double strength (4 tablespoons per 6oz water) using any hot method. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then pour over a full glass of ice. Add milk or sweetener to taste. The double-strength brew ensures the ice dilution does not weaken the flavor or CBD dose.

Frequently Asked Questions