Prepare Your Zero
Coffee is not just caffeine. It's the ritual that starts the day.
Simple.
Correct.
Quiet.
Choose Your Grind
Grind size determines how quickly water extracts flavor from coffee. Match the grind to the brew method — and the extraction stabilizes.
Cold Brew
Pour Over
AeroPress
Moka Pot
If you're unsure: Medium works for most drip coffee makers. When in doubt, start here.
Grinder Standard
- Burr Grinder Uniform particles. Consistent extraction. Repeatable results. The correct tool.
- Blade Grinder Random particle size. Uneven extraction. Variable results every time.
- Whole Bean Grind immediately before brewing. Preserves aroma, freshness, and clarity.
The Zero Standard Ratio
One number controls every cup. Fix it and the system holds.
Quick Reference
| Water | Coffee (grams) | Approx. Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|
| 8 oz | 16g | 4 Tbsp |
| 12 oz | 24g | 6 Tbsp |
| 20 oz | 40g | 8 Tbsp (½ cup) |
| 40 oz | 80g | 20 Tbsp (1⅔ cup) |
| 52 oz | 104g | 26 Tbsp (2⅙ cups) |
No scale? 1 tablespoon ≈ 5 grams. 4 tablespoons ≈ ¼ cup. Tablespoons are approximations — a scale is more precise, but tablespoons are close enough to hold the standard.
Water Temperature
Temperature controls which compounds extract from the coffee and how quickly. The standard is 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Outside that window, the cup breaks — either over-extracted and bitter, or under-extracted and flat.
- Light Roast 203–205°F / 95–96°C — denser bean, needs more heat to extract fully
- Medium Roast 200°F / 93°C — the balanced standard for most cups
- Dark Roast 195°F / 90°C — more porous, over-extracts fast at higher temps
No thermometer? Bring water to a full boil, then let it sit off heat for 30–45 seconds. That drops it to approximately 200–205°F — inside the standard for most roast levels. For dark roast, wait 60 seconds.
Water & Storage
The Ember Method
Coffee starts the day. Tea controls the transition. Not just evening — midday, reset, close. Tea doesn't require complexity. It requires consistency.
Temperature by Tea Type
5–7 min
5–10 min
Standard ratio: 2.5g–3g per 12 oz water. Hot or iced — the goal is the same: a clean, repeatable cup that supports the moment.
Iced method: Brew double strength, pour over ice. Keeps structure. Keeps clarity.
The Role of Each Ember
Tea shapes how it ends.
A warm cup and a few quiet minutes shift the mind from reaction to control. No noise. No overthinking. Just direction.