We all love the coffee we have every day, so naturally, we love the caffeine too. While some of us enjoy the sweet, subtle flavor of iced coffee, others may not. Since we all have different taste buds, we often end up choosing different types of coffee.

Why am I telling you this? Because this idea also applies when we talk about coffee strength.

While some people enjoy the mild, sweet flavor in their coffee, others might dislike it. On the other hand, if you love black, strong coffee, someone else may avoid it due to its bold taste and high caffeine level.

Honestly, even though I sometimes love strong coffee—especially in the morning or right before an exam—it’s the only thing that keeps me awake. Trust me, nothing else stops me from taking my usual eight-hour nap except for a solid cup of strong coffee. So yes, it’s my most reliable method to stay focused.

Most of you probably need a “wake me up” in the morning to kickstart your day, right? Without coffee, what would we even do? Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine a day without it.

So, here I am, ready to show you exactly how you can make stronger coffee right at home!

How to Make Your Coffee Stronger? 

Now, it really depends on what you mean by “strong.” If strong coffee, to you, means higher caffeine content, then you’ll want to use coffee beans that naturally contain more caffeine or simply increase the coffee-to-water ratio.

You see, different coffee beans have varying amounts of caffeine. Robusta beans naturally contain more caffeine compared to Arabica beans, mainly because Robusta plants are more resistant to pests.

Interestingly, when it comes to roast level, a lighter roast actually preserves more caffeine than a dark roast. Although a dark roast tastes bolder and smokier, the lighter roast offers a slightly stronger caffeine kick.

On the other hand, if “strong” to you means a bolder, more intense taste—a cup with more punch—then it’s not just about the coffee beans. It’s more about how you brew it. The brewing method, your coffee-to-water ratio, and the extraction time will all influence how bold and full-bodied your cup turns out.

In short, your personal definition of “strong” will directly affect the kind of coffee you brew.

Lastly, many coffee drinkers often confuse bitter coffee with strong coffee, but there’s a difference. Before you go tweaking your coffee routine, it’s important to first understand what you really mean by “stronger” coffee. Is it more caffeine? A bolder taste? Or both?

Easy Ways to Make Coffee Stronger

1. Using more coffee grounds

The more coffee you use, the stronger your coffee will be—it’s as simple as that. If you stick to your usual ratio but expect your coffee to suddenly have more body and intensity, well, that’s just not going to happen, right?

A typical brewing ratio is somewhere between 1:15 to 1:17. This means you’re using 1 gram of coffee for every 15 to 17 grams of water. So, the easiest and most effective way to get a stronger cup is to use more coffee and less water.

For example, if you usually brew at a 1:15 ratio, simply increase the amount of coffee you’re using, and voilà—you’ve got a stronger cup.

Just one thing to keep in mind: when you adjust the ratio, be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a brew that’s not just strong but also bitter.

2. Choose a Darker Roast

As a general rule of thumb, lighter coffee beans contain more caffeine than dark roasted beans. However, because lighter roasts tend to have a sweeter and mellower taste, they might not satisfy your craving for a stronger, bolder cup.

On the flip side, darker roasts have slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts, but they deliver a bold and intense flavor that many people associate with “strong” coffee.

Since caffeine levels gradually decrease as the roast gets darker, if you’re hoping for a caffeine boost from a dark roast—that’s not going to happen. Instead, if you want a richer, more intense taste, go for a dark roast. But if you’re mainly after a higher caffeine content, a light roast will suit you better.

3. Use a Finer Grind

As most of you would agree, the stronger, the better. One key factor that greatly affects your brew is the grind size. If you’re aiming for a stronger coffee, try switching to a finer grind than what you’re currently using. Why? Because a finer grind creates more surface area, allowing the water to extract more flavor from the coffee. As a result, you get a bolder, more intense brew. On the other hand, a coarse grind has less surface area, which means you’ll extract less flavor. Therefore, using a finer grind with the right brewing method will help you achieve the stronger coffee you’re looking for. In short, finer grind equals stronger coffee.

4. Try a Different Brewing Method

The brewing method you choose will largely determine how much flavor can be extracted from the coffee. In general, the longer the coffee is in contact with water, the stronger the brew will be. In this case, both immersion and percolation methods will really meet your needs. Brewing methods like the French press and moka pot, for example, allow the coffee grounds to steep for a longer period of time, which results in more flavor and intensity. Similarly, pour-over or drip methods also shine in this regard, as they allow the coffee grounds to steep for a longer time. This extended extraction brings out the coffee’s flavors, oils, and acidity, making it stronger, bolder, and ultimately better.

Tips for making your Coffee Stronger

• If you’re looking to make your coffee stronger, one simple trick is to add a shot of espresso to your regular brew. Espresso is rich and concentrated, so it gives your coffee an extra boost of flavor and caffeine. Another method is to brew your coffee as usual, then use that coffee to brew the next batch. By doing this, you’re essentially creating a stronger concentrate, which increases both the intensity and the caffeine content of your cup.

• Another way to make your coffee stronger is by using a finer grind. When you grind your coffee beans more finely, it creates a larger surface area, which allows for better extraction. This means you’ll get more of the rich flavors and oils from the beans, resulting in a brew that’s bolder and more intense.

• If you really want to take it up a notch, try using a coffee concentrate. This is a super strong brew that packs a punch, giving you a bold and intense cup of coffee every time. It’s perfect if you love a strong, full-bodied coffee with extra caffeine.

• Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to enjoy a stronger coffee is diluting it with milk, water, sweeteners, or flavored syrups. While these additions can make your coffee taste milder, they also reduce its intensity and lower the caffeine content. If you want to enjoy a truly strong coffee, try drinking it without diluting it with milk or sweeteners. This way, you’ll be able to experience all the rich, bold flavors and the full caffeine kick that a stronger brew offers.