How many scoops of Death Wish Coffee per cup? The official ratio

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the official recommendations, Death Wish Coffee requires 2.5 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 fluid ounces of water to achieve its signature bold and potent brew. This is a more concentrated ratio than many standard coffee brews, designed specifically to maximize the intensity of the 'world's strongest coffee'.

Quick Summary

Death Wish Coffee officially recommends 2.5 tablespoons of grounds for every 6 ounces of water. This specific ratio is essential for its bold profile but can be adjusted based on personal taste and brewing method.

Key Points

Official Ratio: Death Wish Coffee recommends 2.5 tablespoons of grounds for every 6 ounces of water for maximum strength.
Scoop vs. Tbsp: Most standard scoops are 2 tablespoons, so use a measuring spoon or scale for accuracy instead of assuming your scoop is the right size.
Adjust for Taste: The 2.5:6 ratio is a starting guideline; you can use less coffee for a milder cup or more for an even stronger brew.
Brewing Consistency: Using a digital kitchen scale provides the most precise and consistent measurements of coffee grounds and water by weight.
Maximize Strength: The powerful blend of robusta beans and the high coffee-to-water ratio create Death Wish's signature high-caffeine profile.
Method Matters: The recommended ratio works for most brew methods, but pay attention to the grind size required for your equipment, such as a coarse grind for a French press.
Cup Size: Remember that a 'cup' on a coffee maker is often 6oz, not the 8oz of a standard measuring cup, so adjust accordingly for larger mugs.

The Official Death Wish Coffee Brewing Ratio

For a perfectly potent cup, Death Wish Coffee recommends a specific brewing ratio: 2.5 tablespoons of coffee grounds for every 6 fluid ounces of water. This proportion is crucial to unlock the brand's intended flavor profile and high caffeine content. For many coffee drinkers accustomed to standard ratios (often 1-2 tablespoons per 6 ounces), this might seem like a lot more coffee, and it is. The increased concentration is one of the key factors contributing to the brew's extreme strength.

This recommendation is not arbitrary. It aligns with standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association for achieving a strong, bold cup, ensuring you get the most out of their unique blend of Arabica and high-caffeine Robusta beans.

Standard Scoops vs. Measuring Tablespoons

A common mistake is assuming that a single coffee scoop is equivalent to the recommended 2.5 tablespoons. This is often incorrect, as a standard coffee scoop typically holds only 2 tablespoons. Using a measuring tablespoon is the most reliable way to ensure you are using the correct amount of coffee for your brew. For maximum precision, particularly for those passionate about consistency, a digital kitchen scale is the gold standard.

How to Measure Accurately for Your Brewing Method

The recommended ratio applies across various brewing methods, though the grind size may differ.

Drip Coffee: For a standard auto-drip machine, remember that coffee pot 'cups' are often based on the 6oz measure. To make a full 12-cup pot (72 fluid ounces), you would need 30 tablespoons of grounds (72 / 6 * 2.5 = 30). This is far more than the 12 standard scoops many might use, which is why the recommended ratio creates such a powerful brew.
French Press: For a French press, a coarse grind is essential to prevent grounds from slipping through the filter. The same 2.5 tbsp per 6oz ratio applies. Add your coarsely ground coffee, bloom with a small amount of water, and then add the rest. A four-minute steep is generally recommended.
Pour-Over: This manual method offers excellent control. Use a medium grind, and be sure to execute a proper bloom phase before pouring the remaining water in a slow, circular motion.

Comparison Table: Death Wish vs. Standard Coffee


Brewed Quantity (Approx.)	Death Wish Coffee Ratio (Tbsps)	Standard Coffee Ratio (Tbsps)	Reason for Difference
6 fluid oz (1 cup)	2.5 tbsp	1–2 tbsp	Maximize caffeine and flavor concentration
12 fluid oz (Large mug)	5 tbsp	2–4 tbsp	Maintain proportional strength for larger volume
24 fluid oz (Small pot)	10 tbsp	4–8 tbsp	Scale for multiple servings
48 fluid oz (8-cup pot)	20 tbsp	8–16 tbsp	High concentration for the intended bold experience

Adjusting for Your Preference

While the official ratio is designed for maximum intensity, it's not a rigid rule. Coffee brewing is a personal journey, and you can easily adjust the amount of coffee to suit your taste.

For a milder cup: If the recommended ratio is too strong, reduce the amount of coffee grounds. Start by dropping to 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces, and incrementally adjust from there until you find your perfect balance. A slightly coarser grind can also reduce extraction and overall strength.
For a stronger cup: If you can handle more, you can slightly increase the coffee grounds, but be mindful of the significant caffeine content. The official ratio is already quite high, and exceeding it substantially may be too much for some individuals.

Other variables to consider include water temperature (ideally around 205°F) and brew time. Experimenting with these factors, in addition to the coffee-to-water ratio, will help you master your brew.

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Ratio

The short answer for how many scoops of Death Wish Coffee per cup is 2.5 tablespoons for every 6 fluid ounces of water, but true mastery comes with understanding. This ratio is the company's recommendation for achieving the powerful brew they promise, thanks to a combination of high-caffeine robusta beans and a concentrated recipe. However, your personal preference is the ultimate guide. Start with the official guidelines and don't be afraid to adjust. Measure accurately with tablespoons or a scale, consider your brewing method, and fine-tune your brew until you find the perfect balance of flavor and jolt. For more detailed instructions on different brewing methods, you can always refer to the company's own guidelines at the official Death Wish Coffee brew guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard coffee scoop typically holds 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, meaning you will need slightly more than one standard scoop to get the 2.5 tablespoons that Death Wish Coffee recommends for a 6oz cup.

You can adjust the strength by increasing or decreasing the amount of grounds you use. While 2.5 tablespoons per 6oz is the starting point, you can add slightly more for extra strength or reduce the quantity for a milder taste.

Yes, for the most accurate and consistent results, weighing your coffee grounds and water with a digital scale is superior to using scoops, as the volume of grounds can vary based on density.

The higher ratio, combined with a potent blend of robusta and arabica beans, is specifically engineered to maximize caffeine content and achieve the strong, bold flavor that defines Death Wish Coffee.

While the core 2.5 tbsp per 6oz ratio is consistent, the correct grind size is essential for different brewing methods. For example, a French press needs a coarser grind than an auto-drip machine.

For a 12oz mug, you should double the recommended amount. Based on the 2.5 tbsp per 6oz ratio, you would need 5 tablespoons of ground Death Wish Coffee.

While there is no strict maximum, the official ratio is already very potent. Consider your own caffeine tolerance. Health guidelines suggest staying under 400mg of caffeine per day for most adults.