How to Make Coffee Less Bitter: 8 Proven Fixes That Work

If you’ve ever taken a sip of coffee and winced at the sharp, burnt flavor—you're not alone. Bitterness is one of the most common complaints in home-brewed coffee, and thankfully, it’s one of the easiest to fix. Whether you're using a Keurig (check out our tips on how to make k-cup coffee taste better), French press, pour-over, or espresso machine, here’s how to cut down the bitterness and bring out the full-bodied, balanced flavor your beans were meant to deliver.

1. Start With a Smoother Roast

Bitter coffee often starts with overly dark or low-quality beans. While dark roasts are loved for their boldness, they’re also more likely to taste burnt or bitter due to longer roasting times. If your morning cup is making you grimace, it might be time to switch things up.

We recommend opting for a medium roast, these beans highlight natural flavors like caramel, berry, or cocoa—without the char.

2. Check Your Grind Size

Grind size affects how quickly water extracts flavor from your beans. If your coffee tastes too bitter, you’re likely over-extracting—pulling out too many bitter compounds during the brew.

• For French press and cold brew, go coarse.
  
• For drip brewers, a medium grind is ideal.
  
• If using an espresso machine, aim for a fine grind, but don’t go powdery.
  
  

Investing in a burr grinder allows for more consistent grind size, giving you better control and a smoother taste.

3. Get Your Brew Time Right

Even with the right beans and grind, brewing too long can make coffee harsh. Each brewing method has a sweet spot for timing:

• French press: About 4 minutes, then plunge.
  
• Pour-over: 2.5 to 3 minutes.
  
• Espresso: Around 25–30 seconds.
  
• Cold brew: 12–16 hours in the fridge.
  
  

If you’re brewing longer than recommended, your cup might be soaking up too much bitterness. Dial in your time and notice the difference.

4. Use Filtered Water at the Right Temperature

The water you brew with plays a huge role in taste. Tap water high in minerals can cause bitterness or odd flavors. Ideally, use filtered water or spring water.

Also, make sure your water isn’t too hot. Water above 205°F can burn the coffee, while water below 195°F won’t extract the good stuff. Stick within the 195–205°F range for the best results.

5. Clean Your Coffee Maker—Really

Old coffee residue and oils can go rancid and build up over time, adding bitterness and funk to your brew. This is especially common in automatic drip machines and Keurigs.

Make it a habit to:

• Rinse and wipe out carafes and baskets daily.
  
• Deep clean your machine with vinegar or a descaling solution once a month.
  
• Don’t forget to clean reusable filters, K-Cup adapters, and grinders too.
  
  

A clean machine = clean-tasting coffee.

6. Add a Pinch of Salt or Milk Fat

It might sound strange, but adding a tiny pinch of salt can tone down bitterness and enhance natural sweetness. This works because sodium interferes with your tongue’s bitter receptors.

If you're not into salt, a splash of whole milk, butter, or even oat milk can round out sharp edges. These fats bind to bitter compounds and smooth them out.

7. Switch Brewing Methods for a Smoother Sip

Some brewing methods naturally produce smoother coffee than others. If you find your go-to style isn’t working, try experimenting:

• AeroPress: Known for producing a clean, low-bitterness brew.
  
• Cold brew: Steeps slowly with cold water, creating a mellow, chocolatey result with minimal acid or bite.
  
• Pour-over: Great control over flow and timing, reducing bitterness.
  
  

Check out our home brewing tips for guides tailored to your favorite method.

8. Use High-Quality, Fresh Coffee Beans

Ultimately, no trick can save bad beans. Freshly roasted, high-quality coffee will always taste better—smoother, richer, and less bitter.

Strava Craft Coffee is small-batch roasted, and many blends are available as whole bean or K-Cup formats for versatility and freshness. Plus, our hemp-infused line adds a subtle calming effect that perfectly balances morning intensity.

👉 Shop Strava Specialty Coffees and CBD Coffees to find your next favorite cup.

Final Thoughts

Bitterness doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your coffee routine. With just a few small adjustments—like grind size, roast level, and water quality—you can take your brew from harsh to heavenly. Start with high-quality beans like Strava’s medium roasts, and you’ll notice the difference with your very next cup.