How to Make Tim Hortons Coffee at Home: Ratio and Recipe
Tim Hortons Original Blend is the medium roast, 100% Arabica coffee behind the chain’s drip coffee, and it is sold in 12 ounce bags for home brewers. This guide shows how to brew it at home so it tastes like the restaurant cup, starting with the ratio printed on the bag.
How to make tim hortons coffee at home, in short: To make Tim Hortons coffee at home, brew Original Blend ground coffee in a drip machine using two level tablespoons for every 8 fluid ounces of fresh cold water, the ratio printed on the bag. For a double-double, stir two teaspoons of sugar and two tablespoons of light cream into a 10 ounce mug.
How to Make Tim Hortons Coffee at Home: Ratio and Recipe
Copying the restaurant cup at home is mostly a matter of measuring. The bag tells you the ratio, a drip machine does the rest, and a little cream turns it into a double-double.
History and Legacy
Tim Hortons Original Blend has a storied history. The company was founded in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1964 by hockey player Tim Horton and Jim Charade. Investor Ron Joyce became Horton’s partner in 1967 and took over operations after Horton died in 1974, according to the chain’s history. The intention behind the Original Blend was to create an accessible, flavorful, and consistent coffee that would cater to a wide range of tastes. Over the years, this blend has grown immensely in popularity, becoming an integral part of Canadian culture and expanding its reach internationally.
The Birth of an Icon
The first shop opened in Hamilton, Ontario, selling coffee and donuts. Right from the beginning, they focused on quality, and the Original Blend was built to offer a smooth, balanced taste that would appeal to the general public. The blend was designed to be consistent, ensuring that every cup delivered the same level of satisfaction.
Evolution Over Time
While the Original Blend has mostly remained unchanged, Tim Hortons has adopted modern roasting techniques to improve consistency and flavor. For home brewers, the bigger change is the packaged coffee: Original Blend is sold in 12 ounce ground and whole bean bags in US grocery stores.
Composition of Tim Hortons Original Blend
Tim Hortons Original Blend is a medium roast with a medium body and a smooth finish, according to the bag. Let’s break down its components to better understand why this blend has such a distinct and beloved flavor profile.
Bean Origins
The Original Blend is 100% Arabica. Tim Hortons describes it only as a unique blend of premium Arabica beans and does not list the countries of origin on the bag.
Roast Level
Tim Hortons Original Blend is classified as a medium roast. This roasting level is ideal for bringing out the natural flavors of the beans while avoiding the overwhelming bitterness that can accompany darker roasts. Medium roasts are generally well-rounded, with both acidic and sweet notes.
Flavor Profile and Characteristics
Understanding the flavor profile of Tim Hortons Original Blend can help you better appreciate what makes this coffee so special. It offers a harmonious blend of different flavors and aromas that make it unique.
Aroma
Tim Hortons Original Blend is known for its inviting aroma. Upon brewing, you’ll notice a rich and invigorating scent that is both nutty and slightly sweet. The medium roast keeps the aroma sweet rather than smoky.
Taste
The taste of the Original Blend is balanced, offering a pleasing combination of slight bitterness and subtle sweetness. It has a medium body, which means it’s neither too light nor too heavy, making it versatile for different types of coffee preparations.
Finish
One of the defining characteristics of Tim Hortons Original Blend is its smooth finish. After sipping, you’re left with a clean palate, devoid of any lingering, unpleasant aftertaste. This makes it an excellent choice for people who enjoy multiple cups throughout the day.
Brewing Techniques
Different brewing methods can bring out different aspects of Tim Hortons Original Blend. Here are some popular techniques and tips to get the best out of your coffee.
Drip Coffee Maker
The drip coffee maker is one of the most common ways to brew Tim Hortons Original Blend.
- Preparation: Measure out two tablespoons of coffee grounds per six ounces of water.
- Brewing: Opt for a water temperature between 195°F and 205°F for optimal extraction.
- Serving: Let the brewed coffee sit for about 30 seconds to allow the flavors to settle.
French Press
The French Press gives the Original Blend more body than a drip machine does.
- Preparation: Use a coarse grind. Measure out one tablespoon of coffee grounds per four ounces of water.
- Brewing: Add hot water (just off the boil) and let it steep for four minutes.
- Serving: Plunge slowly and pour immediately to avoid over-extraction.
Espresso Machine
Though Tim Hortons Original Blend is not traditionally an espresso roast, it can still yield a flavorful shot of espresso.
- Preparation: Use a fine grind and pack the portafilter with the correct amount of coffee.
- Brewing: Aim for a 25- to 30-second extraction time.
- Serving: Enjoy as is or use it as a base for lattes and cappuccinos.
Cold Brew
Cold brew can bring out the sweeter, more subtle notes of the Original Blend.
- Preparation: Use a coarse grind and combine one cup of coffee grounds with four cups of cold water.
- Brewing: Let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
- Serving: Strain the coffee and serve over ice.
Pairing Suggestions
A mild medium roast is easy to pair with breakfast food. Here are some suggestions to consider:
Sweet Pairings
- Donuts: A classic choice, the sweetness of donuts complements the balanced flavor of the coffee.
- Pastries: Croissants, Danish pastries, and muffins are all excellent choices that harmonize well with the medium roast profile.
Savory Pairings
- Bagels with Cream Cheese: The richness of the cream cheese balances the acidity and sweetness of the coffee.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Egg and cheese sandwiches offer a savory counterpoint to the coffee’s smooth finish.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional aspects of Tim Hortons Original Blend can be useful, especially for health-conscious individuals.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (8 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
While these values apply to black coffee, additions like cream and sugar will change the nutritional profile.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Sourcing details are thinner on the bag than the marketing suggests.
Ethical Sourcing
The retail listing for the Original Blend bag does not show a sourcing certification such as Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, so check the packaging if that matters to you.
Environmental Impact
Check the recycling guidance on the bag or pod box, since packaging and local recycling rules vary.
The Ratio Printed on the Tims Bag
Tim Hortons tells you exactly how to brew it. The directions on the 12 ounce Original Blend bag, reproduced on Wegmans’ product listing, say to use two level tablespoons of coffee for every 8 fluid ounces (250 ml) of fresh cold water, and the bag is labeled ideal for automatic filter coffee makers.
Two level tablespoons of ground coffee weigh roughly 10 to 12 grams, so the bag’s ratio lands around 1:21 to 1:25. That is lighter than the 1:16 many brewing guides start from, and it goes a long way toward explaining the mild, easy drinking cup Tims is known for. Follow the bag to copy the restaurant. Move toward 1:17 if you want the same coffee with more punch.
| Water | Level tablespoons (bag ratio) | Grams, about |
|---|---|---|
| 8 fl oz (1 small mug) | 2 | 10 to 12 g |
| 16 fl oz | 4 | 20 to 24 g |
| 32 fl oz | 8 | 40 to 48 g |
| 48 fl oz | 12 | 60 to 72 g |
| 64 fl oz | 16 (1 cup) | 80 to 96 g |
Measure the water in fluid ounces, not by the “cup” marks on the coffee maker. Most drip machines count a cup as 5 or 6 ounces, which throws the bag’s 8 ounce ratio off. Our scoops of coffee per cup chart converts between scoops, tablespoons and machine cups.
How to Make a Double-Double at Home
A double-double is the most famous Tims order: a coffee with two creams and two sugars. The trick at home is using cream, not milk. Milk thins a mild medium roast out fast, and cream keeps the body.
- Brew Original Blend at the bag ratio, two level tablespoons per 8 ounces of water, in a drip machine.
- Pour 10 ounces of coffee into a warmed mug.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar until it dissolves. Sugar melts better before the cream goes in.
- Add 2 tablespoons of light cream or half and half, then taste. Add more cream a spoonful at a time.
Drink it within 20 minutes of brewing. Coffee held on a hot plate turns bitter and flat fast, and a thermal carafe keeps a second cup closer to the first. If your machine only has a hot plate, see our best drip coffee maker picks for thermal carafe models.
Ground, Whole Bean or Pods: Which Tims to Buy
- Ground, 12 oz: the easiest match for the restaurant cup. It is ground for automatic drip machines.
- Whole bean, 12 oz: the better buy if you own a grinder or brew in a French press, where you want a coarser grind than the bag.
- Single serve pods: the fastest route to a mug with no measuring. Our best single serve coffee maker guide covers the brewers.
Want the menu, flavors and nutrition of the Original Blend itself? See our Tim Hortons Original Blend overview, or browse more guides on the Coffee Rank IQ homepage.
FAQ
How much Tim Hortons coffee do I use per cup?
Use two level tablespoons of Tim Hortons coffee for every 8 fluid ounces of water. That is the brand’s own direction printed on the Original Blend bag. Adjust up or down by half a tablespoon to taste.
Is Tim Hortons Original Blend 100% Arabica?
Yes, Tim Hortons Original Blend is 100% Arabica. The bag describes it as a medium roast, medium bodied coffee with a smooth finish, made for automatic filter coffee makers.
What is a double-double at Tim Hortons?
A double-double is a coffee with two creams and two sugars. At home, use light cream or half and half rather than milk to get the same rich texture.
Conclusion
The restaurant taste comes from a mild ratio, a drip machine and fresh coffee. Use two level tablespoons per 8 ounces of water, drink it within 20 minutes, and use cream rather than milk for a double-double.
If you want it stronger than the restaurant cup, add half a tablespoon at a time until it tastes right.
