It is very rare to have any event that doesn’t include coffee service, which makes learning how to make good coffee important to a caterer. Making coffee in an electric percolator is the best method but figuring out the correct amount of ground coffee to put in is challenging.
I am personally responsable for makeing some pretty bad coffee, usually by putting in too many grounds or making it too weak. Lucky for me, my catering partner, Richard, developed a formula for a good brew you can count on delivering a great cup!
“Coffee Mates”, original acrylic on 5”x7” canvas by Renee Fontes
50 cup percolator - 3½ cups coffee grounds makes 42 to 50 cups
100 cup percolator - 6¼ cups of coffee grounds makes 100 cups
Always start with cold water in coffee percolator.
Make sure the stem is seated properly in the bottom, the basket of coffee grounds is secured properly and the lid is secure.
Use coarse ground coffee in a percolator so as not to plug up the basket.
As a general rule, it takes one minute per cup to brew coffee. Remove the basket of spent coffee grounds after the coffee is done percolating.
A French Press is a nice touch for a small meeting. See below measure for the right amount of ground coffee.
COOKS NOTE
It takes 1½ to 2 tablespoons of coffee to make a 6 ounce cup of brewed coffee.
Using a percolator is the most common way to make coffee for a larger gathering.
CATERING NOTE
Brew the coffee and decaf in the kitchen area or an area where there is amble electricity.
Transfer from percolator to coffee serving equipment (silver coffee urn, air pots).
Have signage for each type of coffee (coffee, decaf, hot water).
EQUIPMENT TO SET UP A COFFEE STATION FOR 100 GUESTS
A remote site buffet coffee station should have regular coffee, decaf coffee and hot water (for hot chocolate and hot tea).
100 sugar packets 10 lemons cut in 6 wedges then in half
100 sugar substitute packets 3 coffee, decaf and hot water urns
100 individual coffee creamers 100 stir sticks or teaspoons
20 hot chocolate packets 100 coffee cup
20 tea packets regular and herbal 1 small container for trash
OPTIONAL LIQUEURS TO ADD TO THE COFFEE STATION
Ameretto Italian almond liqueur
Bailey Irish Cream Irish whiskey & cream liqueur
Frangelico Hazelnut and vanilla liqueur
Grand Mariner Cognacs and orange liqueur
Kahlua Rum and coffee liqueur