How to Use Alterra Coffee Packets Without a Coffee Machine? 5 Ways That Work
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Alterra coffee packets are popular among people living alone who want a decent cup of coffee but can’t be bothered with cleaning up afterward. These packets are intended for single-serve coffee using only a Flavia coffee machine. If you don’t have a Flavia coffee machine and wonder what to do with all that extra Alterra goodness, don’t worry because we have got the solution.
You can use Alterra coffee packets without a coffee machine by using either a saucepan, a French press, or even by using a maon jar and a handkerchief. The contents of Alterra coffee packets are just ground coffee, so you can use different tools to brew some Alterra coffee easily without a machine.
What are Alterra Coffee Packets?
Alterra coffee packets are fresh ground coffee packets made for a Flavia coffee machine. Before we tell you how you can use these packets without a machine, let’s talk about these packets and what makes them so unique.
When you make coffee using regular ground coffee, you will need to clean up afterward. When we pour ground coffee into the machine, we are bound to have spills here and there, especially in the mornings when we’re in a rush.
According to the survey by The American Cleaning Institute, Americans spend approximately six hours a week cleaning. Luckily, you can save up on cleaning time using these packets. You insert them into the Flavia machine, and coffee is brewed within the packet and poured into your cup. Since the machine and the packet’s contents do not come into contact, no coffee is spilled.
How To Use Alterra Coffee Packets Without A Machine?
Following are a few ways to use Alterra Coffee Packets without a machine.
| Different Methods To Use Alterra Packet Without A Machine | |
| Method | Requirements |
| Using A Saucepan | Saucepan/kettle Water Mug Stove |
| Using A French Press | A French press Hot water A mug |
| Using A Faux French Press | Hot Water A spoon A bowl |
| The Turkish Way | A mug A saucepan Stove A spoon |
| Using a Handkerchief | A handkerchief A mason jar/bowl |
The Stove Method Recipe for Using Alterra Coffee Packets
Using a stove is super convenient for those that don’t have a power supply. All you need is a cooking range. Coffee made in this way can sometimes be called ‘cowboy coffee‘ because native American travelers made coffee like this using a fire.
Requirements
- One Alterra coffee packet.
- 6 ounces of water.
- Sugar (as per preference).
- 1 Tablespoon creamer of your choice.
- A saucepan.
- Gas range/fire.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Using Alterra Coffee Packets with a Stove Top
Step 1
Pour the water into a saucepan and put it on medium-high heat.
Step 2
Take the Alterra coffee from its packaging and pour it into the saucepan. Add sugar to the saucepan. Stir this mixture for about 20 seconds and then let it boil.
Step 3
After the mixture has boiled, keep stirring it for about 30 seconds. Let it boil for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the mixture from heat and sit for 2-3 minutes. Now pour the coffee into a cup. Use a strainer to remove excess grounds. Add the creamer into your cup. You can increase the amount of creamer if you want a lighter coffee.
The French Press Recipe for Making Coffee Using Alterra Packets
Like a coffee machine uses pressure to brew coffee, the French press also uses pressure. The only distinction is that you’ll have to do it manually on a French press! Hence, you can use a French press instead of a coffee machine to make coffee using Alterra packets.
A French press is very affordable and is an excellent choice for those who want rich coffee but don’t have a coffee machine.
Requirements
- One Alterra coffee packet.
- 6 ounces of water.
- One tablespoon of sugar.
- One tablespoon creamer.
- A French press.
- Saucepan.
Instructions
Step 1
In a saucepan, boil the water. Meanwhile, hold the handle of the French press firmly and take out the plunger part.
Step 2
Pour the contents of the Alterra packet into the French press. Now pour the boiled water into the French press pot as well. Slowly stir the coffee and water for a minute.
Step 3
Now put the plunger into the French press pot but do not start plunging. Let the coffee sit in the plunger for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4
Start exerting pressure by pressing the plunger down slowly. Remember to be very slow in this process because fast plunging can cause the water to come out of the pot. Keep plunging the mixture for a minute or two and then stop.
Step 5
Take the plunger out and pour the coffee into a mug. Add your creamer and sugar. Your coffee is now ready!
The Turkish Recipe Method to Use Alterra Packets Without Machine
If you like foam and froth in your coffee, then you will surely love Turkish coffee. In this section, we will teach how to make Turkish coffee using Alterra packets without a coffee machine.
This method is similar to the stove or cowboy method, but the result is thicker and frothier. Turkish coffee is also much stronger than ones made in other countries, but you can add coffee as per your preference to make it lighter. If you want the authentic Turkish coffee taste, then skip the strainer (as mentioned in the recipe) and drink the coffee with the grinds still in your cup.
Requirements
- 1 Alterra coffee packet.
- One tablespoon of coffee.
- One tablespoon of sugar.
- 6 ounces of water.
- Small saucepan.
Instructions
Step 1
Pour the water into a small saucepan and place it on low heat. Add the Alterra coffee packet into the saucepan. Add sugar in this step. When the water is near boiling, remove it from the saucepan.
Step 2
Remove the froth/foam accumulated on top with a spoon and put it into your mug. Put the saucepan back on the stove and let it boil again. When it is just about to boil, remove it from the heat again.
Step 3
Pour half of it into the coffee cup containing froth. Now put the remaining coffee in the saucepan back on the stove and let it boil for another 30 seconds.
Step 4
Remove it from heat again and pour it all into your coffee cup. Let your coffee cup sit for a minute or two, and then enjoy your drink!
Why Should You Wait For A Few Minutes Before Drinking Turkish Coffee?
When you make Turkish coffee using Alterra packets, you do not use a strainer, so the ground coffee remains in your coffee. You should wait a few minutes so that the grounds sink to the bottom of the cup. This way, when you take a sip, you will not get a mouthful of coffee grounds but will get just enough to grasp that Turkish coffee flavor.
However, if you prefer coffee without grounds, then use a strainer to remove them.
The D.I.Y French Press Method to Use Alterra Packets Without a Coffee Machine
You can even make a D.I.Y French press and put your Alterra coffee packets to good use. Even though making a faux French press will take more time than using a real one, it is still an excellent last-minute way to make coffee without a machine.
Requirements
- One Alterra coffee packet.
- 6 ounces of water.
- One tablespoon of sugar.
- One tablespoon creamer.
- A tablespoon.
- A bowl.
Instructions
Step 1
Boil the water in a saucepan or kettle. Pour the contents of your Alterra packet into the boil. Pour two tablespoons of the boiled water on top of the coffee.
Step 2
Press the coffee and water together using the spoon to saturate it. Now add the remaining water into the bowl as well. The coffee grounds will sink to the bottom of the bowl.
Step 3
Press the coffee in the bowl again. Continue pressing it for 2-3 minutes. Pour this brewed coffee into a mug now. Add the sugar and creamer.
Using a Handkerchief And A Mason Jar To Make Coffee Using Alterra Packets
You can even use your handkerchief and a Mason Jar to make coffee using Alterra coffee packets. You can also use cotton or any other thin cloth instead of a handkerchief.
Requirements
- One Alterra coffee packet.
- 12 ounces of water.
- One tablespoon creamer.
- One tablespoon of sugar.
- A mason jar.
- 1-2 clips or safety pins.
Instructions
Step 1
Spread the handkerchief on the opening of the jar. Ensure the cloth is large enough for the ends to stay outside the jar and not dip into it.
Step 2
Pour the coffee from the Alterra packet on the handkerchief. Also, pour a little water on it. Now, pour the remaining water into the jar.
Step 3
Take the ends of the handkerchief and hold them together to make a pouch-like shape. Dip this pouch into the water a few times and then take it out of the jar. Add sugar and the creamer. An amazing coffee made from Alterra coffee packets will be ready to drink in just 3 simple steps!
General Precautions For Using Alterra Coffee Packets Without A Machine
- Do not splash the spoon into the bowl when using the D.I.Y French press method. You can perform this method only by using hot water, and splashing it can cause burns. Remember to press the spoon slowly and gently.
- Do not hold the metallic part of your saucepan directly. Hold it by the wooden handle. If there is no wooden or plastic handle, handle it using a cloth to avoid burns.
- If you are using a kettle for boiling water, make sure none of the cables is damaged before plugging it in.
- Make sure the cables of your kettle do not come in contact with water.
Suggested Reading: The Battle of the Beans: Comparing the Most Widespread Types of Coffee
Conclusion
You don’t need a machine to make yummy Alterra coffee. Just follow our simple methods and brew some delicious coffee! All the above techniques require very minimal effort and are affordable too. Even if you do not want to buy a French press, we have given you alternatives. Happy brewing!
