When it comes to making hop water, the amount of hops you use can greatly affect the flavor and aroma. Since hop water is a non-alcoholic beverage, you want to be careful not to use too much hops as it can result in an overpowering bitterness.
For a larger batch of hop water, I would recommend using around 0.14 ounces (14 grams) of hops. This amount should be sufficient to infuse the water with a subtle hop flavor without overwhelming it with bitterness.
To make hop water, start by boiling 1.5 to 2 gallons of water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add the desired amount of hops. It's important to note that you only want to steep the hops in the hot water, not boil them. Boiling the hops can extract more of the bitter components, which might be too much for a water-based non-alcoholic drink.
Allow the hops to steep in the hot water for about 10-15 minutes. This will give the water enough time to absorb the hop flavors and aromas. After steeping, strain out the hops using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
If you prefer a stronger hop flavor, you can increase the amount of hops slightly. However, I would recommend starting with the suggested amount and adjusting to your taste preferences from there. It's always easier to add more hops if needed, but it's difficult to remove bitterness if you've used too much.
Experimentation is key when making hop water, as everyone's taste preferences are different. You may find that you prefer a lighter hop flavor, or perhaps you enjoy a more pronounced bitterness. Don't be afraid to play around with different hop varieties and amounts to find the perfect balance for your hop water.
I hope this helps guide you in making your hop water! Cheers to exploring new flavors and enjoying the refreshing taste of hops in a non-alcoholic beverage.