This Keurig Hack Will Let You Brew Any Cup You Please

Since the launch of their 2.0 line last year, Keurig has been keeping renegades in check with a sneaky bit of DRM (Digital Rights Management) tech. The latest machines all feature sensors which scan for a special ink only present in authorized, "real" K-Cups -- and they will only brew the coffee if it passes this inspection. But the owners of Gourmet-Coffee.com have gamed the system with a new "Freedom Clip" that tricks the scanner into brewing any outlaw beans you choose.

As shown in this Gourmet-Coffee.com infographic, the Freedom Clip fits inside your machine. Once it's snapped in place, it'll con the scanner into reading any pod you place as an "authorized" brew, and proceed to make it for you. The Gourmet-Coffee.com folks are so hell-bent on everyone getting their third-party cups that they're even offering the Freedom Clip for free. All you need to do is subscribe to their mailing list to get one -- though if you're in Alaska or Hawaii, you're out of luck, ace. At least you have that royal palace?

Kristin Hunt is a Food/Drink staff writer for Thrillist, and hopes everyone drinks their pirate brews in special Blackbeard-themed mugs. Follow her at @kristin_hunt.