Cold brew coffee is a refreshing, smooth, and less acidic coffee option that’s become increasingly popular. While traditional cold brew takes time and patience, the Aeropress is a fantastic tool that allows you to create cold brew in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll walk through how to make cold brew coffee using an Aeropress, highlighting the benefits of this method, what equipment you’ll need, and how to perfect your brew.
What Is Cold Brew with Aeropress?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period (usually 12 to 24 hours). This method extracts coffee flavors more slowly and results in a smooth, rich, and less acidic coffee concentrate.
However, not everyone has the luxury of time to wait for the brewing process to finish. This is where the Aeropress comes in. Known for its versatility, the Aeropress can be used for both hot and cold brews, and when adapted for cold brew, it offers a much quicker brewing time compared to traditional methods.
Benefits of Using an Aeropress for Cold Brew
Shorter Brewing Time: Traditional cold brew can take up to 24 hours to brew, but with an Aeropress, you can have cold brew coffee in about 10 minutes, making it ideal for those who are short on time but still want a delicious cold brew.
Compact Setup: Unlike large cold brew systems or jars, the Aeropress is compact and portable, making it a great choice for those with limited space or those who want to enjoy cold brew on the go.
Consistent Results: The Aeropress offers a more controlled and consistent brewing process, ensuring that you get a smooth and flavorful cup of cold brew each time.
Equipment and Ingredients Needed
Before you start brewing, it’s essential to have the right tools and ingredients at hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Equipment
Aeropress: This is the main piece of equipment you’ll be using. It’s best to use an Aeropress with the standard filter cap, which helps keep the coffee grounds contained.
Coffee Grinder: A burr grinder is recommended for consistent grind size, which is important for optimal extraction.
Coffee Scale: A scale ensures precise measurements of coffee and water, allowing you to experiment with ratios and adjust to your preferred strength.
Stirring Tool: A spoon or a paddle stirrer will help ensure the coffee grounds and water are fully mixed.
Filtered Water: Using clean, filtered water ensures that no unwanted flavors from tap water influence the taste of your cold brew.
Ice: If you prefer your cold brew chilled immediately, ice will help bring down the temperature and dilute the concentrate to your desired strength.
Ingredients
Coffee Beans: For cold brew, it’s best to use a medium to dark roast, as these tend to have smoother and more robust flavors. Freshly ground beans are ideal for the best taste.
Water: Cold or room temperature water works best for this method. Using hot water will not create the same smooth, low-acid profile that cold water does.
Coffee Grind Size and Type of Beans
Grind Size: For cold brew with the Aeropress, you’ll want a coarser grind, similar to sea salt. A finer grind can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste.
Type of Beans: While you can use any coffee beans, medium to dark roasts work particularly well for cold brew because they extract more smoothly and have a mellow, sweet flavor when brewed cold. You can experiment with single-origin beans or blends to find the flavor profile you like best.
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
Once you have all your equipment and ingredients ready, it’s time to start brewing. Follow these steps for a simple, yet effective cold brew with your Aeropress.
1. Set Up Your Aeropress
The most common method for making cold brew with an Aeropress is the inverted method. In this setup, the Aeropress is placed upside down, which prevents coffee from dripping out while the brewing process is underway.
- Place the Aeropress plunger on your countertop, with the wide end facing up.
- Insert the filter into the filter cap and set it aside.
- You can optionally pre-wet the filter with a little hot water to remove any paper taste.
2. Measure Your Coffee and Water
To create a strong and flavorful cold brew concentrate, you’ll need to find the right ratio of coffee to water. A common starting point for cold brew is a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. Here’s how you can do it:
Coffee: Use 30g of coarsely ground coffee for a strong brew. You can adjust this based on your preference for strength.
Water: Add 450g of cold or room-temperature water.
Use your coffee scale to measure the coffee and water accurately.
3. Add Coffee to the Aeropress
Carefully pour the ground coffee into the Aeropress chamber. Make sure the grounds are evenly distributed at the bottom.
4. Pour Water and Stir
Now it’s time to add the water:
- Pour the measured water into the Aeropress, saturating all the coffee grounds evenly.
- Use a stirring tool to mix the grounds and water thoroughly. Stir gently for about 10 seconds to ensure that the coffee grounds are fully immersed.
5. Steep the Coffee
Let the coffee steep for around 5 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time based on your taste preferences. A longer steep will result in a stronger, richer flavor, while a shorter steep may lead to a lighter brew.
Tip: If you prefer a slightly quicker brew, you can add ice to the Aeropress to speed up the extraction process and lower the temperature.
6. Press the Coffee
Once your steep time is complete, it’s time to press the coffee:
- Place the filter cap onto the Aeropress, ensuring it’s secure.
- Carefully flip the Aeropress onto your mug or carafe, then gently press down on the plunger. The pressing should take around 30 seconds. Don’t rush the process, as pressing too quickly can lead to a bitter taste.
7. Enjoy Your Cold Brew
Once pressed, you can enjoy your cold brew immediately or store it in the fridge for later. If you prefer to serve it cold right away, pour it over ice. You can dilute it with water or milk for a smoother, less intense taste.
Filtering and Serving
After pressing the coffee through the Aeropress filter, you’re left with a smooth and concentrated cold brew coffee. Here are a few ways to serve and enjoy it:
Over Ice: Pour your cold brew over ice to cool it down instantly. It will still be strong, but the ice will dilute it slightly.
With Milk or Cream: Add your favorite milk (dairy or plant-based) to smooth out the flavor.
Diluted with Water: If the brew is too strong, you can dilute it with cold water to your preferred strength.
Comparison to Traditional Cold Brew
When comparing cold brew made with an Aeropress to the traditional slow-steep method, there are a few key differences:
Brew Time: Traditional cold brew takes 12-24 hours to steep, whereas Aeropress cold brew takes around 10 minutes.
Taste: Traditional cold brew often has a smoother, mellower flavor due to the long extraction time. Aeropress cold brew may be a bit more intense but still offers a smooth, low-acid profile.
Convenience: The Aeropress method is much faster and more convenient, perfect for those who don’t want to wait hours for their cold brew.
Pros of Using the Aeropress for Cold Brew
- Fast brewing time (10 minutes).
- More control over strength and flavor.
- Compact and easy to clean.
Cons
- It can make a smaller batch at a time compared to traditional cold brew methods.
- Some coffee enthusiasts might prefer the depth of flavor from longer steeping times.
Tips for Perfecting the Process
Making cold brew with an Aeropress is all about finding the right balance. Here are some tips to get the perfect cup:
Experiment with Grind Size: If your coffee tastes too bitter or too weak, adjust the grind size. A coarser grind will produce a smoother brew.
Adjust Steep Time: If you want a lighter brew, reduce the steeping time to around 3 minutes. For a stronger brew, extend the steeping time.
Water-to-Coffee Ratio: Play with the coffee-to-water ratio until you find your perfect strength. You can use a 1:15 ratio for a balanced brew, or go stronger with a 1:12 ratio.
Avoid Over-Extraction: If you leave the coffee to steep too long or press too forcefully, you may end up with bitter flavors. Make sure to press gently and avoid steeping for more than 6-8 minutes.
Storage and Serving Ideas
Cold brew made with the Aeropress can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, try using them for creative recipes, such as:
Iced Lattes: Combine cold brew with milk and ice for a refreshing iced latte.
Coffee Cocktails: Use your cold brew as a base for coffee-based cocktails like an Espresso Martini.
Overnight Oats: Use cold brew as the liquid in your overnight oats for a flavorful twist.
Conclusion
Making cold brew with an Aeropress is a fast, efficient, and delicious way to enjoy this smooth coffee without the long wait. With the right equipment, grind size, and steep time, you can customize your cold brew to match your flavor preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it over ice, with milk, or experimenting with new recipes, the Aeropress is a fantastic tool for brewing cold brew coffee in no time.
Related topics:
- How to Make Cold Brew French Press Coffee
- Cold Brew VS Regular Coffee：Which Tastes Better？
- How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
