Good coffee on the move is a must, the Aeropress is a popular method of brewing coffee that is loved by many coffee enthusiasts. It is a simple, portable, and versatile brewing device that can make a great cup of coffee in a matter of minutes.
One of the best things about using an Aeropress is that there are many ways to brew coffee using this method.
Kit & Equipment You'll Need
- Coffee beans
- A kettle for heating water
- A stirrer/spoon for mixing the coffee and water
The Inverted Method
The traditional way of brewing with an AeroPress is to place the brewing chamber over the cup, but it's also possible to brew inverted, which requires slightly inserting the plunger into the brewing chamber first.
This allows for a fuller immersion and prevents coffee from prematurely dripping through the filter, which some people say results in a richer brew.
It can be dangerous, though - if the plunger pops out when you flip, you can end up with hot coffee all over the place. It also reduces the capacity of the brewing chamber slightly, so it's not ideal for larger volumes.
To use this method,
- Place a paper filter in the cap and rinse with hot water.
- Add 18 g of ground coffee to the brew chamber.
- Pour 94 g of hot water over the grounds.
- Stir gently 35 times and let sit.
- Fasten the filter cap and push out any excess air.
- Flip the AeroPress onto a cup.
- Slowly press into the cup.
- Add 90 g of 90ºC water to the cup.
The Prismo Method
The Fellow Prismo is a popular add-on for the AeroPress. It's a filter cap replacement that increases the brewing pressure, allowing you to produce something closer to a true espresso.
Since the valve is pressure-activated, it also prevents coffee from dripping before plunging, allowing for a fuller immersion without the dangers of the inverted method.
To use this method,
- Using the inverted method, bring the plunger in line with level 2 on the chamber.
- Place the metal filter in the Prismo cap so that it's ready to screw on.
- Add 18 g of ground coffee to the brew chamber.
- Pour 55 g of hot water over the grounds.
- Stir vigorously to agitate the grounds.
- Press down slightly on the chamber to remove excess air (be careful not to spill).
- Screw the Prismo cap on tightly and let steep.
- Flip the AeroPress and press gently into a cup. Keep pressing all the way through the hissing.
The Cold Brew Method
When the weather gets hot, try these iced coffee recipes to feel cool and refreshed. The most common way is to brew hot coffee directly over ice, but it's also possible to make a quick cold brew using the AeroPress - a finer grind and a lot of stirring will compensate for less extraction time. Whenever you use ice, you'll want to increase the coffee dose for more strength, since some of the ice will melt and dilute your brew.
To use this method,
- Add 15 g of ground coffee to the brew chamber.
- Pour 65 g of room temperature water over the coffee.
- Stir using the paddle.
- Insert the plunger and press into the cup.
- Add ice cubes and dilute with cold water or milk, to taste
The Espresso Method
Some say the AeroPress can't make a true espresso. But it can certainly produce a strong cup that mimics one.
You can either enjoy it straight, or use it as a base for other drinks. For example, add hot water to make an americano, or steamed milk for a cappuccino or latte.
Some like to just heat their milk in the microwave, but you can take it to the next level using a milk frother or stovestop steamer (such as the Bellman).
To use this method,
- Add 16 g of ground coffee to the brew chamber.
- Give a gentle shake to level the grounds.
- Pour water up to the middle of level 1 on the chamber (approximately 60g).
- Stir using the paddle.
- Insert the plunger and press gently, pausing when you meet resistance.
- Stop once the plunger reaches the grounds.
Conclusion
Aeropress is a versatile brewing method that can be used to create a wide range of coffee recipes. Whether you prefer a full-bodied cup of coffee, a strong and flavorful cup, a smooth and refreshing cup of cold brew, or a quick and easy espresso-style coffee, there is an Aeropress recipe out there for you.
Bodhi Bones
