Making great coffee with the AeroPress is a popular method due to its versatility and ability to produce a clean and rich cup of coffee.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a great cup of coffee using the AeroPress:
Ingredients and Tools:
AeroPress coffee maker.
Coarsely ground coffee beans (about 2 tablespoons or 14-16 grams).
Fresh, clean, and hot water (around 200°F or 93°C).
AeroPress filters.
A stirring utensil.
A timer (your phone’s timer will do).
A kettle.
Optional: coffee scale.
Instructions:
Prepare Your AeroPress: Assemble your AeroPress by placing a paper filter into the filter cap.
Preheat your AeroPress and mug by pouring hot water through it, then discard the rinse water.
Measure and Add Coffee: If you’re using a coffee scale, measure out about 14-16 grams of coarsely ground coffee. Place the AeroPress on the scale with the filter cap side down and add the coffee grounds.
Bloom the Coffee: Start your timer and pour a small amount of hot water (about twice the weight of coffee) over the grounds to saturate them. Stir gently to ensure even wetting. Allow it to bloom for about 20-30 seconds.
Complete the Pour: After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining hot water into the AeroPress, filling it to your desired level (usually close to the top). You can experiment with the water-to-coffee ratio for your preferred strength.
Stir: Use the stirring utensil to gently stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10 seconds to ensure even extraction.
Attach the Plunger and Steep: Attach the plunger to the AeroPress but don’t plunge it down yet. Let the coffee steep for about 1 to 2 minutes (adjust based on taste preference).
Press: After the steeping time, firmly but slowly press the plunger down. The entire process should take about 20-30 seconds. Apply even pressure to the plunger until you hear a hissing sound. This sound indicates that you’ve pressed out all the liquid.
Serve: Your coffee is now ready to be served. You can enjoy it black or add hot water to dilute it for an Americano. Customize with sugar, cream, or your preferred coffee condiments.
Clean Up: Eject the coffee puck and the filter by pressing the plunger through. Rinse the AeroPress, plunger, and filter cap for easy cleanup.
The AeroPress is a versatile coffee maker, and you can experiment with different grind sizes, coffee-to-water ratios, and steeping times to achieve the flavor profile you prefer. It’s a great method for making a single cup of coffee quickly and efficiently.
