I recently got a new coffeemaker and I’ve been using it with varying degrees of success. I finally nailed down a recipe I like, and then Alexander had to go all “YEAH ICED!” on me. Dangit.
So he linked me to a recipe for iced Aeropress from Brew Methods and I was off and running. I thought I would just follow it, but I didn’t like this, or that, or the other thing, so since I basically changed every step along the way I figured I’d publish an alternative recipe for those interested. Here it is:
First, set the Aeropress upside down on the counter, with the plunger just barely pressed down. I’d do it right side up but this way is easier and doesn’t slowly drip while you’re stirring:
Add water to your water heating mechanism:
Now add a bit more coffee than you’re used to. I’m like a scoop and change, so this is like two and a half:
Power up the water heating mechanism (if I turn it on when I fill it I don’t have time to do the rest before the water’s ready).
Now, we wait.
Then wait more.
Have an idea about what else could kill the time.
YEAH TOAST!
And here we are at the magical 180. I might do 185 for hot, but for iced 180 is fab. Anything above 185 seems to be more bitter than I prefer.
Stir enthusiastically for 30 seconds. After that, stir for a couple seconds every few seconds, for like a minute. Comes out to be 90 seconds or so altogether:
Well doesn’t THAT look good?
Flip and commence pressing into a cup which already holds some ice cubes. For me, it’s “some” and then halfway through pressing, I add “some more”. It’s a precise measurement.
Having pressed, add water. I’m lucky in that I could use either the sink or the fridge, but the fridge is colder so I generally use that.
Not pictured: Bonus step where I add a whitening agent, sometimes Vanilla CoffeeMate, sometimes soy milk, sometimes half and half. And there it is, in my giant cup: The Iced Coffee That Ate Cincinnatti.
Here’s the recipe in condensed form for copy and paste purposes:
– Set the Aeropress upside down on the counter, with the plunger just barely pressed down.
– Add water to your water heating mechanism.
– Add ground coffee to the Aeropress, more than you’re used to putting in for a cup of hot coffee.
– Power up the water heating mechanism (if I turn it on when I fill it I don’t have time to do the rest before the water’s ready).
– Commence waiting.
– While waiting, toss some ice cubes into the cup where you’re putting the coffee.
– Wait till 180 degrees, then add water to the Aeropress, nearly to the top. (Not all the way to the top, you have to stir enthusiastically!)
– Stir enthusiastically for 30 seconds. After that, stir for a couple seconds every few seconds, for about a minute and a half total.
– Add the filter, flip, and commence pressing into a cup which already holds some ice cubes. For me, it’s “some” and then halfway through pressing, I add “some more”. It’s a precise measurement. I also pause a couple times and give the cup some swishing because (even though it’s likely bogus) I feel like if I cool the coffee in the cup, it will help the rest of the coffee cool off faster. I might need a Mythbuster.
– Having pressed, add cold water.
– Bonus step: Add a whitening agent of your choosing.
All of these items are up for debate, change as necessary. But if you find a tasty alternative, please let me know.
