Making Cold Brew Coffee With An AeroPress

Quick Answer

• Yes, you can use an AeroPress to make cold brew coffee.
• It offers a faster cold brew method than traditional steeping.
• The resulting cold brew is smooth, less acidic, and concentrated.
• You’ll need a medium-fine to medium grind for best results.
• Aim for a 1:8 to 1:10 coffee-to-water ratio for a concentrate.
• Adjust brew time and grind for your desired strength and flavor.

Who This Is For

• Coffee enthusiasts looking for a quicker way to make cold brew.
• AeroPress owners who want to expand their brewing repertoire.
• Individuals who prefer the smooth, low-acid profile of cold brew.

What to Check First

Brewer Type and Filter Type

Your primary tool is the AeroPress. Ensure it’s clean and all parts are present. You’ll be using standard AeroPress paper filters or a reusable metal filter. Paper filters will yield a cleaner cup with fewer fine particles, while metal filters allow more oils and fines to pass through, potentially creating a fuller-bodied brew.

Your primary tool for this cold brew method is the AeroPress coffee maker. If you don’t have one yet, the AeroPress coffee maker is a fantastic and versatile option for making both hot and cold coffee drinks.

AeroPress Original Coffee Press - All-in-One French Press, Pour-Over & Espresso Style Manual Brewer, 2 Min Brew for Less Bitterness, More Flavor, Small Portable Coffee Maker, Travel & Camping

• The Brewer That Started It All – AeroPress Original was the first single cup coffee maker to combine 3 brew methods in one compact, portable device for a faster brew and better extraction giving coffee lovers a smooth, rich cup bursting with coffee bean flavor—without the bitterness or acidity found in other methods.
• A New Standard in Coffee Flavor – Equal parts French press, pour-over, and espresso, AeroPress patented 3 in 1 technology distills the best of all three brewing methods into one sleek, portable device. The result? A rich, full-bodied cup in under two minutes—free of bitterness and grit, and full of delicious coffee bean flavor.
• The Secret to AeroPress Superior Flavor – Air Pressure and micro-filtration work together to speed up extraction for less bitterness than other methods, so you can finally enjoy the full spectrum of coffee bean flavor, from smooth tasting notes to level of roast and country of origin
• Brew and Clean in 2 Minutes – To brew, simply add coffee and water, wait 30 seconds, then press for a clean, well-balanced cup. The AeroPress coffee maker includes 50 paper micro-filters, ensuring smooth, grit-free coffee. To clean, just pop out the grinds and rinse! Fast, easy brewing at home or on the go.
• Brew Like a Pro, Wherever You Go – One of the only coffee makers that offers full control over brew time, temperature and grind size so you can personalize your favorites faster - from classics to cold brew and iced coffee to espresso-style drinks like cappuccino and lattes. Built for travel, AeroPress is compact, lightweight and shatterproof. Fits in your backpack, carry-on or bag, so you can make exceptional coffee on the road, at the office, while camping or wherever your brew takes you.

Buy on Amazon

Water Quality and Temperature

For the best flavor, use filtered water. Tap water can contain minerals or chlorine that negatively affect the taste of your coffee. For cold brew, the water should be cold or at room temperature, typically between 40°F and 70°F. Avoid using hot water, as this defeats the purpose of cold brewing.

Grind Size and Coffee Freshness

A medium-fine to medium grind is generally recommended for AeroPress cold brew. This is finer than what you’d use for a French press but coarser than espresso. Freshly ground coffee beans will always provide the best flavor. Grind your beans just before brewing to preserve their volatile aromatics.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

A common starting point for AeroPress cold brew concentrate is a ratio of 1:8 to 1:10 (coffee to water by weight). For example, using 20 grams of coffee to 160-200 grams (or ml) of water. You can adjust this ratio based on your preference for strength. Remember, this will be a concentrate, which you’ll dilute later.

Cleanliness/Descale Status

A clean AeroPress is crucial for good-tasting coffee. Coffee oils can build up and become rancid, imparting bitter flavors. If you haven’t cleaned your AeroPress recently, wash it with warm, soapy water. If you live in an area with hard water, your AeroPress might need descaling periodically; check the manufacturer’s instructions for this process.

Step-by-Step AeroPress Cold Brew Workflow

1. Assemble the AeroPress: Insert a paper filter into the cap and rinse it with cold water. Screw the cap onto the brew chamber. If using a metal filter, ensure it’s clean and in place.

• What “good” looks like: The filter is securely in place, and the cap is firmly attached to the chamber.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to rinse the paper filter, which can leave a papery taste. Avoid this by always rinsing it.

2. Place AeroPress on carafe/mug: Position the AeroPress chamber directly over your brewing vessel, such as a sturdy mug or a small carafe.

• What “good” looks like: The AeroPress is stable and centered over the opening of your container.
• Common mistake: Placing it on an unstable or too-small container, risking a spill. Ensure your vessel is wide and steady.

3. Add ground coffee: Add your medium-fine to medium ground coffee into the AeroPress chamber. For a starting point, try 20 grams of coffee.

• What “good” looks like: The coffee grounds are evenly distributed within the chamber.
• Common mistake: Uneven distribution can lead to channeling. Gently shake the AeroPress to level the grounds.

4. Add cold water: Slowly pour cold or room temperature water over the grounds. For 20 grams of coffee, start with 160-200 grams (or ml) of water. Ensure all grounds are saturated.

• What “good” looks like: All coffee grounds are wet, and a bloom may appear briefly.
• Common mistake: Pouring water too quickly, which can agitate the grounds unevenly. Pour slowly and steadily.

5. Stir (optional but recommended): Gently stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10-20 seconds to ensure all grounds are fully immersed and to break up any clumps.

• What “good” looks like: A uniform slurry of coffee and water with no dry pockets.
• Common mistake: Over-stirring, which can lead to over-extraction and bitterness. A few gentle stirs are sufficient.

6. Insert the plunger: Carefully insert the plunger into the top of the AeroPress chamber. This creates a seal and prevents water from dripping through prematurely.

• What “good” looks like: The plunger slides in easily and creates a seal without forcing.
• Common mistake: Forcing the plunger, which can cause grounds to bypass the seal or damage the unit. Insert it gently.

7. Steep: Let the coffee steep. For AeroPress cold brew, this typically ranges from 1 to 4 hours, depending on your desired strength and flavor profile. Longer steeping times will result in a stronger, more concentrated brew.

• What “good” looks like: The mixture is left undisturbed to extract flavor.
• Common mistake: Steeping for too short a time (weak coffee) or too long (potential bitterness). Experiment to find your sweet spot.

8. Press the plunger: After the steeping time, slowly and steadily press the plunger down. This forces the brewed coffee through the filter.

• What “good” looks like: A smooth, consistent press that takes about 20-30 seconds.
• Common mistake: Pressing too fast, which can result in a weaker brew or allow fines to pass through. Apply gentle, even pressure.

9. Remove AeroPress: Once the plunger reaches the bottom, carefully remove the AeroPress from your carafe or mug.

• What “good” looks like: The AeroPress is detached cleanly, leaving brewed coffee behind.
• Common mistake: Leaving the AeroPress on the vessel for too long after pressing, which can lead to over-extraction of any remaining liquid.

10. Dilute and serve: The liquid in your carafe is a cold brew concentrate. Dilute it with cold water, milk, or ice to your preferred strength. A 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water or milk is a good starting point.

• What “good” looks like: A delicious, smooth beverage at your desired strength and temperature.
• Common mistake: Drinking the concentrate undiluted, which will be too strong and bitter. Always dilute to taste.

11. Clean up: Eject the coffee puck by unscrewing the filter cap over a trash bin. Rinse all AeroPress parts with water.

• What “good” looks like: A clean AeroPress, ready for its next use.
• Common mistake: Not cleaning immediately, allowing coffee oils to dry and become harder to remove. Clean promptly for longevity and flavor.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Decision Rules for AeroPress Cold Brew

• If your cold brew tastes weak and watery, then try a finer grind or a longer steep time because the coffee isn’t extracting enough flavor.
• If your cold brew tastes bitter or astringent, then try a coarser grind, a shorter steep time, or ensure you’re not over-pressing because the coffee is extracting too much.
• If you want a cleaner cup with fewer fine particles, then use a paper filter because it filters out more of the coffee solids.
• If you prefer a fuller-bodied cup with more oils, then use a metal filter because it allows more of these elements to pass through.
• If you find your AeroPress hard to press, then your grind is likely too fine or the filter is clogged, so try a coarser grind or check the filter.
• If you’re getting sediment in your cup, then your grind might be too fine, or you’re pressing too quickly, allowing fines to sneak past the filter.
• If you want to make a larger batch, then consider using the “inverted method” with your AeroPress for more control over steeping time, but be mindful of stability.
• If your concentrate tastes too strong even after dilution, then use less coffee or more water in your initial brew, or dilute more aggressively.
• If your concentrate tastes too weak even after a long steep, then try a slightly finer grind or a longer steep time, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
• If you want to experiment with different flavor profiles, then adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steep time, as these are the primary levers for cold brew strength.
• If you notice off-flavors, then check your water quality and ensure your AeroPress is thoroughly clean.

FAQ

Can I really make cold brew with an AeroPress?

Yes, absolutely. The AeroPress is a versatile brewer that can be adapted for cold brew. It offers a faster brewing time compared to traditional methods that require 12-24 hours of steeping.

How long should I steep the coffee in the AeroPress?

For AeroPress cold brew, a typical steeping time ranges from 1 to 4 hours. Shorter times will yield a less intense concentrate, while longer times will result in a stronger, more concentrated brew. Experiment to find your preference.

What kind of grind should I use for AeroPress cold brew?

A medium-fine to medium grind is generally recommended. It’s finer than a French press grind but coarser than an espresso grind. This size helps balance extraction for cold brewing with the AeroPress’s filtering capabilities.

Do I need to dilute the coffee I make?

Yes, the liquid you press out of the AeroPress for cold brew is a concentrate. It’s very strong and needs to be diluted with cold water, milk, or poured over ice to be drinkable. A 1:1 ratio of concentrate to diluent is a good starting point.

Will my cold brew be acidic if I use an AeroPress?

One of the primary benefits of cold brew is its low acidity. The AeroPress cold brew method retains this characteristic, resulting in a smoother, less bitter, and less acidic coffee compared to hot brewed coffee.

How does AeroPress cold brew compare to traditional cold brew?

AeroPress cold brew is a faster method, typically taking a few hours instead of a full day. The flavor profile is similar – smooth and low-acid – but the extraction can be slightly different due to the pressure involved in pressing.

Can I use a metal filter with my AeroPress for cold brew?

Yes, you can use a metal filter. This will allow more of the coffee’s natural oils and fine particles to pass through, potentially resulting in a fuller-bodied brew. Be aware that it might also lead to a slightly less “clean” cup compared to paper filters.

What if my AeroPress is hard to press for cold brew?

If you’re experiencing difficulty pressing the plunger, your coffee grind is likely too fine, or the filter is clogged. Try using a slightly coarser grind, ensure your paper filter is rinsed well, or clean your metal filter if you’re using one.

What This Page Does Not Cover (and Where to Go Next)

• Specific temperature recommendations for water beyond “cold” or “room temperature” (e.g., precise Fahrenheit ranges for advanced control).
• Detailed comparisons of different AeroPress filter types (paper vs. metal vs. other reusable options) and their impact on flavor.
• Advanced AeroPress techniques like the “inverted method” for cold brew, which can offer more control but requires careful execution.

Next steps could include exploring different coffee bean origins and roast levels for cold brew, experimenting with various dilution ratios for your concentrate, or learning about the science behind cold brewing extraction.