The AeroPress is a coffee lover’s best friend—compact, versatile, and perfect for brewing everything from hot coffee to cold brew, whether you’re at home or on the go. If you’re craving a smooth, low-acidity cold brew but don’t want to wait hours, the AeroPress has you covered.
This guide walks you through two methods to make cold brew with an AeroPress: the traditional overnight method and a quick two-minute recipe for when you need your coffee fix fast. Let’s get brewing!
Why Use an AeroPress for Cold Brew?
Cold brew is known for its sweet, chocolatey flavor and lower acidity compared to hot coffee, making it easier on sensitive stomachs. Unlike traditional methods that take 12-24 hours, the AeroPress can produce cold brew in minutes or overnight, depending on your preference.
Its built-in paper filter delivers a clean cup without sediment, and its portability makes it ideal for travel or camping. Plus, you can experiment with coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, and steeping times to tailor the flavor to your taste.
What You’ll Need
- AeroPress or AeroPress Go
- 20-30g fresh roasted coffee (medium-coarse for overnight, medium-fine for quick method)
- 100-210g room temperature filtered water
- Scale
- Grinder (burr grinder preferred)
- Paper or metal filter
- Mug or pitcher
- Optional: ice, milk, or milk alternative
Method 1: Overnight Cold Brew (12-24 Hours)
This method produces a rich, smooth concentrate that you can dilute to your liking. It’s perfect for planning ahead or experimenting with new beans.
- Weigh and Grind Coffee
Measure 30g of coffee beans. Grind them to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. A coarser grind prevents over-extraction and bitterness during long steeping. - Prepare the AeroPress
Place a paper filter in the AeroPress cap and rinse it with water to remove any paper taste. Attach the cap to the brewing chamber. For less waste, you can use a reusable metal filter, which adds more body to the coffee by allowing oils through. - Set Up Inverted Method
Use the inverted method to prevent dripping: insert the plunger into the chamber, flip it so the plunger is on the bottom, and place the chamber on top. Add the ground coffee to the chamber. - Add Water
Place the AeroPress on a scale and pour 210g of room temperature filtered water. Stir gently for 10 seconds to saturate all grounds. Cover with plastic wrap to keep it sealed. - Steep Overnight
Let the coffee steep for 12-24 hours (16 hours is a good middle ground). Store it in the fridge or at room temperature. - Press
Attach the filter cap, place a mug on top, and flip the AeroPress and mug together so the mug is on the table. Press the plunger slowly (about 30 seconds) until you hear a hiss. - Dilute and Serve
You’ll get a concentrated cold brew. Dilute it with a 1:1 ratio of cold water, milk, or a milk alternative. Serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Method 2: Quick Cold Brew (2 Minutes)
Short on time? This method, popularized by AeroPress creator Alan Adler, delivers a smooth cold brew in just two minutes by using a finer grind and vigorous stirring.
- Weigh and Grind Coffee
Measure 20g of coffee and grind it to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt. - Prepare the AeroPress
Rinse a paper filter (or use a metal one) and attach the cap. Use two filters for extra clarity if desired. - Add Coffee and Water
Add the coffee to the chamber. Pour 100g of room temperature water (up to the #4 line on the AeroPress). Stir briskly for 30-60 seconds to maximize extraction. - Steep and Press
Let it sit for 90 seconds, then press slowly (about 30 seconds) into a glass with ice. - Dilute and Serve
Top off with 150g of cold water or milk. Add cold foam or flavorings for a twist.
| Step | Overnight Method | Quick Method |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee | 30g, medium-coarse | 20g, medium-fine |
| Water | 210g | 100g + 150g to dilute |
| Steep Time | 12-24 hours | 90 seconds |
| Stir Time | 10 seconds | 30-60 seconds |
| Press Time | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Choosing the Right Coffee
Cold brew highlights a coffee’s natural flavors, so pick fresh roasted beans that match your taste. African coffees like Ethiopian or Kenyan offer bright, citrusy, and floral notes, ideal for a refreshing brew. For a heavier, chocolatey profile, try Indonesian beans like Sumatra. Experiment with single-origin coffees to find your favorite, as blends can sometimes mute distinct flavors in cold brew.
Tips for the Best Cold Brew
- Use Fresh Beans: Coffee roasted within the last month ensures maximum flavor.
- Experiment: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 1:5 for stronger, 1:8 for milder) or steeping time to suit your taste.
- Filter Options: Paper filters give a cleaner cup; metal filters add body but may let some sediment through.
- Storage: Store concentrate in the fridge for up to two weeks, but dilute just before serving to preserve freshness.
Final Thoughts
The AeroPress makes cold brew accessible, fast, and fun. Whether you opt for the patient overnight method or the quick two-minute recipe, you can craft a smooth, flavorful coffee tailored to your preferences. Try different beans, ratios, and mixers like almond or oat milk to make it your own. Grab an AeroPress from your local coffee shop or online, and start brewing your perfect cold brew today.