Better than cold brew: How to make iced filter coffee

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore how to make iced filter coffee, a method recommended by James Hoffmann as a delicious alternative to traditional cold brew. This step-by-step guide will help you brew a refreshing iced coffee that highlights the flavors of your coffee beans, ensuring a delightful experience on hot days.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

To get started, you'll need a few essential items:

• Fresh coffee beans: Choose a medium to light roast for the best flavor.
• Coffee grinder: A burr grinder is preferred for consistent grind size.
• Water: Use filtered water for the best taste.
• Coffee maker: A pour-over setup or any filter coffee method will work.
• Ice: Prepare a large amount of ice cubes.

Practical Tips

• The coffee-to-water ratio should be about 1:15 (1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water).
• Adjust the grind size to a medium-coarse for optimal extraction.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee

• Measure the desired amount of coffee beans based on the coffee-to-water ratio.
• Grind the beans to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.

Common Pitfall

• Avoid grinding too fine, as this can lead to over-extraction and bitterness.

Step 3: Brew the Coffee

• Heat water to around 92-96°C (198-205°F).
• Begin brewing using your chosen coffee maker.

Brewing Process

1. Place the ground coffee in the filter.
2. Slowly pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion, ensuring even saturation.
3. Allow the coffee to drip through completely.

Practical Advice

• Aim for a brew time of about 3-4 minutes for optimal flavor extraction.

Step 4: Chill the Coffee

• Once brewed, let the coffee cool to room temperature.
• Pour the cooled coffee over a glass filled with ice cubes.

Additional Tip

• For an extra-chilled experience, consider freezing some of the brewed coffee in ice cube trays to prevent dilution.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Optionally, add milk, cream, or sweeteners to taste.
• Stir well and enjoy your iced filter coffee.

Conclusion

Making iced filter coffee is a simple yet rewarding process that enhances the natural flavors of your coffee. With the right ingredients and technique, you can create a refreshing beverage perfect for warm days. Consider experimenting with different coffee beans and ratios to find your ideal brew. Enjoy your iced coffee adventure!