Simple is always best when it comes to our daily coffee routine. Since I have been using my Aeropress every day for the last three years, I have thoroughly enjoyed the taste of the coffee it makes. So, it's always a pleasure to see creative ways of brewing coffee.
Today I tried this recipe I found on YouTube to my pleasant surprise. I actually found the process to be a bit easier by letting the press sit on the cup and pouring in the hot water. This delicious brew can be made in the steps below and the brew time only takes 3 minutes from start to finish, great if you’re in a rush.
The James Hoffman Aeropress Recipe Video
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Top tips from the video
- For lighter roasts, get the water nice and boiling hot
- For darker roasts, drop the temperature down to between 85°C (185°F) and 90°C (195°F)
- No matter what type of kettle you use, make sure you fill it with hot water and soak the grind for a couple minutes.
- It's best to press gently, and evenly, without pressing too hard.
- It should take about 30 seconds to press, totaling about 3 minutes from start to finish.
Flavor not quite right? Try these tips to experiment with in order to get the right flavor. It can either be the size of your grinds or the temperature of your coffee. Here are a couple tips you can play around with:
- If the coffee flavor is bitter: Your grind might be too fine, try a more coarse setting. The water could also be too hot for the type of beans that you’re using.
- If the coffee flavor is sour: Get your water boiling hot and try grinding your beans a bit finer.
James Hoffman method vs regular Aeropress
This is a very clean-tasting, fantastic cup of coffee without being too strong. The preparation feels easier than re-pouring hot water in and then flipping the Aeropress onto the cup (not to mention the risk if the plunger/piston comes off - trust us, we know!).
One word of advice I found with this method was after pouring in the hot water, the steam pressure would cause the plunger have more resistance. You'll have to apply a bit of pressure to get it down to the 1cm mark as mentioned in the steps above.
As soon as the timer is ready (after your 2 minutes and then another 30s), you can quickly press the coffee through the grind to ensure it doesn't get too bitter or sour. I feel it's safe to say we'll be trying this method for a while and hope you enjoy it too.
- Brews 8oz (237ml) of regular coffee per pressing in about a minute
- Can make espresso style shots and cold brew in two minutes
- Materials used are free of BPA and phthalates
- 1-3 servings of espresso style coffee in a minute
- Handy mug and lid
- Total control over brew time
- Easy to use
- Light-weight
- May not be suitable for larger servings of coffee
- Rubber seals will break down over time
- If the plunger falls off it can make a large mess
- Can burn you if you the plunger falls out
The Aeropress Original is a game-changer in the coffee world. This portable and lightweight coffee maker combines the principles of a French press and an espresso machine to give you a versatile brewing experience. With the Aeropress, you can explore a wide range of coffee styles, from rich and bold to smooth and mellow. However, it's essential to be aware of its capacity limitations and the need for paper filters. Don't just take our word for it; let's hear what coffee enthusiasts have to say about their Aeropress experiences.
- Made in the USA
- BPA and phthalate-free
- Makes 10oz (295ml) of regular coffee or 1 to 3 espresso style shots per pressing in about a minute
- Can make cold brew in just two minutes
- Professional-grade coffee right at home
- Goodbye, French press - no more bitterness or grit
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Fast and easy to use
- No temperature control
- Requires paper filters
- If the plunger slips it can make a large mess
- Can burn you if you the plunger slips
How To: Brew Your Aeropress (James Hoffman Method)
Total Time: 4 Minutes
Step 1. Grind 11g of your coffee
Grind 11g of coffee a little finer than medium (if light roast), go a bit more course for dark grind.
Step 2. Add a filter and attach the cap
Put a filter into the cap and attach the cap to the body of the Aeropress.
If you're using a paper filter: We suggest place the paper filter into the cap and add a couple drops of water so that the filter is seated properly in the cap with no creases. If the paper is creased in the middle, stretch it out with your fingers.
Step 3. Place Aeropress on your mug and add your coffee
Set the Aeropress on top of your mug and pour in your fresh coffee grind (without the plunger).
Step 4. Pour in boiling water
Place on the scale (optional), bring water to a boil and pour in 200g, covering the grind evenly.
Step 5. Add plunger and wait 2 minutes
Duration: 2 Minutes
Put the plunger into the Aeropress (about 1cm) and start a timer for 2 minutes.
Step 6. Swirl the brewer and wait 30 more seconds
Duration: 30 Seconds
Gently hold the plunger with the cup then swirl the brewer for a few seconds to loosen any stuck grinds and wait for 30 more seconds.
Step 7. Press and enjoy
Press your coffee gently and slowly! Be careful, it'll be hot (both water and the plastic).
Frequently Asked Questions
What ratio of water to grind should I used in the Aeropress?
Use 11g of coffee, and 200g of boiled water.
My Aeropress coffee has a bitter or sour taste, what can I do?
If the coffee flavor is bitter your grind might be too fine, try a more coarse setting. The water could also be too hot for the type of beans that you’re using. If the coffee flavor is sour then get your water boiling hot and try grinding your beans a bit finer.
Who is James Hoffmann?
James Hoffman is a YouTuber who is also a self-taught filmmaker and shares his love for coffee on his channel. Among the videos he produces are reviews, tips and tricks, historical documentary-style videos, and more.
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