Let’s make the best iced coffee recipe you’ll try this summer (or winter!). This recipe takes its cues from the world of incredible Japanese iced pour over coffees – a cold, crisp twist that'll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about iced coffee.
The Thrill of the Chill: Japanese Flash Brew
Why settle for regular iced coffee when you can have something that’s both a taste sensation and a cool science experiment? Japanese Flash Brew, my friends, is the Optimus Prime of iced coffees - it transforms from hot to cold in an instant, locking in those glorious flavors that often get lost in the cold brew shuffle.
What You'll Need:
● An AeroPress: I use clear because life is better when you can watch the brew.
● Ice: The hero of the day.
● Coffee: Go for something bright and fruity to really shine in this method.
● Stirrer and scoop
● Kettle: Ideally with temperature control for precision.
● Coffee Grinder: Fresh is best. Always.
● Scale: Especially helpful for this recipe.
● Carafe: This is where the magic happens.
● Serving Glass: Because you’ll want something pretty to showcase this masterpiece.
The Magic Formula: 40%/60% Flash Brew
This isn’t just any iced coffee recipe; it's the secret handshake of coffee recipes. The idea is to brew strong, hot coffee directly over ice, shocking it into delicious submission. The ice melts, cooling the coffee instantly, and diluting it to perfection. Not only that, the “flash chilling” is going to lock in those delicate aromatics that can sometimes get lost in a hot brew.
These are the ratios I use are (partially because they’re easy to remember!):
● 16g coffee grounds
● 250g total water
● 40% Ice (100g)
● 60% Hot Water (150ml)
The result? A vibrant, aromatic cup of coffee that retains the delicacies and nuances of your beans. Here’s how we do it, dad style:
Brew Step by Step
Prep Like a Pro: Measure out your ice using the 40%/60% rule. Fill your carafe with 100g ice.
Heat and Grind: Warm up your water to about 201 degrees Fahrenheit. Grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine grind, aiming for a bit finer than you might for a standard AeroPress brew. We're looking for fast extraction and full flavor using less water than normal.
AeroPress Setup: Get your AeroPress ready. Put the filter in the Flow Control Filter Cap and put the cap on your AeroPress. Once assembled, put the brewing chamber on your carafe.
The Brew Begins: Add your coffee grounds to the AeroPress. Pour 150g of hot water up over the grounds, quickly stirring to ensure even saturation. This is where the magic starts - fast and furious extraction for maximum flavor.
The Flash: Wait for 2 minutes and then press your brew over the ice. The hot coffee will hit the ice, cooling instantly, creating a brew that’s both smooth and exhilarating. Once the coffee has fully drained over the ice, give it a gentle stir. The ice should completely melt over a minute or two leaving you with a flash chilled, perfectly balanced and vibrant cup.
Serve and Savor: Add more ice if needed, or simply marvel at the chemistry you’ve just performed. Serve immediately to catch that peak flavor and chill.
The Wrap-Up: Why Flash Brew?
This Japanese Flash Brew method with the AeroPress is like a front-row seat to an alchemy show where you’re both the alchemist and the audience. It delivers a cup that’s not just cold but alive with the nuanced flavors of your chosen beans, all with the convenience and dad-friendly speed you love about the AeroPress.
So, next time the sun’s beating down and you need a pick-me-up that doubles as a cool-down, pull out your AeroPress and give the Japanese Flash Brew a shot. It’s a refreshing twist on iced coffee that’s as fun to make as it is to drink. Plus, it’s a surefire way to impress your friends, family, or that one neighbor who thinks they know everything about coffee (unless you are this neighbor).
Remember, the best part of coffee isn’t just the caffeine kick; it’s the journey to the perfect cup.
Stay cool, stay caffeinated, and keep brewing, my friends.
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