There's something pretty satisfying about making a great coffee wherever you are.
For our head roaster Karim, that sometimes means pulling up at the beach after a surf, putting the kettle on and brewing a fresh cup from the back of the car.
No fancy setup needed. Just freshly ground coffee, hot water and an AeroPress.
For this brew, Karim's using our seasonal Golden Days Summer Blend. With notes of caramel, milk chocolate and peach, it's a great choice for an easy-drinking coffee.
He's also using the inverted AeroPress method, a popular brewing technique that gives you more control over the steeping time before plunging.
Here's how he makes it.
Karim's inverted AeroPress recipe
| What you'll need | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 18g |
| Water | 220g |
| Grind size | Medium-fine |
| Water temperature | 90–95°C |
| Brew time | 2 minutes 30 seconds |
| Plunge time | 30 seconds |
| Total brew time | Approximately 3 minutes |
What you'll need
- Golden Days Blend
- AeroPress Clear Coffee Maker
- 18g freshly roasted coffee beans
- VSSL Java G25 Hand Coffee Grinder
- AeroPress paper filter
- Kettle and hot water
- Coffee scales and timer
-
Pargo insulated mug
Step 1: Grind your coffee
Start by weighing out 18g of freshly roasted coffee beans.
For AeroPress, we recommend a medium-fine grind size. Think slightly finer than pour-over coffee, but not as fine as espresso.
Karim's using the VSSL Java G25 Hand Coffee Grinder. It's compact, easy to pack and handy when you're brewing away from home.
Grinding your beans just before brewing helps preserve their aroma and flavour
Step 2: Prepare your AeroPress
Start by inserting the plunger a short distance into the AeroPress brewing chamber.
Carefully turn the AeroPress upside down so the plunger is resting on a flat, stable surface, with the open end of the chamber facing upwards.
Next, place a paper filter inside the filter cap and rinse it with hot water.
This helps remove any potential papery taste and allows the filter to sit neatly inside the cap.
Set the filter cap aside for now.
Step 3: Add your coffee and hot water
Add your 18g of freshly ground coffee into the inverted AeroPress chamber.
Heat your water to approximately 90–95°C.
Slowly pour in 220g of hot water, making sure all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated.
Give the coffee a gentle stir to break up any dry pockets and ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Start your timer as you begin pouring.
Step 4: Let it brew
Allow the coffee to steep until your timer reaches 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
One of the benefits of the inverted AeroPress method is that the coffee stays in contact with the water throughout the brewing process, rather than dripping through the filter before you're ready.
There's no need to overcomplicate things. Just let it sit and do its thing.
Step 5: Flip and plunge
Once your brew reaches 2 minutes and 30 seconds, securely attach the rinsed filter cap.
Place a sturdy mug upside down over the filter cap.
Holding the AeroPress and mug firmly together, carefully flip them over so the mug is resting on a stable surface.
Be mindful of the hot water during this step.
Slowly press the plunger down, aiming for a 30-second plunge.
You shouldn't need to force it. A gentle, consistent press is all you're after.
Step 6: Enjoy your coffee
That's it. Fresh AeroPress coffee in around three minutes.
Karim's enjoying his from a PARGO insulated cup, looking out over the ocean. Not a bad way to start the day.
The AeroPress is a great option if you enjoy a smooth, flavourful coffee without needing an espresso machine.
It's lightweight, easy to clean and versatile enough to take just about anywhere.
A few tips for making better AeroPress coffee
Use freshly ground coffee. Grinding just before brewing can make a noticeable difference to the flavour in your cup.
Get your grind size right. If your coffee tastes bitter or harsh, try grinding slightly coarser. If it's tasting weak or sour, try going a little finer.
Watch your water temperature. Starting around 90–95°C works well for many coffees. Experiment with slightly different temperatures to see what you prefer.
Take care when flipping. The inverted method involves turning the AeroPress over while it's filled with hot water. Make sure the filter cap is secure and keep a firm grip on both the brewer and your mug.
Don't rush the plunge. A slow, steady 30-second press is a good starting point.
And remember, there's no single perfect AeroPress recipe. Use this one as a guide and adjust it to suit how you like your coffee.
What coffee works best with an AeroPress?
One of the best things about the AeroPress is its versatility.
You can brew everything from smooth, chocolatey blends to bright, fruit-forward single origins.
For this recipe, Karim's chosen our Golden Days Summer Blend, made with coffees from Ethiopia, Brazil and Costa Rica.
It's a medium roast with tasting notes of caramel, milk chocolate and peach. A nice balance of sweetness and fruitiness, whether you're brewing at home or heading out for the day.
Of course, you can use the same method with plenty of other coffees too.
Explore our range of freshly roasted coffee beans and find something that suits your taste.
AeroPress coffee FAQs
What is the inverted AeroPress method?
The inverted AeroPress method involves brewing with the AeroPress upside down. This allows the coffee and water to steep together before you attach the filter cap, carefully flip the brewer and press the coffee into your cup.
Is inverted AeroPress better than the standard method?
Not necessarily. Both methods can make great coffee. The inverted method gives you more control over steeping time, while the standard method is generally simpler and avoids having to flip a brewer filled with hot water.
What grind size should I use for inverted AeroPress?
A medium-fine grind is a good starting point. You can adjust your grind depending on your coffee, brewing time and preferred flavour.
How long should inverted AeroPress coffee brew?
For Karim's recipe, allow 2 minutes and 30 seconds of brewing, followed by a slow 30-second plunge. That gives you a total brew time of approximately three minutes.
How much coffee should I use in an AeroPress?
Karim uses 18g of freshly ground coffee. You can adjust the amount of water to make your coffee stronger or lighter depending on your preference.
Ready to give it a go?
Whether you're new to AeroPress or have been brewing with one for years, this recipe is an easy place to start.
Grab your favourite beans, find a spot to enjoy your coffee and give Karim's recipe a try.
Explore our AeroPress Clear Coffee Maker, VSSL Java G25 Hand Grinder and brewing gear and accessories to get yourself set up.
Brew better, live better.