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Welcome to The Coffee Blog (TCB), Southern Africa’s largest coffee blog website! Today, we’re diving into the world of AeroPress coffee making, specifically the popular and somewhat unconventional upside-down method. If you’ve ever wanted to try a new way to brew your coffee, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a rich, flavorful cup using the inverted AeroPress technique. Let’s get started!
Why Choose the Upside Down Method?
The AeroPress is an incredibly versatile coffee maker, known for its ability to brew a range of coffee styles. While the standard method works well, the inverted or upside-down method offers a unique approach that many coffee aficionados prefer for its richer taste. This method ensures that all coffee grounds are fully immersed in water throughout the brewing process, similar to a French Press, resulting in a full-bodied flavor.
What You’ll Need:
AeroPress Coffee Maker
Freshly ground coffee (17 grams or 1 AeroPress scoop)
Hot water (200-205°F or 93-96°C)
AeroPress filter (paper or metal)
Stirring utensil
Timer
Mug
Kitchen scale (optional)
Kettle
Step 1: Measure and Grind Your Coffee
Start by measuring out your coffee. For this method, we recommend using 17 grams of coffee, which is roughly one AeroPress scoop. While a kitchen scale provides the most accuracy, the AeroPress is forgiving if you need to estimate. Grind your coffee to a consistency between drip and espresso. A medium grind works well, but feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance.
Step 2: Set Up the AeroPress in an Inverted Position
Place the plunger on the counter with the open end facing up. Attach the brewing chamber upside down onto the plunger, ensuring a secure fit. The stopper should rest just above the number 4 mark on the AeroPress.
Step 3: Add Coffee and Water
Add your ground coffee into the inverted AeroPress. Use a funnel if you have one to avoid spillage. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds until it reaches just below the top of the chamber. Start your timer.
Step 4: Stir and Secure the Filter
Stir the coffee and water mixture gently using the provided stir paddle or a spoon. Make sure all the grounds are saturated. Place a filter in the filter cap and rinse it with hot water. This helps to seal the cap and removes any paper taste.
Step 5: Attach the Filter Cap
Carefully screw the filter cap onto the top of the brewing chamber. Ensure it’s secure to prevent any leaks during the flip.
Step 6: Wait and Flip
Allow the coffee to steep for 60-90 seconds. Once the time is up, carefully flip the AeroPress over onto your mug. This step can be a bit tricky, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Holding the AeroPress firmly, flip it swiftly but gently.
Step 7: Press and Enjoy
Press down on the plunger slowly and steadily. Aim for a 20-30 second plunge time. This ensures even extraction and a cleaner cup of coffee. Once you’ve fully plunged, you’re left with a rich coffee concentrate.
Step 8: Dilute and Serve
Add hot water to your concentrate to taste. Typically, you’ll want to dilute it to about double the volume, but adjust according to your preference. If you’re in the mood for iced coffee, pour the concentrate over a glass of ice.
Experiment with Ratios: The AeroPress is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to tweak the coffee-to-water ratio to find what suits your taste best.
Water Temperature: While 200-205°F is standard, try brewing at different temperatures to see how it affects flavor.
Grind Size: Adjusting the grind size can have a significant impact on your coffee’s taste. Finer grinds will brew faster, while coarser grinds may need a longer steep time.
Pre-wet the Filter: Always rinse your paper filter to avoid any papery taste and to ensure a better seal.
Consistent Pressure: When plunging, apply consistent pressure for a smoother extraction.
If your coffee is too weak, try a finer grind or a longer brew time. If it’s too strong or bitter, you may need a coarser grind or shorter brew time. Remember, the AeroPress is all about experimentation, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right.
The upside-down AeroPress method is a fantastic way to brew a rich, flavorful cup of coffee. It’s a fun and versatile brewing method that allows for a lot of experimentation. Whether you’re new to AeroPress or looking to try something different, the inverted method is definitely worth exploring.
We hope this guide has helped you master the upside-down AeroPress technique. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Coffee Blog newsletter for more coffee tips, recipes, and reviews. Happy brewing!
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Thank you for reading, and until next time, keep brewing!
