The AeroPress. The roadie of the coffee world, this little brewer is made to be your steadfast companion whether you brew on a hotel desk, airbnb kitchen, or inside a tent during a torrential rainstorm. A modern classic in the coffee world. Compact, quick, and endlessly versatile. This little brewer has become a cult favorite for baristas and home brewers alike. Whether you're craving a bold hot cup or an icy kick of caffeine, the AeroPress delivers. 

And the best part? It’s as travel-friendly as it is flavorful. While there are countless ways to brew with an AeroPress, we’re going to share two of our go-to methods from the Ready Set playbook: one hot, one iced. But first, let’s lay the groundwork.

The Foundation: Coffee and Water

As with any brewing method, success starts with the basics: grind and water.
For the AeroPress, aim for a medium-fine grind—finer than drip, coarser than espresso. Too coarse and your brew will taste weak and hollow. Too fine and it could clog the filter, creating bitter over-extraction.

Water temperature should hover around 204°F—just off the boil. This is the sweet spot that balances extraction speed and flavor. Too hot, and you risk pulling harsh notes. Too cool, and the brew falls flat.

And don’t sleep on your water quality. Using filtered or distilled water will bring out the best in your beans. Tap water? That’s a gamble.

Iced Aero

What You’ll Need:

22g of coffee (medium-fine grind)

240g of hot water (204°F)

160g of ice

AeroPress with paper filter

How to Brew:

Start by placing a paper filter in the AeroPress cap and rinsing it with hot water—this removes any papery taste and helps the filter adhere properly. Attach the cap to the AeroPress brew chamber and set it aside.

Measure out 22 grams of freshly ground coffee. A medium-fine grind works best for this method. Add the coffee to the chamber.

Next, fill your serving cup with 160 grams of ice and place the AeroPress securely on top of the cup. Slowly pour 240 grams of hot water—just off the boil—into the chamber, filling it nearly to the top. Be sure to pour evenly to saturate all the grounds.

Insert the plunger gently to create a seal, but don’t press down yet. Let the coffee steep for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. This immersion time allows for better extraction.

At the 3:30 mark, give the whole setup—cup, chamber, and plunger—a gentle swirl. Let it rest for another 30 seconds after swirling. At the 4-minute mark, press down slowly and steadily on the plunger until you hear the signature AeroPress hiss—this means all the liquid has passed through the grounds.

Finally, pour the brewed coffee into a chilled glass. Add more ice if you like it extra cold. Sip and enjoy a crisp, punchy coffee that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.

Hot Aero

What You’ll Need:

18g of coffee (medium-fine grind)

240g of hot water (204°F)

AeroPress with flow control cap or standard cap

How to Brew:

Begin by attaching your flow control cap to the AeroPress. This allows for a more controlled extraction and helps build up pressure, giving your brew more depth and body. Add 18 grams of ground coffee to the brew chamber. A medium grind works well for this method, offering a good balance between clarity and richness.

Pour hot water up to the “2” mark on the AeroPress. This initial pour is your bloom phase—let it sit for about 30 seconds to allow the coffee to de-gas and prep for extraction. After the bloom, continue pouring until the water reaches the “4” mark, just below the rim. This should bring you to the ideal volume for a concentrated, flavorful cup.

At the 1:15 mark, begin pressing slowly and steadily. Take your time with this step; a gentle press ensures even extraction and a smoother finish. Stop pressing once you hear the hiss—your sign that the brew is complete. The entire process should take around 2 minutes from start to finish.

Sip and savor. This brew is rich, balanced, and a perfect companion to your morning ritual. Whether you're chasing clarity, complexity, or just a dang good cup, the AeroPress is your passport to better brewing—no matter where you are. So get brewing, and go get ‘em!