AeroPress brewing guide
Make a satisfying cup of coffee with a simple AeroPress recipe. Below, we’ll walk you through what you need, how much coffee and water to use, and each brewing step.
Use the recipe as a starting point, then adjust it to suit your coffee and how you like to drink it.
What you'll need
- AeroPress with its filter cap and a paper filter
- Ground coffee suitable for AeroPress
- The scoop supplied with your AeroPress
- Kettle or another way to heat water
- Sturdy mug that the AeroPress sits securely on
- AeroPress stirrer or a spoon
Using whole beans? You’ll also need a grinder. No scales or specialist kettle required.
A simple one-cup recipe
A straightforward upright method, with the AeroPress resting on your mug throughout brewing.
- Coffee: one level scoop, using the scoop supplied with your AeroPress.
- Grind: medium-fine
- Water: fill to the number 4 mark on a standard-size AeroPress.
How to brew
Step 1: Prepare the filter. Place a paper filter in the filter cap and rinse it with a little hot water. Attach the cap securely to the AeroPress.
Step 2: Add the coffee. Stand the AeroPress filter-end down on a sturdy mug, on a stable, level surface. Add one level scoop of medium-fine ground coffee using the supplied scoop.
Step 3: Wet the grounds. Add enough hot water to cover the coffee. Stir gently to wet all the grounds, then wait about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the remaining water. Slowly add more hot water until it reaches the number 4 mark. Give it another gentle stir.
Step 5: Leave to brew. Carefully insert the plunger just enough to make a seal, without pressing down. Wait about another minute.
Step 6: Press gently. Steady the brewer and mug, then press slowly for 20–30 seconds. Don’t force it if you feel strong resistance. Stop when you hear a gentle hiss.
Step 7: Serve. Lift the AeroPress off your mug. Enjoy your coffee as it is, or add a little hot water or milk to taste.
Taste and adjust
Too strong? Add a little hot water to your finished cup.
Too weak? Use a little more coffee next time with the same amount of water.
Tastes bitter? Try a slightly shorter brewing time or, if grinding your own beans, a slightly coarser grind.
Tastes sharp or sour? Try brewing a little longer or using a slightly finer grind.
Change one thing at a time. The coffee itself also affects the flavour, so these are starting points, not fixed rules.
