The AeroPress may look like a plunger you’d find in a science lab, but it’s one of the most versatile, travel-friendly, and creative brew devices ever made. Created by inventor Alan Adler in 2005, the AeroPress quickly gained cult status for its ability to brew a smooth, full-bodied cup in under two minutes—with almost no bitterness.
But the real magic of the AeroPress lies in its flexibility. There’s no one “correct” way to use it. Baristas, home brewers, and even international competitors have crafted hundreds of variations. In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the best recipes ever created, explaining what makes each one unique—and how to adapt them to your taste.
1. Why the AeroPress Is a Brewer’s Playground
What makes the AeroPress so special? It’s the perfect blend of immersion and pressure brewing. Like a French press, it steeps coffee in water for full extraction. But unlike a French press, it filters through a paper or metal disc and uses pressure to push the water through—like a tiny, manual espresso shot.
Because of this hybrid nature, the AeroPress allows for endless recipe variations. You can change:
- Brew time
- Coffee-to-water ratio
- Water temperature
- Grind size
- Inversion vs. standard setup
- Agitation (stirring or shaking)
This makes it not just a brewer, but a blank canvas for creativity.
2. Standard vs. Inverted Method: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into recipes, let’s clarify the two most common brewing positions:
Standard Method
You place the AeroPress upright over a cup, add coffee and water, and then plunge after steeping. Gravity pulls some water through before you plunge, so timing matters.
Inverted Method
You start with the plunger on the bottom, build your brew upside down, and flip it over to plunge. This lets you control the entire steep without any early dripping.
Both methods can produce great coffee—but inverted is often preferred for longer steep times and experimental recipes.
3. AeroPress Brewing Gear Checklist
Before you dive into recipes, make sure you’ve got the right setup:
- AeroPress (original or AeroPress Go)
- AeroPress filters (paper or metal)
- Gooseneck kettle (optional but helpful)
- Burr grinder (for consistent grind size)
- Digital scale (to measure coffee and water)
- Timer (use your phone or a scale with a built-in one)
- Stirrer or spoon
- Fresh, high-quality coffee beans (medium to light roast works best)
Optional: Thermometer, filter cap mod, or fellow Prismo attachment for espresso-style brews.
4. Side-by-Side Recipe Comparison Table
| Recipe | Method | Grind Size | Ratio | Steep Time | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic AeroPress | Standard | Medium-fine | 1:15 (15g:225g) | 1 min + plunge | Balanced, smooth, clean |
| Inverted “Champion’s Cup” | Inverted | Medium | 1:16 (18g:288g) | 2 min steep | Bright, juicy, layered |
| Espresso-Style Shot | Standard | Fine | 1:4 (20g:80g) | 45 sec + plunge | Strong, rich, crema-like |
| Bypass Method | Inverted | Medium-fine | 1:6 (17g:100g + 100g bypass) | 2 min | Light, tea-like, sweet |
| Cold Brew AeroPress | Inverted | Medium-coarse | 1:10 (15g:150g cold water) | 2 min steep | Smooth, mellow, chocolatey |
5. The Classic AeroPress Recipe (Standard Method)
This is the original recipe from Alan Adler, perfect for those just getting started.
What you’ll need:
- 15g coffee (medium-fine)
- 225g water at 175–185°F (80–85°C)
- Paper filter rinsed
Steps:
- Insert the filter and place the AeroPress on your cup.
- Add ground coffee.
- Start the timer and pour in all the water.
- Stir 10 times, and insert the plunger slightly to seal.
- At 1 minute, press down slowly (20–30 seconds).
Taste: Smooth, approachable, great balance of acidity and sweetness.
6. The Inverted “Champion’s Cup” Recipe
This is based on recipes used in AeroPress championships.
What you’ll need:
- 18g coffee (medium)
- 288g water at 200°F (93°C)
- Inverted setup
Steps:
- Add coffee to the inverted AeroPress.
- Start timer, pour 150g water.
- Stir 3 times, then add the remaining 138g.
- Cap, wait until 2 minutes.
- Flip and plunge over 30 seconds.
Taste: Bright and juicy with incredible complexity. A favorite among specialty coffee drinkers.
7. Espresso-Style AeroPress Shot
While it’s not true espresso, this concentrated brew hits many of the same notes.
What you’ll need:
- 20g coffee (fine grind, not powder)
- 80g water at 205°F (96°C)
- Standard set up, optional Prismo cap
Steps:
- Add coffee and hot water quickly.
- Stir hard for 10 seconds.
- Plunge slowly and firmly.
Taste: Strong and syrupy. Great as a base for milk drinks like lattes or cortados.
8. The Bypass Method (Low Acidity, High Sweetness)
This method brews a concentrated cup and then “dilutes” it post-brew—giving you full control over strength.
What you’ll need:
- 17g coffee (medium-fine)
- 100g brew water + 100g bypass water
- Inverted AeroPress
Steps:
- Add coffee and 100g water to the inverted chamber.
- Stir gently, steep for 2 minutes.
- Flip and plunge over 20 seconds.
- Add 100g of hot water to the cup afterward.
Taste: Light, sweet, and easy to drink. A great intro to lighter roasts.
9. Cold Brew with AeroPress
Yes, you can cold brew with an AeroPress! It’s fast and smooth—perfect for iced coffee lovers.
What you’ll need:
- 15g coffee (medium-coarse)
- 150g cold water
- Inverted AeroPress
Steps:
- Add coffee and cold water to the chamber.
- Stir gently.
- Let steep for 2 minutes (or up to 10 for more intensity).
- Plunge over a cup with ice.
Taste: Rich, mellow, and low in acidity. Ideal for hot days or meal prep.
10. Pro Tips for AeroPress Mastery
To truly master the AeroPress, treat it like a living recipe book. Here’s how to keep leveling up:
- Stir with purpose: More stirring = more extraction, but too much can cause bitterness.
- Play with water temperature: Lower temps bring out sweetness; higher temps boost boldness.
- Use the metal filter: Want more oils and body? Try a reusable stainless steel filter instead of paper.
- Pre-wet your filter: Avoid papery flavors and help seal the filter.
- Experiment with “turbulence”: Try a gentle swirl or shake to agitate without over-extracting.
And don’t forget—keep notes. Your best cup might come from a random experiment you’ll want to repeat.
Final Thoughts: Make the AeroPress Yours
The beauty of the AeroPress is that it’s not bound by rules—it’s a canvas for your creativity. Whether you prefer a clean, tea-like cup or a heavy, syrupy shot, the AeroPress can make it happen with just a few tweaks. Use the recipes here as your foundation, then bend the rules, try your ideas, and taste your way to the best cup you’ve ever had.
