The Aeropress: Small, Mighty, and Endlessly Customizable
The Aeropress is one of the most beloved brewing devices in the specialty coffee world — and for good reason. It's fast, forgiving, portable, and capable of producing an extraordinary range of cup styles depending on how you use it. Whether you want something close to espresso, a clean filter-style cup, or a bold concentrate to mix with milk, the Aeropress can do it all.
At Foxhole Coffee Co., we love the Aeropress for its no-nonsense approach: great coffee, minimal fuss, maximum results.
What You'll Need
- An Aeropress (original or Aeropress Go)
- Aeropress paper or metal filter
- Freshly ground coffee
- Hot water (175–205°F depending on roast)
- A kitchen scale
- A timer
- A sturdy mug or server
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The Aeropress is flexible, but a great starting point is 1:12 to 1:15:
- Standard cup: 17g coffee / 220g water
- Concentrate (to add milk or water): 20g coffee / 100g water, then dilute to taste
Grind Size
Grind size depends on your brew time target:
- Medium-fine (like table salt) for a 1–2 minute brew — the most common approach
- Fine for a shorter, more espresso-like extraction
- Medium for a longer, cleaner cup
The Aeropress is forgiving — if your cup tastes off, adjust your grind before changing anything else.
The Standard Method (Upright)
- Set up your Aeropress in the upright position on top of your mug. Insert a paper filter and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste.
- Add your ground coffee to the chamber.
- Start your timer and add water. Pour hot water (200°F for medium roasts, 175–185°F for light roasts) up to the desired level. Stir gently for 10 seconds.
- Insert the plunger and press down slowly and steadily over 20–30 seconds. Stop when you hear a hissing sound — that means you've pressed all the liquid through.
- Total brew time: 1–2 minutes from first pour to finish.
- Enjoy immediately — Aeropress coffee is best fresh.
The Inverted Method
The inverted method gives you more control over steep time and prevents dripping before you're ready to press. It's a favorite among coffee enthusiasts:
- Flip the Aeropress upside down with the plunger inserted just enough to create a seal.
- Add coffee and water, stir, and steep for your desired time (1–2 minutes).
- Attach the filter cap with a rinsed filter, then carefully flip onto your mug and press slowly.
The inverted method produces a slightly fuller-bodied cup with more control over extraction.
Tips for the Best Aeropress Cup
- Experiment freely: The Aeropress rewards experimentation. Try different ratios, temperatures, and steep times to find your perfect cup.
- Use fresh beans: The Aeropress extracts efficiently, so bean quality matters. Fresh, quality coffee makes a noticeable difference.
- Press slowly: Rushing the press increases pressure and can over-extract. Aim for 20–30 seconds of steady pressure.
- Try a metal filter: Metal filters allow more oils through, producing a fuller-bodied cup similar to French press but cleaner.
Best Coffees for Aeropress
The Aeropress works beautifully with almost any coffee, but it particularly shines with:
- Single origins — the concentrated extraction highlights unique flavor notes
- Colombia — the bright citrus and berry notes come through vividly
- Medium roast blends — balanced and consistent, great for everyday Aeropress brewing
Why Coffee Travelers Love the Aeropress
The Aeropress is virtually indestructible, lightweight, and produces exceptional coffee anywhere — hotel rooms, campsites, offices, or the field. If you're the kind of person who refuses to drink bad coffee no matter where you are, the Aeropress is your best travel companion.
Pair it with a bag of Foxhole single origin and you've got a world-class coffee setup that fits in a backpack.