How to Make Iced Pour Over Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making iced pour over coffee is a simple and refreshing way to enjoy a flavorful brew on a warm day. Follow these steps to craft a perfectly balanced iced coffee.
Step 1: Prepare the Filter
Begin by placing the filter into your pour-over cone. Ensure the filter is the correct shape and size to fit snugly into the cone. Folding down the seams of the filter helps it sit closer to the brewer’s walls, promoting a more consistent flavor extraction.
Step 2: Preheat the Pour-Over Cone
Position the cone on top of your carafe or serving vessel. Thoroughly wet the filter with hot water to remove any paper residue and preheat the cone. Once done, discard the rinse water.
Step 3: Add Ice to the Carafe
Fill the carafe with ice, keeping in mind the amount required for your desired coffee-to-water ratio. Carefully transfer the carafe onto a scale to prepare for the next step.
Step 4: Add Finely Ground Coffee
Measure 4 tablespoons (20 g) of finely ground coffee for every cup of water (approximately 180 ml or 6 fl oz). Even out the coffee grounds in the filter and reset your scale to zero.
The grind size is critical for the brewing process. Grounds that are too coarse will result in water passing through too quickly, producing weak coffee. Grounds that are too fine will slow the brewing process, potentially leading to bitterness.
Step 5: Pre-Wet the Grounds
Pour a small amount of hot water onto the coffee grounds, just enough to saturate them evenly. Stop pouring as soon as all the grounds are wet.
Step 6: Let the Coffee Bloom
Allow the coffee to bloom for 15–30 seconds. This pause enables the release of trapped gases from the coffee grounds, which enhances flavor development.
Step 7: Pour Water in a Controlled Stream
Starting at the center of the coffee bed, pour hot water in a thin, steady stream, spiraling outward. Continue pouring until you’ve added the desired amount of water.
A controlled pour is essential for a balanced brew. If you don’t have a specialized gooseneck kettle, you can use a hot water kettle or a spouted measuring cup to regulate the pour.
Step 8: Allow the Coffee to Drip
Let the coffee drip completely into the carafe. A flat bed of coffee grounds at the end of brewing indicates a well-executed process. If you notice thick layers of grounds clinging to the filter sides, try adjusting your pouring technique to ensure even distribution.
Step 9: Swirl to Combine and Chill
Once the brewing process is complete, give the coffee in the carafe a gentle swirl. This step helps to mix the brewed coffee with the melted ice, achieving the ideal balance and temperature.
Your iced pour over coffee is now ready to enjoy! This refreshing method delivers a bright, flavorful cup, perfect for savoring on warm days.
