There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a perfectly brewed iced coffee, especially on warm days. Whether you’re looking for a chilled morning pick-me-up or an afternoon energy boost, the Sipologie Chemex offers a fantastic way to brew a smooth, flavorful, and well-balanced iced coffee. Unlike traditional cold brew, this method preserves the coffee’s bright acidity and complex notes, making each sip a delight.
Why Use the Chemex for Iced Coffee?
The Chemex is known for its ability to highlight the natural flavors of coffee while maintaining a clean and crisp profile. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for making iced coffee:
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Enhanced Flavor Clarity: The Chemex brewing method removes bitterness while preserving the coffee’s intricate flavor profile.
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Adjustable Strength: You can control the coffee-to-water ratio, ensuring a strong brew that won’t taste watered down.
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Aesthetic Appeal: The elegant design of the Chemex makes brewing feel like an art, turning your coffee ritual into a visual experience.
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the perfect iced coffee.
How to Make Iced Coffee with Chemex :
Step 1: Ice the Chemex
Start by adding ice cubes to the Chemex before brewing. This helps cool the coffee immediately as it drips, locking in its full flavor without over-extraction.
How much ice should you use?
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A good rule of thumb is to use one-third of the final coffee volume as ice. If you’re making 250ml (8 oz) of iced coffee, use around 80-100ml of ice.
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Pro tip: Avoid overfilling with ice to prevent excessive dilution
Step 2: Heat Your Water
Water temperature is crucial when brewing coffee, as it impacts extraction. Heat your water to around 95°C (203°F)—just below boiling.
Why is this important?
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If the water is too hot, it can extract bitter compounds.
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If it’s too cool, the coffee may be under-extracted and taste weak.
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Pro tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before pouring to achieve the right temperature
Step 3: Prepare and Bloom the Coffee Grounds
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Use 15g of freshly ground coffee for every 250ml of water.
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If possible, grind the coffee to a medium-coarse consistency (similar to sea salt).
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Place the coffee grounds in your Sipologie steel filter inside the Chemex.
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Pro tip: You’ll notice bubbles forming on the surface—this is CO₂ escaping, helping the coffee extract evenly
Blooming the Coffee :
Before fully brewing, pour about 30-50ml of hot water over the coffee grounds and wait for 30 seconds. This allows the coffee to “bloom,” which releases trapped gases and enhances the final flavor.
Step 4: Brew Your Coffee
After blooming, slowly pour the remaining hot water in circular motions over the coffee grounds. This ensures an even extraction and balanced flavor.
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Pour in slow, controlled pulses rather than all at once.
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Allow the coffee to drip through completely before adding more water.
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Stop once you’ve reached your desired amount—keeping in mind the ice in the Chemex will further dilute the coffee.
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Pro tip: If you prefer a stronger iced coffee, slightly reduce the amount of water used during brewing.
Step 5: Swirl and Serve
Once brewed, gently swirl the Chemex to mix the coffee and ice. This helps balance the flavors and cools the coffee to the perfect drinking temperature.
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Pour your freshly brewed iced coffee into a glass.
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Add more ice if desired.
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Sweeten or flavor with simple syrup, vanilla extract, or a splash of milk.
Tips for the Best Iced Coffee:
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Use Freshly Ground Beans: Opt for high-quality, medium-coarse ground coffee for the best extraction.
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Control Ice Quantity: Avoid excessive ice to maintain a balanced flavor and avoid dilution.
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Experiment with Brewing Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio based on your taste preferences for a stronger or milder brew.
- Try Flash Chilling : Pour the hot coffee directly over a pre-chilled glass of ice for instant cooling without excessive dilution.
Ready to make the perfect iced coffee? Check out our video and see how simple it is to create a refreshing, delicious iced coffee
