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 from the ice bucket 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
