How To Make An AeroPress

Written By Jason Wilger

Recipe: Classic Method (Single Cup)

  • Coffee: 15g

  • Water: 220g total

  • Grind: Medium fine (slightly finer than drip, not as fine as espresso)

  • Water Temperature: 200°F / 93°

  • Yield: 8–10 oz cup

To adjust strength, use the same recipe but change the grind or final water amount after pressing.

Step 1: Choose Your Coffee

Use freshly roasted beans and grind right before brewing. The AeroPress is great with both light and medium roasts, and it works well with blends like Valor’s Green Box (Transfer Lot). A medium fine grind helps extract sweetness and keeps the drawdown smooth.

Valor Coffee’s Columbia Transformation Lot

Step 2: Set Up the AeroPress

Place a paper filter in the cap and rinse it with hot water. This removes any paper taste and warms the brewer. Attach the cap to the AeroPress chamber and set it on top of your mug.

Step 3: Weigh and Grind

Measure 15g of coffee and grind medium fine. Add the grounds to the AeroPress and gently shake to level the bed.

Step 4: Add Water & Bloom

Start your timer.

  • Pour 220g of hot water smoothly over the grounds.

  • Stir 5–8 times to ensure all the coffee is saturated.

  • Place the plunger on top slightly to create a seal, but do not press yet.

Let it bloom and brew for 1 minute.

Step 5: Press

After 1 minute, begin pressing gently.

  • Use slow, steady pressure—aim for a 20–30 second press.

  • Stop when you hear the gentle hiss.

Step 6: Adjust & Serve

Taste your coffee as is, or dilute slightly with hot water for an Americano-style cup. The AeroPress should taste clean and smooth with mild acidity and sweet notes.

Step 7: Dial It In

Stronger cup:

  • Use a finer grind

  • Increase dose to 16–17g

Lighter cup:

  • Use a coarser grind

  • Add a splash of hot water after pressing

More clarity:

  • Stir less

  • Rinse your filter more thoroughly

More body:

  • Stir more

  • Try the inverted method

Jason Wilger
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How To Make A French Press