The AeroPress is one of the most forgiving ways to make excellent coffee at home. It is compact, quick to clean and flexible enough for a bright filter-style cup or a strong coffee concentrate. The recipe below is a reliable starting point, whether you are new to brewing or looking to make your morning routine more consistent.

What you need

• An AeroPress and paper filter
• 15g of freshly roasted coffee
• 220g of water at around 90–96°C
• A grinder, scale and timer

The AeroPress Coffee Bundle is a straightforward setup, while the AeroPress Go is made for travel. You can also pick up a pack of AeroPress paper filters.

Step 1: Choose a grind

Start with a medium-fine grind, a little finer than you would use for a standard pour-over. AeroPress recipes vary widely, so do not worry about finding one perfect setting. A shorter brew often benefits from a finer grind, while a longer steep can use something coarser.

Step 2: Prepare the AeroPress

Place a paper filter in the cap and rinse it with hot water. Assemble the AeroPress in the standard position on a sturdy mug. Add 15g of coffee and gently shake to level the grounds.

Step 3: Add water and stir

Start your timer and pour 220g of water. Stir gently for about 10 seconds, making sure all the coffee is wet. Fit the plunger loosely on top to help retain heat.

Step 4: Press slowly

Let the coffee steep for about 90 seconds, then press slowly and steadily for 20–30 seconds. Stop when you hear the hiss. Pressing too hard can push extra bitterness into the cup, so let the brewer do the work.

Step 5: Taste and adjust

Give the coffee a swirl and taste it once it has cooled a little. If it tastes sour or weak, try a finer grind, hotter water or a longer steep. If it tastes bitter or dry, try a coarser grind, cooler water or a shorter steep. If the coffee is too intense, dilute it with a little hot water.

Try the inverted method?

The inverted method places the AeroPress upside down while the coffee steeps, then you flip it onto your mug to press. It can give you more control over steep time, but the standard method is safer and easier for beginners. Master the basic recipe first, then experiment if you want to compare techniques.

Why AeroPress coffee tastes different

The short brew time and gentle pressure can produce a cup with low bitterness, rounded sweetness and a clean finish. Paper filters also remove much of the coffee sediment, although the exact texture depends on the grind and recipe.

Use the recipe above as a dependable baseline. Once you know how each adjustment changes the cup, the AeroPress becomes a remarkably creative little brewer.