Japanese Style Iced Coffee Recipe: Enjoy a refreshing Japanese-style iced coffee all summer long with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for hot days, make it a few times a week just like I do! On a hot day, nothing beats the refreshment of cold coffee. Japanese-style iced coffee is the ultimate choice for an instant icy caffeinated drink. It’s the quickest method, requiring no steeping or chilling time, and it’s as simple as making a classic pour-over. Follow my step-by-step guide to brew the perfect cup.
Discover the Distinctive Features of Japanese Iced Coffee
Before diving into the recipe, let’s discuss Japanese-style iced coffee. This method differs from traditional iced coffee recipes and various iced coffees worldwide. Japanese iced coffee involves brewing hot coffee directly over ice, resulting in a bright and refreshing drink you can enjoy immediately. Known for its quick preparation, it’s often called flash brew . This technique contrasts with cold brew and Kyoto-style slow drip cold brew, which use cold water and extended extraction times to create an exceptionally smooth cold coffee.
Easy Recipe for Authentic Japanese Iced Coffee
Learn to make Japanese-style iced coffee at home with ease. To offset the ice dilution, use a slightly higher coffee-to-water ratio than you would for hot coffee. Aside from this adjustment, brewing a delicious glass of iced coffee follows the same steps as a traditional pour-over!
Step 1: Place Ice in the Carafe or Jar
Begin by adding 1 cup of ice to your carafe, jar, or glass. For an extra chill, I typically place the ice-filled jar in the freezer while I weigh and grind the coffee.
Step 2: Measure Your Coffee
Weigh out 25 grams of freshly ground coffee. Aim for a grind size similar to what you’d use for hot coffee; I find medium-fine works well with my V60 dripper. Opting for weight measurement ensures accuracy and consistency in your brew. If you lack a coffee scale, approximately 5 tablespoons will suffice.
Expert Tip: Quality coffee is key for this straightforward beverage. While I typically opt for medium or dark roasts, feel free to experiment with any specialty coffee beans you prefer.
Step 3: Prepare Your Coffee Maker
Position your pour-over dripper over the jar and insert a paper filter. For an authentic touch, consider using the Hario V60, a Japanese-made pour-over device. However, alternatives like the Chemex or Origami Dripper work just as well. Add the ground coffee to the filter.
Step 4: Heat the Water
Heat your brewing water to 200°F, ideally using a gooseneck kettle. If precise temperature control isn’t available, bring the water to a boil, then allow it to rest for 30 seconds to reach the correct temperature.
ExpertTip: Avoid using boiling water as it can scald the coffee beans, resulting in a bitter taste.
Step 5: Initiate the Bloom
Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds, ensuring they’re fully saturated. Look for bubbles, especially with freshly roasted beans, indicating the release of CO2.Allow the water to drip through for approximately 45 seconds.
Step 6: Brew the Coffee
Gradually pour about half of the remaining water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion. Let it drip through, then pour the rest of the water slowly.Allow the coffee to drain completely.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the filter and brewer, discarding the grounds. If you brewed your iced coffee in a Mason jar or glass, it’s ready to drink. If it’s in a carafe, transfer it to a tall glass for serving.While Japanese-style iced coffee is traditionally enjoyed black, feel free to customize with sweetener, cream, or milk to your preference.
Expert Tip: Dissolving sugar in cold beverages can be tricky. Consider using liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a smoother blend.
Japanese Style Iced Coffee Recipe: Concluding Remarks
The Japanese technique for crafting iced coffee stands out not only for its quick preparation and delightful taste but also for its adaptability. This method pairs well with any pour-over cone and coffee bean variety. Interestingly, even non-coffee enthusiasts can employ this approach to create a delightful iced tea! Have you given it a try? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!
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