Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, warmth, and…sweat. Yes, as much as we love the long days and balmy evenings, there’s no denying that summer can be a bit of a trial when it comes to staying cool and refreshed. And let’s face it: nothing takes the edge off a scorching hot day quite like a tall glass of iced coffee.
But what if you forgot to make cold brew? Fear not, my friend. There is still hope for you yet. Enter flash-brewed coffee.
Flash-brewed coffee is the perfect solution for those moments when you need your chilled caffeine fix ASAP but don’t have time to wait for cold brew to steep.
Let’s investigate how it works and why flash brew coffee tastes so good.
Key Takeaways
- Speed and Taste: Flash brew coffee is a quick method to make flavorful iced coffee, preserving complex flavors and aromas.
- Flexible Methods: It can be made using various techniques like pour-over and AeroPress, allowing for flavor experimentation.
- Historical Popularity: Originating in 1960s Japan, flash brew coffee has regained popularity for its quick and flavorful results.
- Distinct from Cold Brew: Unlike the smoother, less acidic cold brew, flash brew retains more acidity and brightness, offering a distinct taste profile.
Caffeinated Contents
What is Flash Brew Coffee?
Flash brew coffee is a method of coffee brewing that results in a cup that is both strong and refreshing. The concept is simple. You retain the same water ratio to coffee, but a proportion of your water weight is the frozen ice. The ice is placed in the decanter beneath the dripper, while the remaining water is heated to your target brewing temperature and used to brew a kind of pour-over coffee concentrate.
This results in a brew that is hot for a brief moment before being quickly chilled, which allows for more nuanced flavors in the final cup. Flash brew coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are looking for ways to enjoy iced coffee without diluting the flavor.
Brief History of Flash Brewed Coffee
Also known as Japanese-style iced coffee, this brewing method has been gaining popularity in recent years. Did you know, however, that it actually has a long and fascinating history?
Flash brewed coffee originated in Japan in the 1960s, during a time when the country was experiencing a boom in iced coffee consumption. At the time, traditional iced coffee was made by brewing hot coffee and then chilling it in the refrigerator for several hours. However, this method often resulted in a diluted and bland-tasting beverage.
Enter Japanese iced coffee. This innovative brewing method involved pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee beans and immediately cooling the mixture with ice. The result was a flavorful and aromatic iced coffee that retains much of the complexity and depth of flavor found in hot brewed coffee.
Why is Flash Brewing Popular Again?
For starters, flash brewing allows you to enjoy a delicious cup of iced coffee without waiting hours for it to steep like traditional cold brew methods.
But that’s not all! Flash brewing also preserves the delicate flavors and aromas of the coffee beans, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste profile.
Another reason why flash brewing is gaining popularity is its versatility. With this method, you can use any coffee bean or roast level, allowing you to experiment with different flavor profiles and find your perfect cup.
And let’s remember the visual appeal of flash brewed coffee. Watching hot water gently cascade over ice and drip into a glass pitcher is mesmerizing. It’s like watching a mini-science experiment unfold before your eyes!
Brewing Methods and Ratios
Two main methods for brewing flash brew coffee are pour-over and Aeropress. With the pour-over method, you start by using a pour-over coffee brewer, such as a Hario V60 or Chemex, and pour hot water over the grounds. The Aeropress method uses a unique device that utilizes air pressure to extract the flavors from coffee grounds. Both methods result in a delicious cup of iced coffee that can be enjoyed immediately without any chilling time.
Flash Brew Pour Over Method
Making flash brewed coffee using the pour-over method is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with a unique flavor profile.
What you’ll need:
- Gooseneck kettle
- Coffee beans (ground to medium-fine consistency)
- Pour over device
- Filter
- Carafe or mug
- Filtered water
- Ice cubes
- Coffee scale
Pourover flash brew recipe steps:
Step 1: First, gather your equipment. You’ll need a pour-over cone, paper filter, freshly roasted coffee beans, a gooseneck water kettle for boiling water, and a scale to measure your ingredients accurately.
Step 2: Next, heat up your water to just below boiling point (between 195 to 205 degrees depending on your beans). This will ensure you extract the maximum flavor from your coffee beans without scorching them.
Step 3: While your water is heating up, grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. You’ll need about 1 gram of coffee per 16 ml of water (or a 1:16 ratio of water to coffee). Remember that this ratio includes the ice cubes you will add to your container.
Step 4: Place the paper filter in the pour-over cone and rinse it with hot water. This will remove any papery taste from the filter and preheat the cone. Remember to pour out the water used to rinse.
Step 5: Add your ground coffee to the filter and place it on top of your mug or carafe.
Step 6: Now it’s time for the flash brewing! Slowly pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion until they are fully saturated. Let it sit for about 45 seconds. This process is called blooming. It releases a burst of C02and, allowing the remaining water to absorb all that incredible coffee flavor.
Step 7: Finally, pour the remaining hot water in small increments until you reach your desired amount of coffee.
Voila! Your flash brewed pour-over coffee is ready to be enjoyed. Savor its unique flavor notes and bask in the satisfaction of making something new and exciting.
AeroPress Flash Brew Method
While AeroPress is not the most traditional method for flash brewing, it still does a fantastic job. Plus, it’s travel friendly, so you can enjoy better coffee on the road.
What you’ll need:
- AeroPress
- Gooseneck kettle
- Coffee beans (ground to a fine consistency)
- Filter
- Carafe or mug
- Filtered water
- Ice cubes
- Coffee scale
AeroPress flash brew recipe steps:s
Step 1: Gather your materials: AeroPress, filters, coffee beans, hot water, ice cubes, and a stirring utensil.
Step 2: Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency. This will ensure that the water can extract all the flavors from the beans in a short amount of time.
Step 3: Add two filters to the AeroPress and rinse them with hot water. This will remove any paper taste from the filters and preheat the AeroPress.
Step 4: Set the AeroPress inverted style on your countertop.
Step 5: Place 125 grams of ice into a mason jar or carafe.
Step 6: Add 20 grams of ground coffee into the AeroPress chamber.
Step 7: Bloom the coffee by adding 50 grams of hot water (around 180°F) and stirring aggressively for 10 seconds.
Step 8: Add another 100 grams of hot water and stir gently for an additional 10 seconds.
Step 9: Attach and secure the filter cap to the top of the AeroPress.
Step 10: Flip the AeroPress over onto your mason jar or carafe containing ice cubes.
Step 11: Plunge slowly until all the liquid has been extracted from the chamber.
Step 12: Stir well and enjoy your delicious flash brewed coffee!
So there you have it! A quick and easy way to make flash brewed coffee using the AeroPress method that will leave you with a delicious cup of joe in no time at all!
Pro tip: Use larger ice cubes for better results and experiment with different types of coffee beans to find your perfect flavor profile.
Which Coffee is Best for Flash Brewing?
When it comes to flash brewing, you want to use a coffee with bright acidity and complex flavors. This is because the flash brewing method preserves the delicate nuances of the coffee, allowing its unique characteristics to shine through. So, skip the dark roasts and opt for a light or medium roast instead.
But don’t just settle for any old bag of beans. Look for high-quality, specialty-grade coffee that has been carefully sourced and roasted by experts. This will ensure that your flash brewed coffee is bursting with flavor and aroma.
Some great options for flash brewed coffee include Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Kenyan AA, and Colombian Supremo. These coffees are known for their bright acidity and fruity notes, which make them perfect for flash brewing.
So next time you’re in the mood for an iced coffee that’s full of flavor and aroma, reach for a bag of high-quality beans and grind them up fresh.
Is flash brew different from cold brew coffee?
While they may sound similar, these two brewing methods are vastly different.
Firstly, let’s talk about the preparation methodology. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold coffee water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a smoother and less acidic cup of coffee. On the other hand, flash-brewed coffee is made as fast as brewing a traditional cup of pour-over.
But it’s not just the preparation methodology that sets these two brewing methods apart – it’s also the flavor profile. Cold brew is known for its smooth and mellow taste, with little to no acidity or bitterness. On the other hand, flash-brewed coffee retains its acidity and highlights the bright notes in the beans. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more complex and nuanced cup of joe.
Final Thoughts
No matter your method or ratio, making flash brew coffee is easy once you know what you’re doing. The fantastic flavors are complimented by the convenience of a quick brew time, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a refreshing iced coffee.
So grab your favorite pour-over device and get ready to experience some deliciousness! You won’t be disappointed. Happy Brewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coffee Blooming?
When hot water comes in contact with freshly roasted coffee grounds, a quick release of gas occurs. This is known as the coffee bloom. The gas released is carbon dioxide (CO2), trapped inside the beans during the roasting process.
Brewing methods such as pour-over and French press often involve blooming the coffee before continuing the brewing process. By pouring a small amount of hot water over the grounds and allowing them to sit for about 45 seconds, you can ensure that all of the CO2 is released before adding more water. This can lead to a better-tasting cup of coffee.
So next time you’re brewing your morning cup of joe, consider giving it a bloom!
What Is the Best Way to Store Coffee?
It is always best to store coffee in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. If stored correctly, you can expect your beans to stay fresh for up to a month. For longer-term storage, consider vacuum-sealing your beans in an opaque container. Just make sure you don’t grind them until you are ready to brew!
Can I make flash brewed coffee at home?
Yes! Making flash brewed coffee at home is easy with basic pour-over brewing equipment. Simply make a concentrated batch of hot coffee using your preferred brewing method, then pour it over ice to cool it down quickly. You can adjust the ratio of water to ground coffee based on your personal taste preferences.
