James Hoffmann Aeropress Recipe (Step-By-Step)

One coffee brewing technique that has gained immense popularity in recent years is the Aeropress, and at the forefront of this trend is James Hoffmann.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of Aeropress coffee and explore James Hoffmann's renowned recipe. If you’re interested in this cool, hassle-free way of making coffee, here is the most sought-after recipe of all time.

What is Aeropress coffee?

The Aeropress is a compact and versatile coffee brewing device that was invented by Alan Adler in 2005. It has since become a beloved tool for coffee enthusiasts worldwide. The Aeropress is known for its simplicity, portability, and ability to produce a clean and flavorful cup of coffee.

The brewing process involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water and then using air pressure to push the brewed coffee through a paper or metal filter. This results in a brew that combines the best elements of both immersion and pressure-based brewing, yielding a rich and clean cup of coffee.

Who is James Hoffmann? Why is he famous in the coffee industry?

James Hoffmann is a former World Barista Champion and a prominent figure in the world of specialty coffee.

From what we understand, he explores nuances of coffee with a keen eye and has actually refined the art and science of coffee brewing.

His YouTube channel, ‘James Hoffmann,’ has garnered a massive following, where he shares his expertise in everything coffee-related.

Equipment you need to brew Aeropress in James Hoffmann’s style

Before diving into James Hoffmann's Aeropress recipe, you'll need the following equipment:

1) Aeropress

The star of the show, the Aeropress itself, is essential. It consists of a chamber, a plunger, and a filter cap.

2) Coffee grinder

A high-quality burr grinder is vital to achieve the precise grind size required for Hoffmann's recipe.

3) Coffee beans

Choose fresh, high-quality coffee beans from a reputable source and grind them just before brewing.

4) Digital scale

A digital scale ensures accurate measurements of coffee grounds and water.

5) Timer

A timer helps you keep track of the brew time precisely.

Parameters to fulfill for Hoffmann’s Aeropress method

To brew coffee using James Hoffmann's Aeropress recipe, you must follow specific parameters:

Amount of coffee grounds

Hoffmann recommends using 15 to 17 grams of coffee grounds. Adjust within this range to suit your taste preferences.

Grind size

The coffee grind should be medium-coarse, similar to sea salt. The precise grind size is crucial for extracting the desired flavors without over-extraction or bitterness.

Brew time

Hoffmann's Aeropress method calls for a relatively short brew time of approximately 60 seconds. This quick extraction helps preserve the coffee's delicate flavors.

Water temperature

The ideal water temperature is around 200°F (93°C). Use a kettle with a built-in thermometer or a separate thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Amount of water

For the initial bloom, use approximately twice the weight of coffee grounds (30-34 grams). After stirring, add the remaining water to reach a total of 250-300 grams, depending on your desired strength.

James Hoffmann Aeropress recipe (Step-by-step)

Step 1: Prepare your Aeropress and coffee

Begin by assembling your Aeropress. Place a paper filter in the filter cap and attach it securely to the chamber. Measure out your coffee beans, aiming for 15 to 17 grams. Grind your coffee to a medium-coarse grind, resembling sea salt.

Step 2: The bloom

Heat your water to around 93°C, and rinse the paper filter to eliminate any residual paper flavor and to preheat the Aeropress. Add the ground coffee into the Aeropress chamber.

Start your timer and pour double the amount of water as your coffee grounds (around 30-34 grams) over the coffee grounds. This initial bloom helps release the coffee's gasses, allowing for a more even extraction.

Give the coffee slurry a gentle stir with the Aeropress paddle to ensure that all the grounds are evenly saturated. Now, allow the coffee to bloom for approximately 30 seconds.

Step 3: Pour and stir

After the bloom, gently pour the remaining water into the chamber, filling it up to a total of 250-300 grams, depending on your desired coffee strength. Stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10 seconds, ensuring that the coffee grounds are thoroughly saturated.

Step 4: The plunge

Attach the plunger to the chamber and press down gently and steadily. The goal here is to create a slight resistance rather than applying too much force. The entire plunge should take approximately 20-30 seconds.

Once you hear a hissing sound, indicating that all the liquid has been pressed through the filter, stop plunging to prevent over-extraction. Your brewed coffee should now be concentrated and ready for further dilution. You can also enjoy it as a concentrated espresso-like shot.

How Hoffmann’s Aeropress method is different from a normal Aeropress recipe?

James Hoffmann's Aeropress method distinguishes itself from traditional Aeropress recipes in several ways:

1) Shorter brew time

Hoffmann's method focuses on a shorter brew time of around 60 seconds. This short duration minimizes the risk of over-extraction, resulting in a cleaner and more vibrant cup of coffee.

2) Precision

Hoffmann's recipe emphasizes precise measurements, including the coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and water temperature. These details ensure consistency and allow you to fine-tune your brew to your taste preferences.

3) Bloom technique

The initial bloom step is unique to Hoffmann's method. This technique helps release trapped gasses from the coffee grounds, contributing to a more even extraction.

4) Minimal agitation

While some Aeropress recipes call for aggressive stirring, Hoffmann recommends gentle stirring to avoid excessive agitation, which can lead to bitterness.

Best practices for brewing coffee with Hoffmann’s Aeropress method

1) Use fresh coffee beans

Start with freshly roasted coffee beans to capture the full spectrum of flavors.

2) Invest in a burr grinder

A consistent grind size is crucial for this method, so invest in a quality burr grinder.

3) Precision is key

Weigh your coffee grounds and water to ensure accuracy in your brew.

4) Experiment

Don't be afraid to experiment with the parameters within Hoffmann's recommended ranges to find your perfect cup.

5) Keep it clean

Rinse the paper filter and preheat the Aeropress to prevent any undesirable flavors from the paper.

Wrapping up

Brewing coffee is an art, and with Hoffmann's guidance, you can craft a masterpiece with every cup.

So, gather your equipment, measure your beans, and embark on a journey of coffee exploration that promises rich, clean, and consistently delicious results. So, follow this method and take your coffee game to the next level.

FAQs

Can you use 2 filters in an Aeropress?

Yes, you can use two filters in an Aeropress for added filtration and a cleaner cup of coffee if desired.

Do you need to rinse the Aeropress filter before starting brewing?

Yes, it's a good practice to rinse the Aeropress filter with hot water before brewing to remove any paper residue and preheat the device.

Why is my Aeropress coffee weak?

Aeropress coffee may be weak due to using too much water, not enough coffee grounds, a grind that's too coarse, or a short brew time. Adjusting these factors can help improve the strength of your coffee.

What are some famous recipes of James Hoffmann?

Some famous coffee recipes by James Hoffmann include his Aeropress recipe, the V60 pour-over method, and various espresso-based recipes. He shares these on his YouTube channel and in his coffee book, ‘The World Atlas of Coffee.’