Brewing the Perfect Iced Coffee with Hario V60: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment and Ingredients
To embark on this iced coffee adventure, you will need the following:
- Hario V60 brewer and filters.
- Your favourite coffee.
- Gooseneck kettle (regular is fine too)
- Coffee grinder (optional).
- Ice cubes.
- Optional: milk, sweeteners, or flavourings according to your preferences.
Step 2: Grind Your Coffee Beans
Start by grinding your coffee beans to a medium-fine to medium consistency. This grind size is ideal for the Hario V60 as it allows water to flow evenly through the coffee bed, resulting in a balanced extraction. If you are using pre-ground coffee make sure it is a medium-fine or medium grind!
Step 3: Prepare the Hario V60 and Filter
Place a paper filter in the Hario V60 brewer and rinse it with hot water. This step helps eliminate any paper residue, ensuring a clean and flavourful extraction. Add 1-2 cups of ice cubes to your V60 carafe. If you are going to be brewing less than the full V60 carafe you may need to adjust the amount of ice you use!
Step 4: Measure and Add Coffee Grounds
Measure the desired amount of coffee grounds based on your desired strength and the volume of iced coffee you want to brew. A general guideline is to use a ratio of 1:15 coffee to water for a balanced flavour. For example, if you are using 30 grams of coffee, or 4 tablespoons, you would add approximately 450 grams of water or 460ml.
Step 5: Bloom the Coffee
Begin by pouring a small amount of hot water, just enough to saturate the coffee grounds, and let it bloom for about 30 seconds. This allows the coffee to degas, unlocking its full flavour potential.
Step 6: Brew the Coffee
Slowly pour the remaining hot water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward, ensuring all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated. Maintain a steady pour, keeping the water level consistent without overflowing the brewer.
Step 7: Let It Drip
Once you have poured all the water, allow the coffee to drip through the V60 filter into your serving vessel. The brew time may vary depending on factors like grind size, water temperature, and desired strength. Generally, it should take about 2-3 minutes. The coffee will cool as it hits the ice locking in the delicious flavours.
Step 9: Customize to Your Liking
Now that you have a refreshing glass of iced coffee, feel free to customize it according to your preferences. Add milk, cream, sweeteners, or flavourings like vanilla or caramel syrup to enhance the taste and create your signature iced coffee blend.
Step 10: Sip and Enjoy!
With the Hario V60 and a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and refreshing iced coffee at home. The V60's pour-over method ensures a clean and well-extracted cup of coffee, while the addition of ice cubes cools it down without compromising the flavour. Experiment with different coffee beans, grind sizes, and customization options to find your perfect iced coffee combination. Embrace the summer season by treating yourself to this delightful brew and savour the joy of a homemade iced coffee made with the precision and craftsmanship of the