How To Make Iced Filter Coffee: A Comprehensive Guide

Mark Wilcox

• 6 min read

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If you're a coffee enthusiast, you're no stranger to the pleasure of a cold, revitalizing cup of iced coffee on a hot summer day. Iced filter coffee, also known as Japanese-style iced coffee, takes that pleasure to the next level. This brewing method combines the best of hot and cold brewing techniques, resulting in a beverage that is both rich in flavor and refreshingly cold.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the method, here's what you'll need:

Steps to Brew the Perfect Iced Filter Coffee

1. Choose the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio

For iced filter coffee, use a ratio of 65 grams of coffee per liter of water. This is about five grams more than usual. The increased ratio compensates for the loss of aromatic intensity and dilution when serving over ice.

2. Grind the Coffee

Grind the coffee beans a little bit finer than usual. This helps to extract more flavor during the brewing process.

3. Prepare the Ice

Prepare enough ice to constitute 40% of the weight of the brew. The ice should ideally be between minus 18 and minus 20 degrees Celsius for the best results.

Coffee brewing in a coffee maker on a kitchen counter

4. Begin Brewing

Start brewing with hot water, which should be 60% of the total weight of the brew.

Check out our reviews of our favorite on-demand coffee makers.

5. Allow the Coffee to Bloom

Pour hot water equal to two to three times the weight of the coffee onto the grounds and let it sit for at least 45 seconds. This process, known as blooming, allows the coffee to release trapped gases, leading to a better extraction.

Watercolor illustration of ice coffee

6. Continue Brewing

Continue brewing with the rest of your hot water. The total brew time should be stretched between two and a half to three minutes.

7. Stir the Decanter

After brewing, stir the decanter in a circular motion, and then in the opposite direction. This ensures a uniform temperature and flavor profile.

Remember to dispose of the grounds in your compost pile or trash and not down the drain.

8. Serve Over Ice

Pour the freshly brewed coffee over fresh ice cubes in a glass. This cools the coffee instantly, locking in the aroma and flavors that can be lost in traditional cold brew methods.

The beauty of iced filter coffee lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can experiment with the ratio of ice to hot water until you achieve your desired level of coldness without sacrificing extraction. Remember, brewing with hot water allows for better extraction of origin characteristics compared to cold brew. And using more brew water can result in a better quality extraction, bringing out the best flavors in the coffee.

Read this article if you like using cream in your coffee.

When it comes to iced coffee, Japanese iced coffee is a game changer. This delightful alternative is situated between cold brew and regular iced coffee, giving you the best of both worlds.

A Balance of Flavors In Japanese Iced Coffee

Japanese iced coffee strikes a unique balance in flavors. You can expect it to have the refreshing coldness of a cold brew, while retaining the delightful flavors of regular iced coffee. It’s ideal for those who seek a coffee that isn’t as heavy as cold brew but has more complexity than regular iced coffee.

Economical and Quick

Another great advantage of Japanese iced coffee is that making it at home is far more economical than buying it from a coffee shop. Plus, it’s quick! You can make Japanese iced coffee in almost the same amount of time it takes to prepare a standard pour-over, so it’s perfect even for your hectic mornings.

Choice of Coffee Beans

When selecting coffee beans for Japanese iced coffee, you have some options. While medium roast coffees work well for a balanced taste, using light roast coffee beans can bring out tantalizing fruit and citrus notes. This makes for an exceptionally flavorful cup.

Taking it to the Next Level with Coffee Ice Cubes

Here’s a pro-tip: coffee ice cubes. Yes, you heard it right. Instead of using regular ice cubes, you can freeze brewed coffee in an ice tray. When you use these coffee ice cubes in your Japanese iced coffee, you’re in for an intensely potent and invigorating experience. But a word of caution — these cubes pack a punch, so if you're sensitive to caffeine, use them sparingly.

What Are Coffee Ice Cubes?

Coffee ice cubes are simply frozen coffee. Instead of filling an ice cube tray with water, you fill it with brewed coffee and then freeze it. This ensures that as the ice melts, it doesn’t dilute the coffee but rather enhances the flavor.

How to Make Coffee Ice Cubes

Making coffee ice cubes is incredibly simple. Here’s how you can make them at home:

  1. Brew Coffee: Brew your favorite coffee. It can be any type - espresso, Americano, or even flavored coffee.
  2. Let it Cool: Allow the coffee to cool down to room temperature.
  3. Pour into Ice Cube Trays: Pour the cooled coffee into ice cube trays. Don’t fill them to the brim as coffee expands when frozen.
  4. Freeze: Place the trays in the freezer and freeze for several hours or overnight.
  5. Use in Your Beverage: Once frozen, pop the coffee ice cubes out of the tray and use them in your iced coffee or any other cold coffee beverage.

Why Use Coffee Ice Cubes?

Here are a few reasons why coffee ice cubes can be a game changer for your iced coffee:

  1. No Dilution: As coffee ice cubes melt, they don’t water down your drink like regular ice cubes. Your iced coffee remains flavorful from the first sip to the last.
  2. Enhanced Flavor: Coffee ice cubes can add an extra punch of coffee flavor to your drink, making it even more satisfying for coffee lovers.
  3. Customization: You can experiment by adding flavors to your coffee before freezing it. Consider adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a splash of your favorite coffee liqueur.
  4. Versatility: Coffee ice cubes aren't just for iced coffee. You can use them in smoothies, iced lattes, or even in cocktails for a coffee twist.
  5. Reduced Waste: If you ever find yourself with leftover coffee, rather than throwing it away, make coffee ice cubes. This is a great way to make sure that no coffee goes to waste.

Points of Caution

While coffee ice cubes are wonderful, they are more potent than regular ice cubes. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, keep track of how many you’re using in your drink to avoid consuming too much caffeine.

A glass of iced coffee

Q1: What is iced filter coffee?

A1: Iced filter coffee, also known as Japanese iced coffee, is a method of brewing coffee that involves dripping hot water over coffee grounds, directly onto ice. This technique rapidly cools the coffee, which helps to retain the aromas and flavors.

Q2: How is iced filter coffee different from cold brew?

A2: Iced filter coffee is brewed with hot water and immediately cooled by dripping onto ice, which retains more of the coffee's flavors and aromas. Cold brew, on the other hand, is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period (typically 12-24 hours), resulting in a smoother, less acidic taste.

Q3: What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for iced filter coffee?

A3: For iced filter coffee, it's recommended to use 65 grams of coffee per liter of water. This is slightly more than the usual amount, as some of the coffee’s strength will be diluted by the ice.

Q4: What grind size should I use for iced filter coffee?

A4: The coffee should be ground slightly finer than what you would use for regular drip coffee. This helps to extract more flavor in a shorter brewing time.

Q5: Can I use any type of coffee beans for iced filter coffee?

A5: Yes, you can use any type of coffee beans, but medium roast coffees work well for a balanced taste, while light roast coffee beans can bring out fruit and citrus notes.

Q6: What is the blooming process and why is it important?

A6: The blooming process involves pouring a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds to let them “bloom” or expand. This releases trapped gases and allows for better extraction of flavors.

Q7: How long should the coffee be brewed?

A7: The total brew time for iced filter coffee should be between two and a half to three minutes.

Q8: Can I make iced filter coffee ahead of time and store it in the fridge?

A8: Yes, you can make it ahead of time. However, it's best consumed immediately after brewing to enjoy the freshest flavors and aromas.

Q9: What can I do to make my iced filter coffee even more potent?

A9: You can use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes. To make coffee ice cubes, pour brewed coffee into an ice tray and freeze. This will make your coffee even more flavorful and potent.

Q10: Is making iced filter coffee at home cost-effective compared to buying it from a coffee shop?

A10: Absolutely! Making iced filter coffee at home is more cost-effective and allows you to customize it according to your preferences.