The Cold Blue Coffee Blog
“How to Brew the Perfect Iced Coffee with Kalita Wave, V60, and Chemex”
When the weather heats up, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced coffee to keep you cool. At Cold Blue Coffee, we’re passionate about brewing methods that bring out the best flavors in your coffee, and making iced coffee with pour-over tools like the Kalita Wave, V60, and Chemex is no exception. If you’re ready to take your iced coffee game to the next level, this guide will walk you through the process of brewing a crisp, flavorful cup with these iconic pour-over methods.
Why Brew Iced Coffee Using Pour-Over Methods?
Using pour-over methods like the Kalita Wave, V60, and Chemex for iced coffee allows for greater control over the extraction process, ensuring a balanced and aromatic brew. The hot water quickly extracts the rich flavors and aromatics from the coffee, while immediate cooling over ice locks in the flavors and creates a refreshing, bright taste. This “flash-brew” method preserves the coffee’s unique characteristics, resulting in a flavorful iced coffee experience.
Kalita Wave Iced Coffee Recipe
The Kalita Wave is known for its flat-bottomed design, which promotes even extraction and a consistent brew. Here’s how to make iced coffee using the Kalita Wave:
Ingredients:
- 25g of Cold Blue Coffee beans (choose your favorite from our selection)
- 150g of hot water (just off the boil, 195-205°F)
- 150g of ice in your carafe
- Kalita Wave dripper, filters, and scale
Instructions:
- Grind the Coffee: Use a medium grind, similar to sea salt.
- Prepare the Dripper: Rinse the Kalita Wave filter with hot water to remove any papery taste and preheat your dripper.
- Add Ice: Place 150g of ice into your carafe or serving vessel.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place the 25g of coffee grounds into the filter and level them.
- Bloom: Start your timer and pour 50g of hot water over the grounds, ensuring all coffee is saturated. Let it bloom for 30 seconds.
- Brew: Continue pouring the remaining 100g of water in a slow, circular motion, maintaining an even flow until you reach 150g total water. Aim for a total brew time of about 2.5-3 minutes.
- Serve: Once brewing is complete, the coffee will drip onto the ice, chilling it instantly. Stir gently and enjoy.
V60 Iced Coffee Recipe
The V60 is perfect for highlighting the bright and fruity notes in your coffee, making it a great option for iced coffee.
Ingredients:
- 20g of Ethiopian Yirga Cheffe (ideal for fruity, floral iced coffee)
- 150g of hot water (195-205°F)
- 150g of ice
- V60 dripper, filters, and scale
Instructions:
- Grind the Coffee: Use a medium-fine grind.
- Prepare the V60: Rinse the filter with hot water and place 150g of ice in your carafe or cup.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place 20g of coffee grounds into the V60.
- Bloom: Pour 40g of hot water to saturate the grounds. Let it bloom for 30 seconds.
- Brew: Slowly pour the remaining 110g of water in a circular motion. Total brew time should be around 2.5-3 minutes.
- Serve: Stir the iced coffee to ensure it’s well-mixed and enjoy the bright, crisp flavors.
Chemex Iced Coffee Recipe
The Chemex offers a clean, crisp brew that’s perfect for highlighting the nuanced flavors of specialty coffee.
Ingredients:
- 30g of Guatemalan Boqueroncito (great for balanced, complex iced coffee)
- 300g of hot water (195-205°F)
- 200g of ice
- Chemex, filters, and scale
Instructions:
- Grind the Coffee: Use a medium-coarse grind.
- Prepare the Chemex: Rinse the filter and place 200g of ice in the Chemex.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place 30g of coffee in the filter.
- Bloom: Pour 60g of hot water over the grounds and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
- Brew: Gradually pour the remaining 240g of water in a slow, steady motion, maintaining even saturation. Total brew time should be around 4-5 minutes.
- Serve: Stir the iced coffee, allowing the ice to cool it completely. Enjoy the clean, refreshing taste.
Choosing the Right Coffee for Iced Coffee
Different coffees bring out unique flavors in iced coffee. Here are our recommendations:
- Brazilian Coffee: Offers rich, chocolatey notes that create a bold, smooth iced coffee.
- Costa Rican Coffee: Balanced and sweet, perfect for those who love a hint of citrus and nutty flavors.
- Ethiopian Yirga Cheffe: Fruity and floral, making it ideal for a refreshing and bright iced coffee.
- Guatemalan Boqueroncito: Complex and versatile, with caramelized sugars and balanced acidity.
- Papua New Guinea Coffee: Earthy with hints of fruit, excellent for a unique iced coffee profile.
- Tanzanian Coffee: Offers bright acidity and fruity notes that stand out in iced coffee.
What to Expect from Each Coffee as Iced Coffee
- Brazilian: Rich, smooth, and chocolate-forward.
- Costa Rican: Sweet, balanced, with nutty undertones.
- Ethiopian: Bright, fruity, and floral.
- Guatemalan: Complex with hints of caramel and fruit.
- Papua New Guinea: Earthy with subtle fruitiness.
- Tanzanian: Bright and fruity with a clean finish.
Brewing Tips for the Best Iced Coffee
- Use Freshly Ground Beans: Freshly ground beans ensure the best flavor and aroma.
- Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your taste preference.
- Cool Quickly: Brew directly over ice to lock in the flavor.
- Stir Well: Ensure even mixing for a balanced flavor profile.
Experience the Best Iced Coffee with Cold Blue Coffee
Whether you’re brewing with a Kalita Wave, V60, or Chemex, our specialty coffee beans bring out the best in every cup. Explore our full selection of coffees and discover the unique flavors that make Cold Blue Coffee the perfect choice for your iced coffee needs.
