Iced filter coffee is a refreshing cold coffee beverage brewed like a regular hot filter coffee, with a few key tweaks to achieve a cold final product with balanced flavour. It is essentially hot filter coffee brewed directly over ice, causing rapid chilling that helps lock in aromatics and reduce oxidation.
How is Iced Filter Coffee Brewed?
Based on the provided reference, the brewing process for iced filter coffee involves specific adjustments compared to traditional hot filter brewing:
- Brewing Method: The coffee is brewed hot, similar to a standard pour-over or drip method.
- Water Composition: 60% of the total water used in the brew recipe is hot, while the remaining 40% is in the form of ice. The hot water extracts the coffee, and the ice immediately chills the brew as it drips or pours onto it.
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A slightly higher coffee to water ratio is typically used. The reference specifies 65g of coffee per litre of water. This higher concentration accounts for the dilution that occurs when the hot coffee melts the ice.
- Grind Size: The coffee is ground slightly finer than your usual filter grind. This adjustment helps compensate for the shorter contact time between the hot water and the coffee grounds, which is affected by the ice.
These adjustments ensure that the final cold coffee drink is not diluted and maintains a rich flavour profile despite being brewed hot.
Key Differences from Hot Filter Coffee
Here's a simple comparison highlighting the main differences based on the reference:
| Feature | Hot Filter Coffee | Iced Filter Coffee (Ref) |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Method | Brewed with hot water | Brewed with hot water over ice |
| Water Ratio | 100% hot water | 60% hot water, 40% ice |
| Coffee Ratio | Standard (e.g., 55-60g/L) | Slightly higher (65g/L) |
| Grind Size | Typical filter grind | Slightly finer grind |
By carefully controlling the hot water percentage, the amount of ice, the coffee ratio, and the grind size, iced filter coffee offers a distinct and enjoyable way to experience filter coffee chilled.
