For coffee enthusiasts, the Aeropress has become a beloved brewing device, praised for its simplicity, portability and ability to produce rich, full-bodied cups of coffee. While the traditional method of brewing with an Aeropress is undoubtedly delicious, adventurous home baristas constantly push boundaries, exploring unconventional Aeropress recipes that elevate this versatile brewer to new heights.


Take a chance on the creative coffee recipes below, ranging from upside-down Aeropress coffee experiments to cold brews and cocktails.

Inverted Aeropress: The Upside of Downwards Coffee

One of the most popular Aeropress brewing variations is the inverted method, which involves flipping the Aeropress upside down and allowing the coffee grounds to steep directly in the brewing chamber. This technique allows for a longer, more controlled extraction, resulting in a smoother, more nuanced flavour profile.

Steps for Inverted Aeropress Coffee

  1. Add your desired dose of freshly ground coffee to the inverted Aeropress.

  2. Follow this with your preferred water temperature.

  3. Allow the coffee to steep for your desired time, typically 1-4 minutes.

  4. Flip the Aeropress over onto your mug and gently press down the plunger.

  5. Experiment with different steep times and grind sizes to discover your perfect cup.

Aeropress Espresso: Brewing Café-Quality Shots at Home

While the Aeropress was originally designed for brewing filter-style coffee, coffeemakers have discovered that with a few tweaks, you can produce rich, concentrated shots reminiscent of espresso. The key lies in using a finer grind size and applying more pressure while brewing.

Steps for Aeropress Espresso

  1. Start with a finely ground, espresso-style coffee and pack it tightly into the Aeropress.

  2. Use a lower brew ratio (less water) and brew at a slightly higher temperature, around 90-95°C.

  3. Apply steady, consistent pressure when pressing down the plunger to mimic the extraction of an espresso machine.


The result? A deep, syrupy shot that's perfect for crafting robust milk-based beverages or enjoying on its own.

Aeropress Cold Brew: Refreshing and Smooth

As the weather warms up, many coffee lovers seek out refreshing cold brew options, and the Aeropress can deliver a delightfully smooth and flavourful concentrate. To unlock the Aeropress's cold brew potential, simply extend the brewing time and use a coarser grind.

Steps for Aeropress Cold Brew

  1. Start by grinding your coffee beans using your coffee grinder ’s coarse setting.

  2. Add your ground coffee to the Aeropress chamber.

  3. Pour in room-temperature or chilled water and gently stir the mixture.

  4. Allow the coffee to steep for an extended period, anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

  5. Press the plunger down to extract the concentrate.

  6. Dilute the concentrate with water or milk over ice for a refreshingly smooth, low-acidity cold brew.

Aeropress Cocktails: Caffeinated Libations

If you want to combine your love of coffee with your appreciation for adult beverages, you can use your Aeropress to craft delectable coffee-based cocktails. The concentrated nature of Aeropress brews lends itself perfectly to mixing with spirits, liqueurs and other cocktail components. Try these two popular options:

Aeropress Espresso Martini

This vibrant cocktail combines the smooth intensity of freshly brewed espresso with the kick of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur.


  1. Grind your coffee beans for espresso.

  2. Brew a single shot of espresso as described in the Aeropress Espresso section above.

  3. Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, syrup, and freshly brewed espresso in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

  4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.

  5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

  6. Garnish with coffee beans (optional).

Aeropress Irish Coffee

This classic combination of bold coffee and smooth Irish whiskey adds a touch of sweetness to your brew.


  1. Grind your coffee beans for a full-bodied brew.

  2. Add to your Aeropress and steep.

  3. Plunge a small amount of coffee into a pre-heated mug.

  4. Dissolve brown sugar in the coffee to taste.

  5. Pour in Irish whiskey and stir gently to combine.

  6. Top the mug with the remaining hot coffee, leaving space for cream.

  7. Gently spoon the whipped cream on top, creating a decadent layer.

Aeropress Creativity: The Home Barista's Playground

Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or just starting your brewing journey, here are some home barista Aeropress tips:


  • Grind matters - Use freshly ground beans only. The rule of thumb is a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt. Remember, a finer grind leads to a stronger cup, while a coarser grind brews a lighter one.

  • Embrace the bloom - After adding grounds and a small amount of hot water, let them sit for 30 seconds. This "bloom" releases CO2, producing a more even and flavourful extraction.

  • Stir it up - After the bloom, gently stir your coffee to ensure all grounds are saturated with water, resulting in an even extraction and balanced brew.

  • Temperature control - Aim for water just off the boil, around 90°C. Too hot water can lead to bitterness, while cooler water might under-extract the coffee.

  • Press wisely - Apply slow, steady pressure while pressing down the plunger. This helps avoid pushing water through the grounds too quickly, which can also contribute to bitterness.


The beauty of the Aeropress is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different coffee beans, grind sizes, water temperatures, and brew times to find your perfect cup.

Unconventional Aeropress Recipes for the Win

This coffee maker’s simplicity and versatility make it the perfect canvas for unique Aeropress brewing methods. By pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing methods, home baristas can unlock a world of unique flavours and coffee experiences.

Discover Aeropress with Rave Coffee

At Rave Coffee, we celebrate the art of coffee experimentation and are proud to offer the iconic Aeropress coffee maker as part of our range of brewing equipment. Pair it with our freshly roasted specialty coffee beans and let your creativity run wild.


Whether you're an Aeropress aficionado or a curious newcomer, we encourage you to explore these unconventional Aeropress recipes and discover the limitless potential of this versatile brewer.