In a former, child-free life, I was a barista. For nearly four years of my life, you could find me behind a counter, apron on and slinging shots of espresso! So, I am definitely a self-proclaimed coffee snob. So when I was given the opportunity to review Aerobie’s AeroPress Coffee Maker, I jumped all over it!
At first glance, I felt I might be in over my head! I was used to pulling my own shot, but this way looked daunting and intimidating. But my former barista cred was on the line and I just had to figure it out! It’s so much easier to use than it looks, I swear! I read over the directions a few times, held my breath and dove right in!
You want to make sure you have your coffee ground between an espresso and drip brew setting. This will help you get a great brew. I recommend taking your beans to a grocery store grinder so you can see the correct grind the first time, then you’ll be able to do this at home! If you purchase your beans at a coffee shop, the friendly staff behind the counter is more than happy to grind it (I swear, they want you to enjoy your coffee and the grind is a crucial part of that!) on whatever setting you need. Once you have your grind ready, take a filter, they are also included, and place it in the filter cap. (I recommend wetting it ever so slightly)
Place between one scoop to four scoops of coffee into the chamber. (I would start with one scoop for the first few times until you’re used to everything!) Next, you need to heat your water. Between 75 and 80 degrees is the recommendation. Do not use boiling water! It extracts unpleasant flavors in the coffee beans! Now, place your AeroPress on top of your favorite coffee mug! Pour your hot (not boiling) water to the correct number, stir your grinds and count to ten! Then slowly, immerse your plunger on a count of twenty with nice, even pressure.
Congratulations! You just pulled your first espresso strength cup of coffee! Pat yourself on the back, you no longer have to spend the money on gas and at the coffee shop each day! (Though, don’t forget to go say ‘hi’ to your favorite barista every once in awhile! We do miss customers when they leave!)
Take a nice inhale! The best way to get a true taste of your coffee, as it does have undertones like good wines, is to take a small, slurrpy sip. Seriously. Get some air in there as you drink! The louder the slurp, the better the taste! Much to the chagrin (& delight of my son) I did just that after pulling my coffee. WOW! What a smooth, rich taste and no coffee grinds! This really is the best of having a drip brew and french press! It’s fast, efficient and delicious!
Now, if straight espresso is not quite your thing, I have a variety of drinks you can make!
An Americano
This is a drink created by American GIs in WWII! Simple pour your desired amount of hot water over your espresso to dilute or dull the strength. This will make it closer to a drip brew.
Cafe au Lait
This means, “coffee with milk”. Simply heat up your favorite milk or creamer in the microwave and add it to your pulled coffee.
Latte
If you have a frother, you’re in luck! Take your heated milk and whip it! Once you have your desired texture (the more whipped, the better I always say!), use a spoon and push the creamy, frothy part of the milk back and pour the heated milk into your coffee. Now, carefully layer your frothed milk on top! Viola!
The AeroPress is also small, it’s convenient to store in a cupboard or even a larger drawer, so no counter space will be taken up! A big plus for this upcoming holiday season! That leaves you more room to cook and entertain!
Connect
You can connect with Aerobie AeroPress on their website or on Facebook
Gift it
You can purchase the Aerobie AeroPress on Amazon for $25.95 or find a retailer near you on the Aerobie website
The Giveaway: How would you like to win your own Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant! To enter the giveaway please follow all of the directions below! If you don’t follow the rules, you can’t win!
