Japanese Iced Coffee: How to Brew a Refreshing Cup

Japanese Iced Coffee: How to Brew a Refreshing Cup

Japanese iced coffee is a method of brewing that produces a crisp, aromatic cup of coffee served over ice. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled, Japanese iced coffee is brewed directly onto ice cubes, locking in flavour and aroma for a refreshing, vibrant drink.

What Is Japanese Iced Coffee?

Japanese iced coffee is a cold coffee drink made by brewing hot coffee directly over ice. This technique, also called Japanese-style iced coffee, rapidly chills the coffee while preserving the bright, nuanced flavours of the beans. It’s popular among coffee lovers who want a clean, aromatic cup without dilution.

How to Make Japanese Iced Coffee

Ingredients:

  • 20g ground coffee (medium-coarse)

  • 300ml hot water (just off boil)

  • 150–200g ice cubes

  • Paper filter and dripper (like a Hario V60)

Method:

  1. Place ice cubes in your serving vessel to catch the brewed coffee.

  2. Set up your Hario V60 dripper with a paper filter and rinse it with hot water.

  3. Add the ground coffee to the dripper.

  4. Slowly pour hot water over the coffee in a circular motion, letting it drip onto the ice cubes below.

  5. Stir gently and serve immediately.

This method produces a bright, clean cup with preserved aroma and a smooth finish.

Tips for the Best Japanese Iced Coffee

  • Use freshly roasted coffee beans for maximum flavour.

  • Adjust water-to-ice ratio to control strength.

  • Brew over a big batch of ice if serving multiple cups.

  • Experiment with different beans to explore subtle flavour notes.

You can also enjoy Japanese iced coffee with your favourite beans from our collections, such as:

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