Flash Brew Coffee Method

Discover the secret to making the best iced coffee you've ever tasted! Flash brew (also known as Japanese iced coffee) creates a bright, flavorful, and aromatic iced coffee by brewing hot coffee directly over ice. This method preserves all the delicate flavors that get lost in cold brew.

What Is Flash Brew Coffee?

Flash brew is the process of brewing hot coffee directly onto ice, causing it to cool instantly. This "flash cooling" locks in the bright, complex flavors and aromatics that make specialty coffee special.

Flash Brew vs. Cold Brew:

Flash Brew:

• ✅ Made in 5-10 minutes
• ✅ Bright, vibrant flavors
• ✅ Full aromatic complexity
• ✅ Clear, tea-like body
• ✅ Highlights origin characteristics

Cold Brew:

• Requires 12-24 hours
• Smooth, mellow flavors
• Lower acidity
• Heavy, syrupy body
• More uniform taste

Both are great, but flash brew is faster and more complex!

Why Flash Brew Coffee?

The Benefits:

Speed ⚡

• Ready in minutes, not hours
• Perfect for when you need iced coffee NOW
• No advance planning required

Flavor ☕

• Preserves delicate aromatics
• Bright, complex taste
• Highlights coffee origin
• More nuanced than cold brew

Versatility ?

• Works with any pour-over device
• Adjustable strength
• Can use any coffee
• Easy to customize

Quality ⭐

• Café-level results at home
• Fresh-brewed taste
• Better than refrigerated hot coffee
• Professional technique

How To Flash Brew Coffee

What You Need:

Equipment:

• ✅ 6-cup or 8-cup Chemex® (or any pour-over device)
• ✅ Chemex® filter (or appropriate filter for your device)
• ✅ Grinder (burr grinder preferred)
• ✅ Scale (for accuracy)
• ✅ Kettle (gooseneck ideal)
• ✅ Timer
• ✅ Stir stick or spoon

Ingredients:

• ☕ 175 grams of ice (about 6oz)
• ☕ 50 grams of your favorite Koffee Kult coffee
• ? Boiling hot water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Situate Chemex® Filter ?

Prepare your brewing device:

1. Unfold the Chemex® filter
2. Place in the brewer with the single fold facing away from the spout
3. Ensure multiple folds are lined up against the spout for proper air flow
4. Wet the filterwith hot water to:
   • Remove paper taste
   • Preheat the brewer
   • Seal filter to glass

Pro tip: The thicker side (3-4 layers) should be against the spout!

Step 2: Rinse Filter & Add Ice ?

Important preparation step:

1. Rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water
2. Discard rinse water
3. Add 175 grams of ice to the bottom of the Chemex®
4. Place Chemex on scale and tare to zero

Why rinse?

• Removes papery taste
• Preheats brewer
• Helps filter stick to glass
• Essential for clean-tasting coffee

Rinse the Chemex with cold water after this so as to not have a pre-heated Chemex®

Why cold rinse after hot?

• We want the ice to cool the coffee, not melt immediately
• Pre-heated Chemex would melt too much ice
• Cold Chemex maintains ice integrity

Step 3: Weigh & Grind Coffee ⚖️

Proper coffee preparation:

Weigh out roughly 50 grams of your favorite Koffee Kult coffee, grind it until coarse and place in your brewer on top of the ice. Set aside, then zero out the scale.

Grind size: Medium-coarse (slightly coarser than regular pour-over)

• Think: coarse sand or sea salt
• Too fine = over-extraction
• Too coarse = under-extraction

Why coarse? We're using less water (some is replaced by ice), so slightly coarser prevents over-extraction.

Best Koffee Kult coffees for flash brew:

• Ethiopian Harrar - Fruity, complex, bright
• Colombian Huila - Balanced, sweet, smooth
• Medium Roast - Versatile, highlights method
• Single Origins - Showcase origin characteristics

Step 4: Boil Water ?️

Temperature matters:

Bring water to a full boil, then let rest 30 seconds

• Target temperature: 205°F (96°C) - just off boiling
• Too hot: Can scald the coffee
• Too cold: Under-extraction

Use filtered or spring water for best taste!

Step 5: Set Up Brewing Station ?

Get everything ready:

Start by placing your brewer on a 6-cup or 8-cup Chemex®

Arrange your workspace:

1. Chemex with ice and coffee on scale
2. Tare scale to zero
3. Hot water ready to pour
4. Timer ready
5. Stir stick nearby

Set your target: You'll be adding approximately 300g of hot water total

Step 6: Bloom the Coffee ?

The bloom phase is crucial:

Pour the hot water until all of your Arabica coffee grounds are saturated.

Bloom technique:

1. Start timer
2. Pour 100g of water (about 2x coffee weight)
3. Make sure all grounds are wet
4. Stir gently to ensure saturation
5. Wait 30-40 seconds - watch it bloom!

What's happening:

• CO₂ gas escaping from fresh coffee
• Grounds expanding and bubbling
• Preparing for even extraction

Pro tip: Fresh Koffee Kult coffee will bloom vigorously!

Step 7: First Pour ?

Main extraction begins:

Use 150 grams of water for a bloom. Wait 30-40 seconds.

After bloom, continue pouring:

1. Pour in slow, steady circles
2. Start from center, spiral outward
3. Avoid pouring on the sides (directly on filter)
4. Return to center, repeat
5. Maintain consistent flow

Target: Add 150g more water (total 250g so far)

Step 8: Second Pour & Finish ☕

Complete the extraction:

Slowly pour the rest of the water over the coffee.

Final pour technique:

1. Pour remaining 50g of water (total 300g)
2. Continue circular motion
3. Keep coffee bed level
4. Pour slowly and steadily

Total brew time: Approximately 3-4 minutes from start to finish

Step 9: Let It Drain ⏱️

Patience is key:

Give the flash brew coffee a few swirls once it is done dripping to completely cool the coffee.

What to do:

1. Let coffee finish dripping completely
2. Don't rush - let it drain naturally
3. Swirl the Chemex gently once dripping stops
4. Mix the concentrated top with diluted bottom
5. Ensure even temperature throughout

The coffee will still be warm - that's normal! The swirling helps distribute coldness.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy! ?

Final presentation:

Serve in a glass over fresh ice and enjoy. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream.

Serving suggestions:

Straight/Black:

• Pour over fresh ice
• Enjoy the bright, clean flavors
• Taste all the nuances

With Milk:

• Add splash of milk, cream, or oat milk
• Creates smooth, creamy iced latte
• Still maintains coffee flavor

Sweetened:

• Simple syrup blends easily
• Flavored syrups work great
• Try vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut

Advanced:

• Add tonic water for coffee tonic
• Blend with ice for frappe
• Mix with cold brew for layered drink

Flash Brew Coffee Ratios

Standard Recipe:

Coffee: 50g
Ice: 175g
Hot Water: 300g
Total Liquid: 475g (ice + water)
Ratio: 1:9.5 (coffee to total liquid)

Adjusting Strength:

Stronger Flash Brew:

• 60g coffee
• 175g ice
• 300g water
• Ratio: 1:8

Lighter Flash Brew:

• 40g coffee
• 175g ice
• 300g water
• Ratio: 1:12

Why Use Chemex for Flash Brew?

Chemex Advantages:

Perfect Design:

• Large capacity for ice
• Beautiful presentation
• Serves multiple people
• Easy to see coffee level

Thick Filters:

• Remove oils and fines
• Create clean, clear coffee
• Highlight bright flavors
• Perfect for iced coffee

Easy to Use:

• Simple, reliable
• No complex parts
• Easy to clean
• Looks great on counter

Other Devices for Flash Brew

While we recommend Chemex, flash brew works with any pour-over device:

V60 / Hario

• Adjust ice amount for smaller size
• Use 30g coffee, 120g ice, 200g water
• Faster brew time
• Single serving

Kalita Wave

• Similar to V60 sizing
• Flat bottom = even extraction
• Consistent results
• Great for beginners

Clever Dripper

• Immersion + drip hybrid
• More forgiving
• Fuller body
• Easier technique

Troubleshooting Flash Brew

Problem: Coffee tastes weak or watery

Causes:

• Too much ice
• Not enough coffee
• Grind too coarse
• Water too cool

Solutions: ✅ Use less ice (try 150g instead of 175g)
✅ Increase coffee to 55-60g
✅ Grind slightly finer
✅ Use hotter water (just off boil)

Problem: Coffee tastes bitter or harsh

Causes:

• Grind too fine
• Water too hot
• Over-extraction
• Too much coffee

Solutions: ✅ Grind coarser
✅ Let water cool more (30-45 seconds after boil)
✅ Pour faster
✅ Use less coffee (45g)

Problem: All ice melted before brewing finished

Causes:

• Chemex was too warm
• Forgot cold rinse after hot rinse
• Room too warm
• Used warm water for cold rinse

Solutions: ✅ Do proper cold rinse after hot rinse
✅ Use very cold ice
✅ Work quickly
✅ Start with cold Chemex

Problem: Coffee tastes flat or dull

Causes:

• Coffee not fresh
• Grind too coarse
• Under-extraction
• Poor quality water

Solutions: ✅ Use fresh Koffee Kult coffee (roasted within 2-4 weeks)
✅ Grind slightly finer
✅ Use filtered water
✅ Proper bloom technique

Flash Brew vs. Other Iced Coffee Methods

Comparison Chart:

Flash brew is the best of both worlds - quick like hot coffee, refreshing like cold brew, with superior flavor!

Pro Tips for Perfect Flash Brew

Advanced Techniques:

1. Adjust ice amount seasonally

• Hot summer day: Use more ice (200g)
• Cooler day: Use less ice (150g)
• Dilute to taste with extra ice when serving

2. Pre-freeze your serving glass

• Keeps coffee colder longer
• Prevents dilution
• Professional presentation

3. Use coffee ice cubes

• Freeze leftover coffee
• Prevents dilution as they melt
• Maintains coffee strength

4. Try different origins

• African coffees = fruity, bright
• Central American = balanced, sweet
• Asian = full body, earthy

5. Experiment with ratios

• More ice = more diluted but colder
• Less ice = stronger but warmer
• Find your sweet spot

6. Double filter for clarity

• Use two Chemex filters
• Ultra-clean, clear coffee
• Highlights delicate flavors

The Science Behind Flash Brew

Why It Works:

Hot Brewing:

• Extracts full range of flavor compounds
• Quick extraction (3-4 minutes)
• Captures aromatic oils
• Full complexity

Instant Cooling:

• Locks in aromatics before they dissipate
• Prevents oxidation
• Maintains brightness
• Preserves delicate flavors

The Result:

• Best of both hot and cold brewing
• Complex, layered flavors
• Aromatic and refreshing
• Clean, bright finish

Best Koffee Kult Coffees for Flash Brew

Top Recommendations:

Ethiopian Harrar

• Blueberry and wine-like notes
• Incredibly bright and complex
• Shines in flash brew
• Our top pick!

Colombian Huila

• Balanced sweetness
• Caramel and citrus notes
• Crowd-pleaser
• Great for beginners

Kenya AA

• Bold and bright
• Blackcurrant notes
• Juicy acidity
• Perfect for flash brew

Medium Roast

• Versatile and balanced
• Higher caffeine
• Works beautifully cold
• Great value

Flash Brew Recipe Card

Quick Reference:

Ingredients:

• 50g coffee (medium-coarse grind)
• 175g ice
• 300g hot water (205°F)

Steps:

1. Rinse filter with hot water
2. Rinse Chemex with cold water
3. Add ice to Chemex
4. Add ground coffee
5. Bloom with 100g water (30-40 sec)
6. Pour 150g water in circles
7. Pour final 50g water
8. Let drain completely (3-4 min total)
9. Swirl to mix and cool
10. Serve over fresh ice

Serving & Storage

How to Serve:

Immediately:

• Over fresh ice in glass
• Straight or with milk
• Garnish with coffee beans
• Enjoy while fresh!

Make Ahead:

• Store in refrigerator up to 24 hours
• Keep in sealed container
• Flavors fade after 24 hours
• Best consumed fresh

Questions About Flash Brew?

? Chat with our AI Coffee Expert
Get brewing tips: Chat now

? Email us
customerservice@koffeekult.com

? Call us
(954) 962-2353
Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST

Master flash brew coffee and enjoy bright, complex iced coffee in minutes. Perfect for hot days and coffee lovers who won't compromise on flavor! ☕?