What is Japanese iced coffee and how do you make it?

You may have experimented with cold brew coffee or other forms of iced coffee before.

Until recently I only made cold brew coffee the traditional way. Coffee in water and let it steep in the fridge for a few hours.

Until I came across Japanese iced coffee . This method is a lot faster than the traditional way of making iced coffee.

So, you hate a hot summer day , but still want to enjoy a refreshing iced coffee? Then you should try this Japanese iced coffee.

I'll explain why and of course what it is exactly.

The Origin of Japanese Iced Coffee

Japanese iced coffee, also known as “Kyoto coffee,” originated in Japan in the 1600s. The method was developed by Japanese merchants looking for a way to keep coffee fresh longer during their long travels.

This meant they had to brew coffee with ice, which resulted in a unique flavor and texture that stands out from traditional hot coffee. Want to learn more about the history of cold brew coffee? Check out our article on the history of cold brew coffee .

Why choose Japanese iced coffee?

Japanese iced coffee offers a range of benefits that go beyond its delicious taste. First, because the coffee is made with cold water extraction, it retains more of the subtle flavors and aromas of the coffee beans.

This process avoids the addition of bitter oils that often arise when using hot water, allowing you to enjoy a smoother, more balanced coffee flavor.

Plus, it's a refreshing drink that's perfect for hot summer days, making it a popular choice for many.

It can also be easily customized with different milks or syrups to add a personal twist to the experience.

If you're sensitive to the acidic taste of traditional coffee, you'll be happy to know that Japanese iced coffee tends to be less acidic, making it a great option for anyone looking for a mild yet flavorful coffee drink.

How to make Japanese iced coffee

Here's a simple guide to making your own delicious Japanese iced coffee at home:

What do you need?

• 225 g ice cubes
• 30 g medium-coarse ground coffee
• 225 grams of water at approx. 94°C

How to make this iced coffee

1. Choose your beans :

Preferably use fresh, high-quality coffee beans. Light to medium roasts work best to bring out the fine flavors.

2. Prepare your equipment :

You need a coffee maker with a filter, a scale, a kettle, and of course ice cubes. This can also be done with a Hario V60 set up.

3. Make your coffee :

Weigh about 20 grams of coffee and add it to the filter. Slowly pour 300 ml of hot water (about 92-96°C) over the coffee in a circular motion, so that the coffee is evenly moistened.

Drizzle the coffee directly onto the ice cubes for instant cooling.

Tips for the perfect Japanese iced coffee

Want to make the perfect Japanese iced coffee? Here are some tips to help you:

1. Use filtered water :

Coffee is mostly water, so make sure you use clean, filtered water for the best taste.

2. Experiment with proportions :

If you like stronger coffee, you can increase the amount of coffee or use less water.

3. Add extras :

Try enriching your Japanese iced coffee with a splash of milk, a hint of vanilla, or even a little sugar for a sweeter taste.

Bonus tip: weigh the ice too

The amount of ice cubes you add is very important for the final taste of your Japanese iced coffee.

I hear from some people who have tried this recipe that they just throw in some ice cubes.

The disadvantage of this is that you don't know exactly how much you dilute the coffee. I find it difficult to optimize the taste with every brew, because you're basically just taking a chance.

So don't just weigh the coffee and water, but also the ice you use for your Japanese iced coffee.

Conclusion

As you may have read, Japanese iced coffee is a super simple recipe that you can try right away at home.

It doesn't take long at all and you don't need any fancy gear. Just a filter set, some ice cubes and of course some good coffee .