Brewing into the Travel Mug
Place the travel mug on a stable surface. Wet a paper filter, place it in the filter cap, and screw the cap onto the chamber. Set the AeroPress chamber on top of the mug opening. Add one AeroPress scoop of medium-fine ground coffee (about 14–15g for a single cup). Pour hot water to just below the number 1 on the chamber, stir for 10 seconds, then insert the plunger and press over 20–30 seconds. The Go brews a single concentrated cup — add a splash of hot water if you prefer a longer drink.
Packing for Travel
After brewing and cleaning, push the plunger all the way through to eject the puck, rinse all parts, and dry. Tuck the filter holder (with your remaining paper filters) into the bottom of the mug, then insert the filter cap, stirrer, and scoop. Fold the plunger into the chamber and place it in the mug last. Snap the lid on. The entire kit is now packed and ready.
Inverted Method
For more control over steep time, many brewers prefer the inverted method. With the plunger inserted about an inch into the bottom of the chamber, flip the AeroPress upside down so it sits on the plunger end. Add coffee and water, stir, and steep for your desired time. When ready, attach the filter cap (with wet filter), then carefully flip the whole assembly onto your mug and press. The inverted method prevents any drip-through during steeping.
Espresso-Style Concentrate
For a concentrated espresso-style shot, use a finely ground coffee and half the usual water volume. Press slowly and firmly. The resulting concentrate can be drunk as-is or topped with hot water for an Americano or steamed milk for a latte-style drink.
Cold Brew
AeroPress can also make cold brew concentrate in about 2 minutes rather than the usual 12–24 hours. Use room-temperature or cold water and fine-ground coffee. Steep for 2 minutes, then press over a glass of ice. The result is a smooth, low-acid cold concentrate.
Grind Size and Coffee Ratio
Medium-fine is the all-purpose starting point for AeroPress — similar to table salt. Finer grinds increase strength and extraction (use for espresso-style); coarser grinds produce a lighter, more tea-like cup. AeroPress is very forgiving: adjust grind size and dose to taste. Fresh beans ground just before brewing make the biggest difference in cup quality.
Water Temperature
AeroPress works across a wide temperature range. For lighter roasts and delicate single-origin coffees, 200–205°F (93–96°C) brings out bright acidity and floral notes. For medium and dark roasts, 175–195°F (80–90°C) produces a sweeter, less bitter cup. Experiment to find what works best with your specific coffee.
Filter Options
AeroPress paper micro-filters produce a clean, bright cup with no sediment. AeroPress-compatible metal reusable filters allow more oils and fine particles through for a fuller-bodied, French press-like result with more texture. Metal filters are available as an accessory and are dishwasher safe.