As temperatures soar to record highs, iced coffee has moved from an occasional indulgence to an essential daily ritual for us. And just like a great hot brew, the best iced brew doesnât happen by accident. At the heart of every great iced coffee are two principles: intentional extraction and precise dilution - and this short read is intended to demystify them!
When thinking about intentional extraction, iced pour-overs are the gold standard. Brew slowly and directly over iceâideally, ice that makes up half your total brew weight (i.e. if youâre brewing a 16 fl oz cup, youâd use only 8 fl oz of hot water for extraction, and pour it over 8 oz of ice). This flash-chilling locks in volatile aromatics, preserving brightness, body, and nuance in just a few minutes. For best results, adjust your water temperature based on roast level: use 200â205°F for light roasts and 195â200°F for medium roasts.
Espresso over ice also offers a delicious, and faster, route to refreshment, yet here, too, technique matters. Pull your shot directly over ice (we recommend no more than 6 oz of ice per shot, less if youâre also adding milk), or shake it cocktail-style to create a smoother, creamier mouthfeel. What to avoid? Pouring a regular americano, or latte over a full glass of ice - itâs the quickest path to uninspiring brews! Whether you favor pour-overs or Espresso, remember great iced coffee is always the result of intentional extraction and precise dilution.
And, if youâre looking for a new coffee adventure - we have a bright new Colombian arrival, ready to Brew Greatness with you: our new âCaldasâ! This bold cup radiates with the sweetness of sugar cane and caramel, softened by whispers of vanilla and elevated by a gentle citric acidity. It is silky, smooth, and refreshing as an iced pour-over. Behind this coffee are eight small farmer families in Salamina, Caldas practicing regenerative agriculture, and breathing new life into the soil that nurtures their communities. Itâs a beautiful new offering, worthy of our Ethos family, and one we hope youâll love - hot or iced!
Jolian & Lisbeth
