How to Brew a Chemex, V60, and AeroPress in Your Café

Adding pour-over and manual brew methods to your café menu isn’t just trendy—it’s a chance to showcase your coffee’s unique flavours and elevate your customer experience. Whether you're attracting specialty coffee lovers or giving regulars something new to try, brewing methods like the Chemex, V60, and AeroPress add theatre, craft, and clarity to your café offering.

Here’s how to brew each method like a pro—and serve it with confidence in a busy café setting.

Why Manual Brewing in a Cafe? 

• Upsell opportunity: Priced higher than batch brews, but with minimal extra cost.

• Showcase single origin beans: Highlight unique tasting notes.

• Customer experience: Brewing in front of customers adds to the experience.

Chemex - Clean, Crisp and Elegant 

The Chemex is perfect for customers who love bright, clear brews and an Instagrammable moment.

What You’ll Need:

• Chemex (6-cup or 8-cup)

• Chemex bonded filters

• 30g coffee (medium-coarse grind)

• 500g water (92–96°C)

• Gooseneck kettle

• Digital scale and timer

Brew Method:

1. Fold and rinse the filter, discarding rinse water.

2. Add 30g of coffee and zero the scale.

3. Bloom: Pour 60g of water to wet all grounds. Let sit for 30–45 seconds.

4. Pour in slow spirals to reach 500g over the next 2–3 minutes.

5. Let it draw down fully (total time: ~4 minutes).

Serving Tip:

Present it in the Chemex with a side cup. Let the customer pour and enjoy the ritual. 

V60 - Balanced and Bright 

The go-to method for café baristas. Great for highlighting nuanced acidity or floral notes.

What You’ll Need:

• V60 dripper (plastic or ceramic)

• V60 filters

• 15g coffee (medium grind)

• 250g water (92–96°C)

• Gooseneck kettle

• Scale and timer

Brew Method:

1. Rinse the filter with hot water.

2. Add 15g coffee, zero the scale.

3. Bloom with 30g water, let sit 30–45 seconds.

4. Pour in 3 stages:

   • To 100g

   • Then 170g

   • Finally 250g

   • Keep the pour smooth and circular.

5. Total time: 2:30–3:00 minutes.

Serving Tip:

Use a carafe and branded glass mug to emphasize clarity and care.

AeroPress - Bold, Smooth, and Versatile 

AeroPress is fast, fun, and loved by baristas and customers alike. Perfect for those who want a richer, slightly fuller cup.

What You’ll Need:

• AeroPress

• Filter paper or metal filter

• 16g coffee (fine-medium grind)

• 240g water (85–90°C)

• Stirrer, timer, scale

Brew Method (Inverted Style):

1. Assemble AeroPress upside down.

2. Add coffee and 50g water. Stir and bloom for 30 seconds.

3. Add remaining water up to 240g. Stir again.

4. Let steep for 1:00–1:30 minutes.

5. Flip and press slowly into cup over 20–30 seconds.

Serving Tip:

Offer it with a small card describing the origin and tasting notes—AeroPress drinkers love the geeky details.

Adding manual brew methods like Chemex, V60, and AeroPress to your café is more than just brewing—it’s storytelling. It shows customers you care about the craft, gives your baristas a chance to shine, and makes your café stand out from the crowd.

Explore our brew gear collection and give your café menu the upgrade it deserves.