
The Internet's Trendiest Coffee Recipe... On an Aeropress
Lance Hedrick demonstrates how to replicate the popular "Soup" or "Zupa" coffee, typically made with specialized brewers like the OXO Rapid Brewer, using only a standard Aeropress and no additional gadgets. The goal is a clean, percolation-dominant extraction, similar to an espresso but with less pressure.
The Challenge: Immersion vs. Percolation- In a standard Aeropress brew, pouring water creates agitation and mixing of the coffee grounds. This leads to immersion, where most extraction occurs while the coffee is in contact with water.
- The "Zupa" method, however, relies on pure percolation: a calm column of water is pushed through a compact coffee puck for maximum clarity and controlled extraction.
Lance introduces a technique that uses only the Aeropress's included parts, avoiding expensive attachments:
- Insert filter: Place a paper filter into the cap and screw it onto the Aeropress.
- Add coffee: Add 15 g of finely ground coffee.
- Tap to level: Gently tap the Aeropress on the counter to level the coffee bed.
- Add a top filter: Place a second paper filter on top of the coffee grounds.
- Tamp with the plunger: Carefully set the rubber plunger on the top filter. Pushing down tamps the coffee puck and folds the filter into the chamber.
- Note: Push down slowly and evenly to avoid disturbing the puck.
- Remove plunger: To extract it, twist and pull gently to break the vacuum. The top filter will stick to the plunger; push it back into the chamber (e.g., with the Aeropress stirrer).
- Pour water: Gently pour 150 g of water (93°C/200°F) onto the top filter. The water column stays clear because the filter protects the coffee bed.
- Crucial for very fresh coffee: CO2 release can lift the top filter. In this case, lower the water temperature (e.g., to 70°C/160°F) or use a heavier (e.g., 3D-printed) filter screen.
- Percolate: Insert the plunger and press very slowly and evenly through the puck. Slow pressure maintains the clarity of the final drink.
Lance compares his method (15 g / 150 g water) directly with an OXO Rapid Brewer (22 g / 220 g water) using the same grind size and temperature:
- TDS Measurement: Both drinks had nearly identical TDS values (1,79 and 1,81), indicating similar extraction efficiency.
- Blind Taste Test: The two drinks were nearly indistinguishable. Lance slightly preferred the Aeropress version for its brighter acidity and more pleasant finish.
- Conclusion: This method is a great alternative for Aeropress owners who don't have a specialized brewer (like the OXO) but still want to enjoy a clear, percolation-based coffee ("Soup"/"Zupa").
- If the top filter floats up during pouring, the brew becomes a mix of immersion and percolation.
- The resulting coffee will be cloudier, with more body and less clarity – similar to a standard Aeropress brew. The taste isn't ruined, but it won't have the clean "Zupalonga" profile.
- Coffee: Use well-rested coffee beans (not too fresh) as they release less CO2 and keep the filter stable.
- Ratio: The recommended ratio is 1:10 (15 g coffee : 150 g water), but for a stronger or weaker brew, adjust the ratio between 1:3 to 1:13.
- Temperature: 93°C (200°F) is a good starting point. If the filter lifts with fresh coffee, lower the temperature to 70-80°C (160-175°F).
- Pressure: An even, slow press is the key to clarity and controlled extraction.






