Highwood Coffee’s 2025 Iced Coffee Guide: AeroPress + More

Cool Down with Ethiopian Iced Coffee: Brewed Two Ways

Discover Refreshing Summer Coffee in Calgary. Summer is nearly here in Calgary, and we at Highwood Coffee are celebrating longer days and warmer weather with something cool and delicious: iced coffee brewed from our Ethiopian single origin. With vibrant notes of stone fruit, vanilla, and a hint of lemon, this refreshing roast makes the perfect chilled brew for summer days.

Whether you're strolling along the Bow River, enjoying the community park at University District, setting up for the Calgary Stampede, or catching the breeze on your back deck, this light and juicy Ethiopian roast is your new go-to for iced coffee. In this post, we'll walk you through two easy ways to make iced coffee at home: one with the Moccamaster and another with the AeroPress.

We roast all our beans right here in Calgary and live in the Brentwood/Charleswood area. Sara and I (James) personally deliver most orders by hand, offering not just fresh coffee but friendly chats, brewing help, and gear suggestions. It's part of what makes Highwood Coffee feel local and personal—especially during summer 2025 when community connection is everything.

Method 1: Moccamaster Iced Coffee

This method is great for making 1–2 servings of balanced, crisp iced coffee using a traditional drip brewer.

You’ll Need:

• Moccamaster Brewer

• Freshly roasted Highwood Coffee (El Cinco or Ethiopian single origin)

• Paper filter or reusable metal filter

• 30g coffee (medium-coarse grind as per Moccamaster guidelines)

• Ice to fill your glass (few cubes)

• 450ml water total (The goal is a 1:15 coffee to water ratio. You may need to weigh your ice and water used for brewing, aiming to have a few cubes left after the brewing process is done. We use about 250g brew water into about 200g of ice in the carafe.  If you have the option, slow the drip rate with the half pot slider ensuring the water has longer contact in the brewer. In fact we stop the brew water and watch it so it doesn’t over flow then we click it to half pot to drain.)
  

Steps:

1. Place the filter in the basket and pre-wet with hot water.

2. Add coffee grounds to the filter.

3. Add ice to your carafe or serving glass.

4. Brew your coffee over the ice (flash-chilling method).

5. Stir gently and enjoy!

This flash-brew method preserves bright acidity and sweet notes while cooling your drink quickly, resulting in a vibrant cup.

Method 2: AeroPress Iced Coffee (Inverted Method)

Great for single-cup brewing with more body and sweetness.

You’ll Need:

• AeroPress (inverted method)

• Metal or paper filter

• 30g coffee (medium grind)

• 150ml water (95°C)

• Strong glass with ice

• Stirring spoon
  

Steps:

1. Assemble AeroPress in the inverted position.

2. Add 30g coffee.

3. Pour in 150ml hot water.

4. Stir in intervals over 60 seconds.

5. Attach filter and cap, steep 30 seconds.

6. Fill glass with ice, flip AeroPress onto the glass, and plunge slowly.

7. Optional: Add a splash of half-and-half or a bit of sugar for extra indulgence.

8. Stir until condensation appears on glass and enjoy!
   
   

Updates

Our latest fresh roast (at time of posting) - June 12, 2025 

We’re featuring two stellar coffees!

• Liams Bike packing Ethiopian (Light Roast) – $19/340g
  

• El Triunfo Tapachula, Chiapas (Medium Roast, Organic) – $19/340g
  

Shipping minimum is $30, so grab two bags and get free local delivery within Calgary!

Final Sip

Both these iced methods bring out unique aspects of our Ethiopian roast—whether it’s crisp brightness in the Moccamaster or smooth, sweet intensity in the AeroPress. Whichever you try, we’d love to see your creations. Tag us @highwoodcoffee on Instagram or send us a note!

Thanks for supporting local this summer, Calgary. Whether you're headed to the Stampede, relaxing at the park, or biking through the city—we’re proud to fuel your adventures with fresh, small-batch coffee.

Cheers,
James & Sara