How i fell in love with the moka pot: a guide to iced coffee
I never thought I'd fall for an Italian coffee maker, but after moving to Rome, the allure of the moka pot was undeniable.
The magic of moka pot iced coffee
Recommended by The Guardian and the subject of countless TikTok tutorials, the moka pot has won over fans for its ability to brew cafe-quality coffee at a fraction of the cost of an espresso machine or Nespresso. But its versatility extends beyond traditional hot coffee - it's also a killer tool for making iced coffee.
As summer arrives, I'm excited to share my method for cold-brewing with this versatile maker. And I've crunched the numbers to show just how much money it can save you compared to buying iced coffee from a cafe.
So, what is a moka pot? At its core, it's a stovetop espresso maker with three main components - a bottom chamber for water, a funnel filter in the middle for ground coffee, and an upper chamber. It only requires a stovetop or induction plate.
Making iced coffee with a moka pot
My perfect cup starts with high-quality, fragrant beans that I grind finely. I'm a fan of Counter Culture Coffee, a B-Corp certified brand that emphasizes transparent sourcing.
For an intense beverage, I use a ratio of one part coffee to two parts water. If you prefer something less concentrated, try a 1:6 ratio. Add the water to the bottom chamber and your grounds to the funnel.
Turn your heat to medium and let the magic happen. As your coffee brews, fill a 16oz glass halfway with ice cubes and add six to eight ounces of milk, depending on how creamy you want it. I recommend using a higher fat milk for a luscious consistency.
When you hear the bubbling sound, your coffee is done. Allow it to cool for five to ten minutes before pouring it over the milk. And don't forget the final touch - a demure sprinkle of cinnamon.
How much can you save?
Of course, this doesn't include the upfront cost of buying a moka pot or milk frother. But these aren't overly expensive gadgets. Here's a breakdown of the savings:
Starbucks grande iced latte with milk: $7.78 (after tax and tip)
My iced coffee: Trader Joe's Organic Soy Milk: $0.46 for a 6oz serving; Counter Culture Coffee: $0.93 per serving
Total savings: $6.39
What stovetops are safe for a moka pot?
The moka pot is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops. If you own an induction cooktop, you'll need an adaptor to use a standard moka pot, like this one made by Bialetti. The brand also sells moka pots with stainless steel boilers specifically designed for induction.
Cleaning your moka pot
Don't put your moka pot in the dishwasher, and avoid cleaning with dish soap. After each use, simply rinse each part with hot water. For a deeper clean, mix baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Make sure the pot is completely dry before reassembling to avoid oxidation.
Former UK brewers cup champion Matteo D'Ottavio recommends drying it right after use.