Siphon

Germany — 1840s (Loeff of Berlin)

Also called a vacuum pot, the siphon brewer uses vapor pressure and vacuum to cycle water between two glass chambers. It's part science experiment, part performance art, and produces an exceptionally clean, complex cup. You'll find it in high-end Japanese kissaten and specialty shops that don't mind the theater.

How to make it

1. 1

   Add 300g of water to the bottom globe and attach the cloth or paper filter to the upper chamber.

2. 2

   Heat the water until it rises to the upper chamber — this happens via vapor pressure.

3. 3

   Add 20g of medium-ground coffee to the upper chamber and stir gently.

4. 4

   Brew for 60–90 seconds, then remove the heat source.

5. 5

   Watch the brewed coffee draw back down through the filter into the lower globe via vacuum. Serve from the bottom chamber.