Time-tested and simplistic, French Press is one of the most popular brewers across the globe. Originating in France in the 1800s, the classic brewer is now a significant part of the third wave coffee culture.
When brewed with care and concentration, French Press produces rich, full bodied coffee while preserving the original essence of the beans. So, how to make French Press coffee?
How to Make Coffee in French Press?
As with any coffee brewing techniques, the details make the difference. Below is an outline on making great coffee with your French Press at home.
Anatomy of A French Press
Before we jump into the brewing process, let us have a closer look at the brewer.
A French Press is also known as a Cafe Press, Coffee Press or Coffee Plunger. The brewer has three key components:
- The carafe - typically made of glass or stainless steel holds the coffee and the water.
- The plunger - it includes a lid, a rod and a filter. The lid will include a small opening spout for serving the brews.
- The mesh filter - the bottom of the rod has the mesh filter. It separates the brewed coffee from the ground when pressed down.
Although not an essential part of the French Press, a handle is attached to the carafe for ease of pouring, and a base for stability.
What You Will Need?
- 20g of coffee beans (or coarsely ground pre-ground coffee)
- 240ml of water
- French Press, Kettle, Spoon & Coffee Mug
- Scale for precision (optional)
Brew Time
4 Minutes
Step One. Boil Water.
Boil water on a kettle. Add 240ml of water to the French Press to brew one cup of black coffee.
Step Two. Grind the Coffee Beans.
While the water is heating, you can grind the coffee beans. The suitable grind size for French Press is a coarse and even grind.
Measure 20g of coffee beans and pass it through a coffee grinder. Alternatively, you can purchase ground coffee beans for French Press.
We recommend using a 1:12 brew ratio (coffee-to-water ratio). So, if you are using 25g coffee, you will need 300ml of water.
Step 3. Bloom.
Once you have added the ground coffee into the carafe, gently pour water over the coffee. For this step, you will need to add twice the amount of water than you have coffee. This means, for 20g of ground coffee, you will need 40g of water.
You may notice the water bubbling up at the surface. This is carbon dioxide escaping the ground coffee, otherwise known as blooming.
Then, use a spatula or a chopstick to gently stir the ground coffee. Allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds.
Step 4. Add Water and Close the Lid.
Pour the remaining water (260ml) into the carafe and gently place the lid on top of the grounds. Let the coffee steep for four minutes. You can use the timer built into the scale or set up a countdown for 4 minutes on your phone. It is important to allow the ground coffee to brew for a good amount of time.
Step 5. Time for the Plunge!
After 4 minutes, it is time to press down the plunger into the carafe. If it is hard to press, chances are the grind is too fine. If the plunger sinks into the carafe suddenly, it can mean the grind size is too coarse.
If it sinks slowly and evenly as you plunge, the result will be a promising cup of coffee bursting with natural flavours.
When finished, it is best to serve immediately. Allowing the coffee to sit with the grounds will cause over-extraction.
How to Make Cold Brew in French Press?
French Press is versatile. In addition to helping you brew some great cups of black coffee, the brewer can also make cold brew. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Measure and Grind Coffee: Measure and grind 40 grams of coarsely ground coffee beans.
- Combine Coffee and Water: Place the ground coffee in the French Press. Pour 475ml (about 2 cups) of cold, filtered water over the coffee grounds. Ensure all the grounds are saturated and stir them gently.
- Steep: Place the lid on the French press without pressing down the plunger. Let the coffee steep at room temperature for 18-24 hours.
- Plunge: After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and steadily to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the cold brew concentrate into a separate container. Serve it over ice with a little bit of water to dilute the concentrate. You can also add milk, or flavour syrups as you prefer.
Making cold brew coffee in a French press is a simple process that yields a smooth, less acidic coffee. Furthermore, you can store the cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Coffees for French Press
To make your brews exceptionally delightful, here are 3 coffee recommendations for your French press.
Vienna Roast by Corridor Seven – The coffee is dark roasted to perfection. It has smoky and toasty notes that will elevate your brews perfectly.
Shop Vienna Roast by Corridor Seven Here
Perfecto by El Bueno – As the name suggests, the coffee promises perfect brews. It is a blend of Arabica (80) and Robusta (20). The taste notes include hints of roasted almonds and cocoa with a slight fruity note.
Shop Perfecto by El Bueno Here
ARAKU Signature Blend - ARAKU's Signature coffee has an aromatic balance and roundness that boldly declares its specialty status. The long and clean aftertaste is sweet and fresh with a mild chocolate finish.
Shop ARAKU Signature Blend Here
Final Takeaway
French press offers a versatile and efficient method for crafting your perfect cup of coffee. With this brewer and some good coffee beans, you can enjoy great brews no matter where you are in your coffee home brewing journey.
By carefully measuring your coffee, using the right grind size, and allowing ample steeping time, you can tailor the brews to your taste. So, experiment with different beans, brew ratio and time and explore endless flavour possibilities. Indulge in the simplicity of the French Press.
