How to Make French Press Coffee

First things first, you’ll want to select high-quality beans and grind them to a coarse consistency, resembling kosher salt. The coarseness will prevent the grounds from passing through the mesh filter and prevent over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.

Start by preheating your French press and mug with hot water, then discarding the water and adding the coffee grounds to the pot. Measure your coffee-to-water ratio according to your taste; a commonly recommended ratio is 1:15.

Next, boil fresh filtered water to obtain an ideal temperature of 195-205°F (if you don’t have a thermometer, let the boiling water sit for 30 seconds). Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, saturating them completely, and give them a gentle stir to break up the crust and release the trapped aroma.

Place the lid on the press with the plunger pulled all the way up, and allow the coffee to steep for around 4 minutes. Once the brew time is complete, slowly and steadily press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid.

Now, your flavorful and aromatic cup of French press coffee is ready to be enjoyed.

Brewing with the French Press In-Depth

Pre-heating the French Press

To start, preheat the French press by pouring hot water into the carafe to ensure a consistent temperature during brewing. This also warms your coffee mug, which is helpful for maintaining the desired temperature of your brew.

The Bloom Phase

Before you begin brewing, it’s essential to prepare your coffee grounds. For a French press, aim for a coarse grind. Measure out the correct amount of coffee (a good ratio is 15 grams of coffee for every 250 ml of water) and pour the grounds into the preheated carafe.

When you’re ready to start brewing, you’ll begin with the bloom phase. Boil filtered water in a kettle and wait for it to cool slightly (ideal temperature is around 200°F/93°C). Pour a small amount of water onto the coffee grounds, just enough to saturate them. You’ll notice the coffee grounds expand and release gases, which contribute to the aroma and flavor of your cup. Wait for about 30 seconds before moving on to the next step.

Steeping and Plunging

Now, it’s time for the steeping process. Pour the hot water into the carafe to fill it up, and then give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure all grounds are evenly soaked. Place the lid with the plunger and mesh filter on top, making sure the mesh is not fully plunged yet. Let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your brew.

After the steeping time is up, it’s time to press the plunger down slowly and with even pressure. The mesh filter will separate the grounds from the liquid, leaving you with a smoother cup of French press coffee.

Serving Your Brew

Pour your brewed coffee into your preheated mug, and enjoy! It’s best to pour the entire contents of the French press to avoid over-extraction and the resulting bitterness that comes with it.

Be mindful of potential sediment at the bottom of your cup, which is natural due to the brewing method. Savor the rich, full-bodied flavor and delightful aroma of your homemade French press coffee.