An easy, straightforward tutorial showing how to use a French press to brew a rich, delicious cup of coffee at home. Try it with homemade oat milk and a slice of gluten-free coffee cake for a perfect morning treat.
How to Make the Best French Press Coffee
Imagine a slow Sunday morning: warm baked oatmeal coming out of the oven and the smell of fresh coffee in the air. If you have a French press sitting unused, now is the time to use it. This guide walks you through simple steps to make the best French press coffee, so you can enjoy a flavorful, full-bodied cup.
Interested in Making Cold Brew Coffee?
You can make cold brew using a French press as well. Check out the Cold Brew French Press method for a slow, smooth brew.
Why We Love This Method
- Fast: quick to prepare and easy to clean.
- Small batch: ideal for one or two people.
- No paper filter: reduces waste and preserves oils for fuller flavor.
What You Will Need
- Water: filtered water is preferred, but use what you like.
- Coffee beans: whole beans are recommended so you can grind them fresh. For two servings, use about 2 ounces (5–7 tablespoons) of coarsely ground coffee.
- Coffee grinder: a burr grinder or any grinder that produces a coarse, even grind.
- Thermometer (optional): helpful to hit the 195–205°F (90–96°C) range, but not required.
- French press: any quality French press will do; the Bodum Chambord is a popular choice.
- Carafe or storage container: transfer leftover brewed coffee to a covered carafe and refrigerate to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
How To Use a French Press
Start by grinding whole beans to a coarse consistency. A grind similar to coarse sea salt works best — too fine and grounds can pass through or clog the mesh; too coarse and the brew will be weak.
Add the grounds to the French press, then pour in hot water.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
A common guideline is 1:15 (coffee to water). For simplicity, try 2 cups of water with 5–7 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee for a medium-strength brew. Adjust amounts and steep time to dial in your preferred strength.
Place the lid on the French press and steep for 4 minutes for a standard brew. For a slightly lighter cup, brew 3 minutes; for a stronger cup, brew up to 5–6 minutes. After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and steadily to separate grounds from the liquid.
Pour the coffee into mugs and serve black or with your favorite milk or creamer. If you have leftover coffee, transfer it to a covered carafe and refrigerate to prevent continued extraction and bitterness.
Other Brew Methods
- Drip coffee maker: the everyday auto-drip machine most households use.
- Cold brew: long, low-temperature extraction for a smooth, less acidic cup.
- Pour over: uses a paper filter and gives a clean, bright cup (Chemex or V60).
Other Tea & Coffee Recipes You Might Like
- Chai Latte
- Maple Oat Latte
- Matcha Latte
- London Fog (Earl Grey Latte)
- Pistachio Latte
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Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 5-7 tablespoons freshly ground coffee, coarse grind
Instructions
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Boil water: Add 2 cups water to a small pot and bring to a boil.
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Grind beans: Grind whole coffee beans to a coarse consistency. Aim for a grind that is neither too fine nor too coarse.
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Cool slightly: Remove boiling water from heat and let sit about 60 seconds so the temperature drops slightly before pouring over the grounds.
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French press: Remove the plunger, add the grounds, pour in the hot water, and stir gently to combine. Place the lid on and steep 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength. Press the plunger down slowly and evenly.
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Serve: Pour into mugs and enjoy black or with milk/cream. Transfer any leftovers to a covered carafe and refrigerate.
Notes
- Measuring vs weighing: While weighing coffee offers precision, this recipe uses tablespoons to keep it accessible.
- Four servings: Use about 3/4 cup beans + 4 cups water for four medium-strength cups.
- Adjust to taste: Experiment with grind size, coffee amount, and steep time to find your ideal cup.
- Fresh beans: Grinding beans just before brewing yields the best flavor.
- Water temperature: Target 195–205°F for optimal extraction.
- Storage: Do not leave brewed coffee in the French press; it will continue to extract and become bitter. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container.