How To Make French Press Coffee

French press coffee is loved for its bold, rich flavour and simplicity. With the right technique, you can brew a delicious cup at home that rivals any café. This guide will walk you through how to make the perfect French press coffee.

What Is French Press Coffee?

A French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a manual coffee maker that steeps coarse coffee grounds in hot water and then separates the grounds by pressing down a metal or mesh plunger. This brewing method allows the natural oils and fine particles from the coffee grounds to remain in the brew, resulting in a full-bodied and robust cup of coffee.

What You Need

• French press (choose the right size for your servings)
• Freshly ground coffee beans (medium-coarse grind)
• Filtered water (heated to about 93°C / 200°F)
• Coffee bean grinder (if using whole beans)
• Stirring spoon (non-metal recommended)
• Timer
  

Ingredients

• 30g (about 6 tablespoons) of coarsely ground coffee
• 500ml (about 2 cups) of hot water

Tip: The standard ratio is 1:15 (1g of coffee to 15g of water). Adjust according to your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat Your Water
   Boil filtered water and let it cool for 30 seconds to reach around 93°C (200°F). This temperature is ideal for extracting flavour without burning the coffee.
   
2. Grind Your Coffee Beans
   Use a coarse grind similar to sea salt. Freshly ground beans make a huge difference in flavour. A coffee bean grinder ensures consistent grind size.
   
3. Add Coffee to the French Press
   Place the French press on a stable surface and add the ground coffee.
   
4. Pour Hot Water
   Slowly pour half of the hot water over the grounds in a circular motion to evenly saturate them. Let it sit for 30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom (release trapped gases).
   
5. Stir and Fill
   Gently stir the coffee with a wooden or plastic spoon. Pour in the remaining water.
   
6. Steep
   Place the lid on the French press (plunger up) and let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. For a stronger brew, steep for up to 5 minutes.
   
7. Press Down Slowly
   Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. This separates the grounds from the liquid.
   
8. Serve and Enjoy
   Pour the coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction, which can make it bitter. Enjoy black or add milk, cream, or sugar as you prefer.
   

Pro Tips for the Best French Press Coffee

• Use Filtered Water: Water quality greatly affects taste. Filtered water ensures your coffee has a cleaner, richer flavour.
  
• Don’t Rush the Press: Press slowly to prevent grounds from escaping and to get a smoother brew.
  
• Serve Immediately: Leaving coffee in the French press can lead to bitterness.
  
• Adjust Ratio: Prefer a stronger cup? Use more coffee grounds or steep longer.
  

Why Water Quality Matters

Great coffee starts with great water. Impurities in water can mask the natural flavours of your coffee beans, leading to an unbalanced taste. Filtered water ensures optimal extraction, enhancing the aroma and richness of every cup.

Conclusion

Making coffee with a French press is easy and rewarding. With freshly ground beans, filtered water, and the right technique, you can brew a rich, full-bodied coffee that’s perfect for any time of day.

References

1. National Coffee Association USA – "How to Brew Coffee"

2. Bluewater Group – "Café Station 1™ Product Info"

3. Coffee Affection – "How to Make Perfect French Press Coffee"