How To Make Cold Brew Using A French Press

It's quickly coming up on cold brew season and we have an easy recipe for you to try out! The best part? If you don't already own a French Press, I have a hack for you to enjoy this recipe without going out and buying one on the fly!

Now, in the coffee community, some look down on this beverage as they point out how it lacks depth of flavor notes. There's no denying that brewing a coffee with hot water will extract more of the notes that the specific bean has been roasted for. However, some of us still love the smooth, rich texture of an ice cold brew on a hot sunny day! I know I'm here for it! So, let's go over what you'll need and we'll go over the hack as well!

Why French Press For Cold Brew?

• Immersion Method: Cold brew relies on slow, steady extraction of flavor compounds from coffee beans. The French press, an immersion method, is ideal for achieving this.
• Convenience: If you're looking for simplicity, the French press delivers. It's a versatile tool that transitions seamlessly from hot coffee to cold brew.
• Minimal Investment: No need for specialized cold brew makers or drippers—just use your trusty French press.

Brewing Perfect French Press Cold Brew

Now, there are always questions surrounding the coffee grinder and if you could simply use coffee that's pre-ground. The answer is yes. Just keep in mind that most pre-ground coffee, especially bought in a supermarket, is ground for drip coffee. You can use this coffee, however, you're going to be left with an unwanted sludge that won't be able to be filtered out from your French press.

If you don't have a grinder at home, there are cold brew kits that are ground for cold brew. Alternatively, you can go to your local coffee shop, choose a bean and ask your barista to grind for French Press!

French Press Cold Brew Recipe

1. Measure and Grind

   As mentioned above, we feel pre-ground coffee doesn't hold a candle to whole beans. Invest in freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for optimal results.

   If you have one, use a burr grinder set to a very coarse grind. Coarser grounds ensure slow and steady flavor extraction.

   We're looking for precision here so use a scale. The coffee-to-water ratio depends on your preference:

   1 : 8

   100g coffee per 800ml water
   Lighter, everyday sipping

   1 : 4

   100g coffee per 400ml water
   Concentrated, bold flavor
   Tip: If you're unsure about measurements, our guide on how many scoops of coffee per cup can help you dial things in.
2. Brewing Process
   • Add the coarse coffee grounds to the bottom of your French press.
   • Pour cold or room temperature water gently over the grounds.
   • Stir to ensure all grounds are wet.
   • Place the French press lid on top but do not plunge it down.
   • Let it steep at room temperature for 14–16 hours.
3. Press and Strain
   • After steeping, press down the French press plunger.
   • Strain the cold brew into a covered jar or vessel.
   • Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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