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cold brew french press

How To Make Cold Brew Using A French Press

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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

  • Ingredients and Equipment:

    • Cold or room temperature water
    • Freshly roasted coffee beans
    • Coffee grinder 
    • French press
    • Container for storing the ready coffee
    • Optional HACK! – Pitcher with a cheese cloth or fine mesh strainer


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 at 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 is 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 don’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 Ratio: 100 grams of coffee for every 800 milliliters of water.
      • 1:4 Ratio: 100 grams of coffee for every 400 milliliters of water.

  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.

FAQ:

Can I make cold brew coffee with a French press?

Absolutely! The French press is an excellent choice for cold brew due to its immersion method.

Why use freshly roasted coffee beans?

Fresh beans yield superior flavor. Grind them just before brewing for the best results.

What grind size should I use for cold brew?

Opt for a very coarse grind. It ensures slow extraction and easy filtration.

How long can I store French press cold brew?

Refrigerate it for up to a week. Enjoy your homemade cold brew anytime!

Your Coffee Expert Author

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Nick Puffer

My love and passion for coffee goes back to a time when my nana would slip me my own cups of "coffee milk" when I would stay at her home in the dog days of summer in the 80's. I dove deeper into coffee when I worked as a barista where I began to explore the possibilities beyond store-bought coffee and learn about regions and methods. I founded coffee slang to not only continue my expedition but to create a community that is just as passionate about a small little bean with so many possibilities. Let's explore together!

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