Memorial Day Sale – Save 20% on Summer Travel Picks with code ROADTRIP

FRENCH PRESS BREW GUIDE

A classic coffee brewer, the French Press is a popular brew method favored by many people in homes and restaurants today. It produces a sweet, balanced cup with a heavier-body than a pour over or a traditional coffee maker. The full-body and bold sweetness makes for an exceptional pairing with milk or cream. It is one of the simplest brew methods to perfect and has the added benefit of not requiring filters. 

If cold coffee is more your style, you can also make delicious Cold Brew and Flash Brew Iced Coffee with a French Press. Cold Brew is an overnight brew that will give you a sweet and delicious concentrate that you can pour over ice and milk. If you don’t have the extra time, flash brew an Iced Coffee for an equally refreshing beverage. We give you directions for both brew methods below.

Hot Coffee Iced Coffee Cold Brew

Brew Time: 4 minutes
Coffee: 50g or 10 tbsp
Water: 800g or 27fl oz at 200℉
Grind: Coarse/Rock Salt/Baratza Encore #25

What you need:

  • French Press (34oz or larger)
  • Water Kettle
  • Filtered Water
  • Digital Scale or Tablespoon
  • Stir Spoon
  • Timer
  • Tumbler or Mug
  • Recommended: Burr Grinder, Water Thermometer

Instructions:

  • Step 1: Heat great-tasting filtered water in electric or stove-top kettle to 200℉ or about 30 seconds pre-boil, when the water is simmering
  • Step 2: Measure 50g of coffee and coarsely grind it to the consistency of rock salt; we like to use the Baratza Encore grinder at setting #25, although 25-28 is a great target range. Every grinder is different and it may take a couple attempts to find your preferred grind.
  • Step 3: Preheat the French Press with hot water. Dump water and add 50g or 10 tbsp of coffee. If using a scale, set the press with coffee on the scale and press tare.
  • Step 4: Set a 4 minute timer and start when you begin pouring; pour 400g or 13 fl oz of 200℉ water and stir 5-6 times.
  • Step 5: Pour the remaining water and compress the plunger just enough to submerge coffee.
  • Step 6: After 4 minutes, compress the plunger. Serve and enjoy.

Pro Tip: For a brighter cup, skim the floating grounds with a spoon before pressing down the plunger.

To make a Flash Brew Iced Coffee, follow steps 1-4. Instead of adding more water in step 5, allow it to steep for 4 minutes, press, and then pour over 400g of ice. Serve and enjoy.

How to Make French Press Cold Brew Concentrate

What you need:

Instructions:

  • Step 1: Measure 4oz of coffee and coarsely grind it to the consistency of rock salt; if you have a Baratza Encore grinder, we like setting #40. Note: every grinder is different and it may take a couple attempts to find your preferred grind.
  • Step 2: Add 1 cup of cold water to the brewer. Add 6oz coffee and 2.5 cups of water over coffee trying to evenly wet coffee.
  • Step 3: Gently submerge floating grounds with a spoon, but do not stir. Cover and place in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
  • Step 4: Remove from the fridge and gently press down the plunger. Serve and enjoy.