Brew Coach: How To Make a French Press

Making the perfect French Press coffee at home

By Chris Ali

|

December 22, 2023

Brew Coach

Ah, the aromatic allure of freshly brewed coffee! If you're a coffee enthusiast seeking a full-bodied and rich cup, mastering the art of the French press is a must. French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a popular method for brewing coffee. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve the perfect French press coffee recipe in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients and Tools:

  • Coarsely ground coffee beans
  • Hot water (just off boiling)
  • French press
  • Timer
  • Your favorite mug

Choose Quality Beans:
Start with high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The flavor profile of your coffee largely depends on the beans you choose.

Measure Your Coffee:
We like using a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio here, but if you don’t have a scale, that’s perfectly fine! For a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee, use about 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee.

Heat the Water:
Bring the water to just below boiling point (around 200°F or 93°C). This temperature ensures optimal extraction without scalding the coffee grounds.

Add Coffee Grounds:
Place the coarsely ground coffee into the French press. Evenly distribute the coffee to promote uniform extraction.

Pour the Water:
Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in a slow and controlled pour, ensuring the grounds are fully saturated. Use a circular motion to cover all the coffee grounds with water.

Stir and Saturate:
Give the coffee-water mixture a gentle stir with a wooden or plastic spoon to ensure all the grounds are fully immersed.

Steep:
Place the lid on the French press without pressing down the plunger. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop fully.

Press and Serve:
After 4 minutes, slowly press down the plunger, separating the coffee grounds from the liquid. Be sure to stop pressing the plunger before reaching the coffee bed at the bottom. Pour the brewed coffee into your favorite mug.

Enjoy:
Serve and enjoy the rich and bold flavors of your homemade French press coffee.

Pro Tips:

  • Invest in a burr grinder for consistent grind size.
  • Use filtered water for best tasting results.
  • If your French press is larger or smaller than the typical 34 ounces, adjust the coffee and water amounts accordingly.
  • If your brew is weak and sour, try a finer grind. If your brew is bitter and strong, try a coarser grind. 
  • Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time based on your taste preferences.
  • Prewarm your mug while your French press steeps.

Becoming a master of the French press is one of the quickest ways to elevate your home coffee with minimal effort. With these tips, you're well on your way to brewing the perfect cup of coffee at home. Elevate your coffee experience and savor the rich, full-bodied flavors that only a well-crafted French press coffee can deliver. Happy brewing!

Drop us a message at brewcoach@yesplz.coffee for personalized help with your brewing experience!

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