How to Brew Perfect French Press Coffee
French press coffee offers a rich, full-bodied flavor with a hint of sediment. Here's a step-by-step guide to brewing the perfect cup:
Equipment:
- French press
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Heat water: Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it's just off the boil. In an automatic electric pitcher, typical temperature settings should be between 180º and 205º. Experiment! Each roast will yield markedly different results at different temperatures!
- Add grounds: Add your desired amount of coarsely ground coffee beans to the French press. A good starting point is 1 tablespoon per 6 ounces of water. We recommend 7 grams per half-liter capacity. Most French presses feature one-liter carafes. Now is the time to add ¼-tsp of your favorite cocoa or a pinch of cinnamon. Adding a pinch of sea salt really improves the French press experience, as well.
- Pour water: Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds.
- Steep: Stir gently to ensure even saturation. Let the coffee steep for 3-4 minutes.
- Press: Slowly press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
- Pour and enjoy: Carefully pour the coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy immediately.
Tips for the perfect French press:
- Grind size: Coarsely ground coffee beans are ideal for French press brewing.
- Water temperature: Use water that's just off the boil for optimal flavor extraction; typical temperature settings should be between 180º and 205º.
- Steeping time: Experiment with different steeping times to find your preferred flavor intensity. Recommendations are between 2-7 minutes.
- Cleaning: Clean your French press immediately after use to prevent coffee grounds from building up. A quick rinse under warm water will be fine for the carafe. The filter screen on the plunger may regularly need to be disassembled and given a thorough rinse. Dish soap is usually not necessary. Take extra caution not to crack the hot glass carafe with cold water. Use warm water.
By following these steps and experimenting with different variables, you can brew perfect French press coffee every time.