Gather Your Materials
If you want to make a delicious and aromatic coffee, you need to start with the right materials.
The first thing you need is a French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot. This is a cylindrical glass or stainless-steel container with a plunger and a mesh filter that separates the coffee grounds from the water. You can find French presses in various sizes, but a standard capacity of 34 ounces is perfect for brewing one or two cups.
Next on the list are freshly roasted coffee beans. The better the beans, the better the coffee. Choose high-quality and freshly roasted beans that have a good aroma and flavor. You can purchase your coffee beans from specialty coffee shops, online stores, or local roasters.
You also need a grinder that can grind the coffee beans to a coarse texture. A burr grinder is recommended as it produces a consistent grind size and preserves the flavor of the coffee beans better than a blade grinder. Grind the beans just before brewing to prevent the coffee from losing its aroma and freshness.
Finally, boiling water is essential for making espresso in a French press. You can use tap water, but it’s best to filter it first. Boil the water and let it sit for a few seconds to cool down slightly, as the ideal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Measure Out Your Coffee
Before you can start making espresso using a French press, you’ll need to measure out your coffee properly. As a general rule, you should use two tablespoons of coffee for every 6 oz of water. This ratio should be able to give you a strong and rich flavor for your espresso. Of course, the strength of your coffee preference may vary, so feel free to adjust the ratio as needed.
When measuring out your coffee, it’s essential to use a quality coffee bean. The freshness and quality of the coffee bean will affect the taste of your espresso. If possible, get coffee beans that are freshly roasted and avoid pre-ground coffee beans as much as possible as they tend to lose their flavor quickly.
You may also want to grind your coffee beans before using them in your French press. This method will help you extract the best flavors from the beans. Be sure to grind the coffee beans on the fine or medium setting so that the water can seep through the coffee grounds effectively.
Grind Your Coffee
Before you start brewing espresso using a French press, the first step is to grind your coffee. The ideal grind for a French press is medium-coarse because it produces a rich and full-bodied brew. The reason for this is that the mesh filter on the French press allows some of the coffee oils to pass through, which enhances the flavor and aroma of the espresso. If the grounds are too fine, they will slip through the filter and into the espresso, making it bitter and potentially bitty.
You can grind your coffee beans using a burr grinder or a blade grinder. Burr grinders are generally preferred because they produce a more consistent grind and a better flavor. If you’re using a blade grinder, make sure to pulse the grinder a few times instead of running it continuously to avoid overheating and uneven grinding.
Once you’ve ground your coffee beans, measure out the right amount of coffee for the amount of water you’ll be using. The general rule of thumb is one tablespoon of coffee for every four ounces of water. You can adjust the amount of coffee and water according to your preference.
Add Hot Water
One of the most important steps in making espresso in a French press is the addition of hot water. It’s essential to use the right amount of water to coffee grounds for the perfect brew. The ideal ratio is 1:2. So, for every one part of coffee, use two parts of hot water.
The temperature of the water also matters when making espresso in a French press. Water that is too hot will burn the coffee grounds and produce a bitter taste. On the other hand, water that is too cold will not extract the coffee’s full flavor. The perfect temperature for making espresso is between 195°F to 205°F.
Now that you have everything ready, you can slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to saturate them fully. Start by pouring a small amount of water over the grounds, and stirring them to ensure that they are well-coated.
Then, pour the remaining water over the grounds in a steady, circular motion. Be careful not to fill the French press to the top, as you need to leave some space for the coffee to bloom. Once you have poured all the water, stir the mixture gently to ensure that the coffee is fully saturated.
After adding the hot water, leave the French press undisturbed for 4 minutes. This will allow the coffee to steep and release its full flavor. Do not press the plunger down yet.
When the steeping time is complete, it’s time to press the plunger down gently. This will separate the coffee grounds from the water and prevent over-extraction.
Now that you have learned how to add hot water correctly, the next step is to press the plunger and pour your freshly brewed espresso into your cup.
Steep the Coffee
The first step to making espresso in a French press is to steep the coffee. Measure the desired amount of coffee and add it to the French press. A standard amount is two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water, but you can adjust this to your liking. Boil water and let it cool for a minute or two, then pour it into the French press over the coffee grounds. Use a spoon to stir the coffee and water together, making sure all the grounds are fully saturated.
Next, let the coffee steep for 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic happens and the coffee becomes concentrated and full-bodied, creating the taste and texture of espresso. You may need to adjust the steeping time depending on your personal taste and the type of coffee used. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Once the coffee has steeped, it’s time to separate the liquid from the grounds. Slowly press the plunger down with gentle pressure. Be careful not to rush this step as it can cause the coffee grounds to overflow or create a mess. The plunger separates the coffee grounds from the liquid, leaving you with a rich, smooth espresso.
The coffee is now ready to be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in other drinks. If you want to add milk or sweetener, this is the time to do so. Pour the espresso into a mug and savor the flavor and aroma.
Making espresso in a French press is a great way to enjoy the strong, bold taste of espresso without needing an expensive machine or special equipment. With a little practice, you can be a master at making your own French press espresso and impress your friends and family with your barista skills.
