Using a French Press

Learn how to brew coffee using a French Press in this video featuring 2x US Barista Champion, Heather Perry.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Brew Time

4 min (30 sec steep)

Yield

about 20 oz of coffee

Ingredients

French press (34 oz)
Coffee: 54g, medium coarse grind (ground pepper)
Kettle (stovetop or electric)
Timer
Grinder
Water 700ml /200°F
Coffee mug
Spoon/stirring device

In this recipe

Finding the perfect ratio is part of the fun

Try starting with a 13:1 ratio, then experiment. Here are Jenn's thoughts: "I found that when brewing a full immersion with a dark roast, I needed to have a strong ratio as it showcased a more rich, smooth and complex cup. When the ratio was 15:1, I noticed that the coffee was weaker and less flavorful. At 13:1, it had the perfect creamy body and richness that you would want in a French Pressed coffee. When I brewed this recipe for a co-worker, she said it reminded her of how she used to drink her coffee back home in Europe. If you plan to use a medium-light to medium roast, I would highly suggest using the same recipe. Having a smaller dose made the coffee beverage weaker as well. In the end, brewing coffee is all about experimentation until you have found the perfect recipe that's what you like to drink."

Directions

Before you begin, pre-heat both your french press and mug by pouring in boiling water. *This helps retain the heat.

Boil approximately 1 Liter of water in the kettle.
Weigh out 54 grams of whole bean coffee.
*If you do not have a scale, use tablespoons for measuring.1 TB is equivalent to 5g of coffee. Scoop 11 times to get approximately 55g of coffee.
Grind your coffee to a medium coarseness. *This grind size is most closely visually related to Kosher salt.
Dump out the preheat water.
Pour in the coffee.
Place the French Press onto your scale and tare it.
Have a timer ready to ensure the proper extraction while brewing.
Pour the hot water up to 700 ml.
Stir At the 1 minute mark, quickly agitate the grounds for 5 seconds in circular motion with a stirring utensil.
Place the lid securely onto the French Press and allow the brew to steep for 4 minutes 30 seconds. While the coffee is steeping, dump out the water from the preheated coffee mug. At 4:30, press down on the plunger of your French Press.
Press down until you reach the coffee ground; Do not press to squeeze the grounds
It's ready! At the 5-minute mark on your timer, pour yourself a mug of coffee.

*You may pour the rest of the contents into a separate serving carafeto prevent over-extraction and an unpleasant mouthfeel to your coffee.