How to make the perfect French Press coffee

Have you ever dreamed of the perfect cup of coffee to start your day? A cup that not only wakes you up, but one that really makes you look forward to the day? No worries, I'm going to explain to you how you can do this super easily at home with the French Press. But you may be wondering, what exactly is French Press and how do you make coffee with it?

In this guide, I will guide you step by step to master the art of preparing the perfect French Press coffee.

Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of specialty coffee, this guide will ensure your French Press coffee is spot-on every time.

Let's go!

Start with good fresh coffee beans

The key to a delicious cup of French Press coffee starts with selecting quality coffee beans. It's like creating a culinary masterpiece; the ingredients you choose determine the end result.

Look for freshly roasted beans with an origin that appeals to you. Whether you like the fresh notes of the Colombia Giraldo or the fruity undertones of the Ethiopia Sidamo , each bean has its own unique profile.

If you can, buy your beans from a local roastery. Not only do you support the local economy, but you also get access to the freshest beans. Know that the choice of your beans is the foundation on which you build towards the ultimate cup of coffee.

Measuring and heating water

Using the right water and heating it perfectly is crucial for your French Press coffee. Start by measuring the correct amount of water. A good rule of thumb is to use about 200 ml (about 6.7 oz) of water per cup. The water you use should be clean and fresh, preferably filtered, to bring out the pure flavors of the coffee.

Next, it's time to heat up our water. The ideal temperature range for brewing French Press coffee is between 92°C and 96°C.

If the water is too hot, you risk making your coffee bitter by burning the beans. If it's too cool, your coffee may not be extracted properly, resulting in a weak cup.

A kitchen thermometer can be useful for this, but alternatively you can take the water off the boil and let it rest for 30 seconds; this should bring it to the correct temperature. This process ensures that you have the perfect base to extract the rich flavors and aromas from your coffee beans, allowing you to create the perfect cup of coffee every time.

Preheat the French Press

Before you actually start brewing your coffee, it is a small but crucial detail to preheat your French Press. This may sound like an extra step, but it can really make a difference. Preheating the French Press ensures that the temperature of the water does not drop drastically once it comes into contact with the cold glass or metal. It's simple; Fill the French Press with hot water, wait a few minutes and then pour it away. Now your French Press is perfectly prepared to help you extract that rich, full flavor from your carefully selected coffee beans. This way you not only make your coffee ritual more enjoyable, but also more effective.

Add the coffee

Now it's time to add the ground coffee to your preheated French Press. A good guideline is to use about 7 grams of coffee per 100 ml of water, which amounts to about a tablespoon of ground coffee per cup.

Pro tip: Always grind your coffee just before you brew it, otherwise most of the aromas will be lost and that is a waste of your freshly roasted specialty coffee beans .

Feel free to adjust this based on how strong you like your coffee. Make sure the coffee is evenly distributed across the bottom of the French Press for optimal extraction.

This moment, when the hot water will soon meet the ground coffee, sets the tone for a delicious and rich cup of coffee. It's almost as if you can already taste the nuts, the chocolate, or whatever your favorite flavor notes are.

Making the coffee 'bloom'

Next, the blooming process is a step that is often overlooked, but so important for unlocking the full potential of your coffee. Add a small amount of hot water to the ground coffee in your French Press, enough to just moisten it.

Let this mixture sit for about 30 seconds. During this time you will notice the coffee starting to 'bloom' – this is when the ground coffee swells and starts to bubble.

This process helps to release the gases stored during the roasting of the coffee beans, leading to a more balanced and refined taste. It's like taking a step back to give your coffee the space it needs to fully develop.

Pour in the remaining water and do not forget to stir

After the coffee has had its time to bloom, it's time to pour in the remaining hot water. Do this slowly and with care; you want to infuse all the ground coffee evenly to ensure that every last grain contributes to the rich flavor sensation that awaits you.

Once you've added the water, take a spoon and gently stir the mix. This helps to bring up the ground coffee that has settled to the bottom and ensures that the water reaches every part of the coffee.

The stirring is not only functional; it is also a moment of peace, almost a ritual, where you take a moment to build up anticipation. The aroma intensifies and the anticipation of that first sip grows. Feel the warmth of the mug, see the rich color of the coffee, and take a moment to really be present in this pleasant break in your day.

Pull and press

Now comes the moment of patience; let the coffee steep. The ideal time for a French Press is usually around four minutes, but feel free to experiment with a little longer or shorter to find just the flavor that suits you best. It's this time where the magic really happens, as the hot water draws the deep, rich flavors and aromas from the ground coffee.

Once the time is up, it's time for action. Slowly but firmly place the press on the jar and push the plunger down. This motion separates the ground coffee from the water, giving you a clear, flavorful coffee without the grit. It may take some strength, but the result is more than worth it.

When the plunger is all the way down, your coffee is ready to be served. Pour it into your favorite mug and enjoy the results of your efforts. These moments, when you take the time to prepare something with care, make it all worth it.

Pour and enjoy

Pour the freshly prepared coffee into your favorite mug and let the aromas fill your senses. It's time to enjoy this small, but oh so important moment for yourself. Take a moment to feel the warmth of the mug, admire the rich color of the coffee, and let each sip be a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Appreciate the subtle flavors and smooth mouthfeel that you have created with care and attention. This is not just a cup of coffee, this is your masterpiece, a moment of peace and pleasure, that you have created all for yourself. So sit back, relax, and enjoy every sip. Your perfect cup of coffee is waiting for you.

Conclusion

Making the perfect cup of coffee with a French Press is an art form that requires patience, precision and a touch of love. Start by selecting quality coffee beans, grinding them to a coarseness appropriate for a rich extraction, and making sure your water is at the perfect temperature for brewing. The key lies in the time you take to steep the coffee, allowing the flavors and aromas to fully develop.

And when you press down, do so with conviction and a steady hand. But above all, remember that every cup of coffee you make is an expression of your own tastes and preferences. Experiment with brewing time and coffee to water ratio to find your perfect cup.

This isn't just a cup of coffee; it is an experience, a moment of pure satisfaction. So take your time, enjoy the process, and embrace the pleasure of every sip. Your perfect French Press coffee is not just a drink, it is a celebration of the moment.