How to Brew the Perfect Cup with a French Press

What You’ll Need

• A French press
• Freshly ground coffee (medium-coarse grind)
• Hot water (just off the boil, ~200°F / 93°C)
• A spoon or stir stick
• A timer
• Your favorite mug

Step 1: Measure and Grind

Start with freshly roasted coffee beans. For best results, grind them right before brewing. Use a medium-coarse grind—similar to sea salt. Too fine, and the grounds will slip through the mesh filter; too coarse, and you’ll under-extract.

Ratio tip: A good starting point is 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water (about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water).

Step 2: Preheat the French Press

Pour a bit of hot water into the French press, swirl, and discard. This warms the glass and keeps your brew at a stable temperature.

Step 3: Add Coffee Grounds

Place your French press on a flat surface and add the measured coffee grounds to the carafe.

Step 4: Add Hot Water

Slowly pour hot water over the grounds, saturating them evenly. Pour halfway first, then pause for 30 seconds to let the coffee “bloom” as gases escape. This enhances flavor. Continue pouring until you reach your full water amount.

Step 5: Stir Gently

Using a spoon or stir stick, give the coffee a gentle stir to make sure all grounds are evenly soaked.

Step 6: Steep

Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. This extraction time balances body and brightness.

Step 7: Press Slowly

When your timer goes off, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Too fast, and grounds may escape around the edges. You should feel gentle resistance.

Step 8: Pour and Enjoy

Immediately pour the coffee into your mug (or into a carafe if you’re making multiple servings). Don’t let it sit in the press—over-extraction can make it bitter.

Sip, savor, and enjoy your perfect French press coffee.

Pro Tips for a Better Brew

• Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
• Experiment with ratios: like it bolder? Use a little more coffee.

Final Thoughts

The French press is more than just a brewing method—it’s a ritual that slows you down and connects you to your coffee. With just a few minutes and the right technique, you can turn simple ingredients into a rich, velvety cup that rivals any café.