There’s something special about a glass of cold brew coffee. It’s not just iced coffee; it’s a smoother, sweeter, and less acidic experience that feels like a treat any time of day. But if you’ve ever looked at the price tag on a bottle at the café or considered buying a specialized cold brew maker, you might have hesitated. What if you could make exceptional cold brew at home with a tool you probably already own? Your trusty French press is the perfect vessel for this very task.
Making cold brew in a French press is one of the simplest and most effective methods available. It requires minimal effort, just a little bit of patience, and delivers a rich, concentrated coffee that you can enjoy for days. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right beans to pouring your first perfect glass, proving that great cold brew is well within your reach.
Why the French Press is Perfect for Cold Brew
You might already use your French press for making hot coffee, but it’s arguably even better suited for cold brew. The design is practically made for it. The built-in plunger and fine mesh filter are ideal for steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water and then easily separating them once the brewing time is up. This eliminates the need for separate filters or straining setups, making the process incredibly straightforward and tidy. It’s a single device that handles the entire brewing and filtering process, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your coffee.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies is the first step. The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You only need three essential items:
French Press: Any size will work, but a standard 1-liter (34-ounce) press is a great starting point as it makes a good amount of concentrate.
Coarse-Ground Coffee: This is non-negotiable. A coarse grind, similar to what you’d use for a regular hot French press brew, is crucial. A fine grind will slip through the mesh filter and leave you with a muddy, over-extracted cup. If you can, grind your beans fresh right before brewing for the best flavor.
Cold, Filtered Water: Since coffee is about 98% water, the quality matters. Using filtered water will result in a cleaner taste, allowing the true flavors of your coffee beans to shine through without any interference from chlorine or other minerals often found in tap water.
The Simple Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
Now for the main event. The process is almost entirely hands-off, requiring more waiting than active work.
First, add your coarsely ground coffee to the bottom of the clean French press carafe. A good starting ratio is 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of cold water. This makes a concentrate that you’ll dilute later.
Slowly pour the cold, filtered water over the grounds, ensuring all the coffee is fully saturated. You can give it a gentle stir with a long spoon to make sure there are no dry clumps of coffee hiding at the bottom.
Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up. Do not press it down yet. This lid simply acts as a cover to keep out any dust or curious kitchen smells while it brews.
Now, the hardest part: waiting. Let the French press sit at room temperature or in your refrigerator for between 12 and 24 hours. A longer steep (closer to 24 hours) will yield a stronger, more robust concentrate. Experiment to find your preferred strength.
Pressing and Storing Your Cold Brew
Once the steeping time is complete, it’s time to press. Slowly and steadily push the plunger down. If you feel a lot of resistance, you might have grounds that are too fine. The plunge should be smooth and firm.
Congratulations, your cold brew concentrate is ready! But what do you do with it all? The easiest thing is to decant it into another container. Leaving the finished cold brew in the French press with the grounds still at the bottom can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste as it continues to sit. Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter into a clean pitcher or mason jar for an even cleaner cup. This concentrate will keep well in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How to Serve Your French Press Cold Brew
Because you’ve made a concentrate, you’ll typically want to dilute it before drinking. The standard serving suggestion is to fill a glass with ice and use a ratio of about 1 part cold brew concentrate to 1 part water or milk. Of course, this is entirely up to your personal preference. Feel free to adjust the ratios to make it stronger or milder. From there, you can enjoy it black, add a splash of cream, a simple syrup, or even a dash of cinnamon—the possibilities are endless.
Choosing the Best Beans for Your Brew
The type of coffee you choose will dramatically affect the final flavor of your cold brew. The long, cold extraction process tends to mute brighter, acidic notes and highlight chocolatey, nutty, and sweet flavors. For this reason, many people prefer using a medium or dark roast coffee bean. A Brazilian or Sumatran bean often works wonderfully. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite light roast; you might be pleasantly surprised by the unique flavor profile that emerges through cold brewing.
Your New Go-To Coffee Routine
Making cold brew in a French press is a simple, efficient, and cost-effective way to enjoy a café-quality drink at home. With just a few minutes of active preparation, you can create a smooth and refreshing concentrate that lasts for days. It’s a method that rewards a little patience with a incredibly versatile and delicious result. Once you try it, you might find it becomes an essential part of your weekly routine, ensuring you always have a perfect glass of cold brew within reach.