How to Make French Press Coffee: A Simple Guide for Indian Kitchens
French press coffee needs just three numbers: 15 g of coarse coffee, 250 ml of just-off-the-boil water, and 4 minutes. It is the most forgiving way to brew rich, full-bodied coffee at home, black or with milk.
What you need
- A French press (any size; a 350 ml one makes one big mug)
- Coarsely ground coffee
- A kettle or pan
- A spoon, and a kitchen scale if you have one
How much coffee?
| Cups | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mug | 15 g (about 2 heaped tbsp) | 250 ml |
| 2 mugs | 30 g (about 4 heaped tbsp) | 500 ml |
| Strong, for milk coffee | 15 g | 150 ml, then top up with milk |
The method
- Heat the water. Bring it to a boil, then let it rest 30 seconds. Boiling water makes coffee bitter.
- Add coffee to the press. Shake it gently so the bed is level.
- Pour all the water in and start a 4-minute timer. Make sure all the grounds are wet.
- At 4 minutes, stir the top gently. Most of the grounds floating on top will sink. Scoop off any foam left on the surface for a cleaner cup.
- Put the lid on and press slowly. Stop as soon as you feel resistance. Pushing hard stirs up the fine grounds.
- Pour it all out right away. Coffee left in the press keeps brewing and turns bitter. Leave the last few spoons behind, where the sludge settles.
French press milk coffee
Brew 15 g coffee with only 150 ml water for a stronger base. Heat about 100 ml milk until steaming. For froth, pour the warm milk into the clean, empty French press and pump the plunger up and down 15 to 20 times. Pour over the coffee and add sugar to taste.
Getting the grind right
French press needs a coarse grind, like coarse sea salt or rawa. Too fine and the coffee turns muddy and bitter; too coarse and it tastes thin.
- Best: buy whole beans and grind just before brewing.
- Using a mixer-grinder? Grind in very short pulses, shaking the jar between them, and stop early. A mixie grinds unevenly, so expect a little more sediment.
Fix your cup
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Bitter | Cooler water, coarser grind, pour out right after pressing |
| Weak or sour | A little more coffee, or steep a minute longer |
| Muddy | Coarser grind, press slowly, leave the last bit in the press |
| Hard to press | Grind is too fine |
More fixes in why does my coffee taste bitter.
Best beans for French press
- Daily Classic: medium roast, caramel and nutty. Smooth black, easy for beginners.
- Choco Moments: naturally chocolatey and sweet. Lovely black or with a splash of milk.
- Nutty Comfort: toasted nut notes with a fuller body. Great for French press milk coffee.
Cleaning
Tip the grounds into the bin or a plant pot, not the sink. Rinse the glass and mesh with hot water after every use. Once a week, unscrew the mesh and wash all parts with a little dish soap, because old coffee oils taste rancid.
New to brewed coffee? Start with our instant to real coffee guide.
FAQs
How long should French press coffee steep?
4 minutes is a good default. Go to 5 if it tastes weak, 3 if it tastes bitter.
What is the French press coffee to water ratio?
About 1:15 to 1:17. That is 15 g coffee for 250 ml water.
Can I use filter coffee powder in a French press?
You can, but it is too fine. Expect a stronger, muddier and more bitter cup. A coarse grind works much better.
Can I make cold brew in a French press?
Yes. Use about 50 g coarse coffee with 400 ml cold water, leave it in the fridge for 12 to 16 hours, then press.
Why is there sludge at the bottom?
The mesh lets very fine particles through. It is normal. Leave the last bit in the press when pouring.