Brewing French press coffee, how do you do that?

Are you a real coffee lover looking for a simple but flavourful brewing method? Then the French Press is exactly what you need. With this classic technique you get the most out of your coffee beans and enjoy a full, aromatic cup of coffee. But how do you brew the perfect French Press coffee? What grind do you need? And what are the secrets to that rich flavour? In this blog you’ll discover everything you need to know to get going like a real barista.

What is French Press coffee (Cafetière coffee)?

French Press coffee, also known as Cafetière coffee, is a popular brewing method where ground coffee and hot water come into direct contact. This happens without a filter, so the coffee keeps its full flavour and oils. The result? A rich, aromatic cup of coffee with a hearty body.

This method is loved by coffee lovers for its simple preparation and intense flavour profile. You don’t need expensive kit, just a French Press (Cafetière), coarsely ground coffee and hot water. But how do you brew the perfect cup of French Press coffee? We’ll tell you in a moment.

What do you need for French Press coffee?

To brew the perfect cup of French Press or Cafetière coffee, you only need a few things.

• A French Press (Cafetière)
• Coarsely ground coffee
• Fresh water
• A kettle
• A scale or measuring spoon

With these simple essentials you’ll brew a flavourful and aromatic coffee. In the next step we’ll look at exactly how to do it.

Step-by-step: How do you brew the perfect french press coffee?

Brewing French Press coffee or Cafetière coffee is simple, but the right technique makes the difference. Follow these steps for the best flavour.

1. Grind the coffee coarsely
   Use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. Too fine a grind makes the coffee bitter and can give a murky cup.
   
   
2. Bring water to the boil
   Heat the water to around 92-96°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, let the water cool for about 30 seconds after boiling.
   
   
3. Add the coffee to the French Press
   Use the right ratio: 30 grams of coffee to 450 ml of water is a good starting point.
   
   
4. Pour a little water over the coffee
   Add a small amount of hot water and let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds. This helps release the aromas.
   
   
5. Pour in the rest of the water and stir gently
   Fill the Cafetière with the remaining water and stir briefly with a wooden spoon or spatula so the coffee brews evenly.
   
   
6. Put the lid on and let the coffee brew
   Put the lid on the French Press and let the coffee brew for 4 minutes. For a stronger flavour you can extend this to 5 minutes.
   
   
7. Press the plunger down slowly
   Push the plunger down gently to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Don’t use force, to prevent coffee residue ending up in your cup.
   
   
8. Pour and enjoy
   Pour the coffee straight into a cup to prevent over-extraction.

By following the steps above, you can enjoy a lovely full, aromatic cup of French Press coffee within just a few minutes.

Why choose French Press coffee?

French Press coffee is loved for its full flavour and rich aromas. This coffee is simple and affordable. You don’t need electricity, expensive machines or capsules, which makes it an accessible way to brew high-quality coffee.

Another big advantage is the control you have over the extraction. You decide the brewing time and the ratio between coffee and water, which means you can tailor the flavour exactly to your preference. On top of that, a Cafetière is versatile to use. You can use it to brew not just coffee, but also tea or even froth milk.

Lastly, the French Press is a sustainable choice. Unlike coffee capsules or paper filters, for example, this method doesn’t create unnecessary waste. That makes it not just a practical, but also an environmentally friendly way to enjoy your daily cup of coffee.

Avoid these mistakes!

Even with Cafetière coffee, mistakes are sometimes made that affect the flavour. These are the most common problems and how to avoid them:

Coffee ground too finely → Use a coarse grind
Too fine a grind makes the coffee bitter and gives a murky cup. Go for a grind similar to sea salt.

Too short or too long brewing time → Stick to 4 minutes
Shorter than 4 minutes makes the coffee weak, longer than 5 minutes gives a bitter flavour.

Using boiling water → Let the water cool down for a moment
Water at 100°C scorches the coffee and makes the flavour harsh. Wait 30 seconds after boiling and use water at 92-96°C.

Leaving coffee in the Cafetière too long → Pour out immediately
If the coffee keeps brewing, it’ll be over-extracted and bitter. Pour the coffee straight into a cup or thermos.

By avoiding these mistakes, you get the most out of your French Press coffee. In the conclusion we’ll round it all up.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet Sunday morning with a steaming mug in your hands or taking a moment for yourself in the middle of a busy workday, the French Press always offers a full, deep flavour. Experiment, taste and discover what works for you. Because good coffee isn’t a routine, it’s an experience. So get that Cafetière ready, take a sip and let the world stand still for a moment.