How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press (Recipe, Ratio & More)

How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press (Recipe, Ratio & More)

Discovering how to make cold brew in a French press is like unlocking a secret level of coffee mastery. This simple yet rewarding recipe transforms your trusty French press into a cold brew powerhouse, creating smooth, low-acid coffee perfect for those scorching summer days.

Gone are the days of watered-down iced coffee – let's dive into the world of cold brew magic.

What is cold brew coffee? Picture this: instead of rushing hot water through your grounds for a quick caffeine fix, cold brew is like a leisurely spa day for your coffee beans.

We're letting time do all the heavy lifting here, soaking those grounds in cool water for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. The result?

Oh, my friend, you're in for a treat - imagine the smoothest, richest coffee you've ever tasted, with all the flavor but none of that harsh bitterness that can make you wince first thing in the morning.

Can you make cold brew in a French press?

Can I make cold brew in a French press? Absolutely! Your French press isn't just for hot coffee – it's actually an ideal vessel for cold brew, offering the perfect combination of steeping space and filtration. Plus, you won't need any special equipment beyond what you already have.

When exploring cold brew coffee types, you'll find French press cold brew offers a uniquely clean, full-bodied flavor profile. The mesh filter creates the perfect balance between clarity and richness, while the long steep time brings out subtle flavor notes you might miss in hot coffee.

How long does cold brew last is a common question, and here's the good news: when stored properly in the refrigerator, your cold brew can stay fresh for up to two weeks. This makes it perfect for batch preparation.

How to make cold brew in a French press

Let's explore how to make cold brew with a French press. This method combines simplicity with amazing results, whether you're a coffee novice or a brewing enthusiast. I'll break down each step to ensure your cold brew journey is smooth sailing.

French press cold brew recipe ingredients

For this overnight cold brew French press recipe, you'll need:

  • Coarsely ground coffee beans (preferably freshly ground)
  • Filtered water at room temperature
  • French press
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Timer
  • Storage container

Speaking of brewing methods, let's address cold brew vs iced coffee: while iced coffee is simply hot coffee poured over ice, cold brew is never heated, resulting in a smoother, less acidic drink.

French press cold brew ratio

Let's talk about the cold brew French press ratio - this is where the magic happens! I've found that a 1:10 ratio works beautifully for the Flask French press, creating a perfectly balanced brew that's neither too weak nor too intense. For those who love precision (I see you, coffee nerds!), this translates to about 80 grams of coffee to 800ml of water.

Don't worry if you're not into measuring by grams - while I won't get into the complexities of a French press ratio calculator, a good rule of thumb is about 3/4 cup of coarse ground coffee to 4 cups of water. This creates a concentrate you can later dilute to taste.

1. Grind Your Beans

Here's where many cold brew adventures go wrong - the grind size! You'll want your coffee beans ground quite coarsely, even more so than for regular French press coffee.

Think sea salt texture rather than table salt. This prevents that dreaded bitter taste and makes filtering much easier.

2. The Perfect Pour

Start by adding your ground coffee to the French press. Then, pour room temperature filtered water in a circular motion, making sure all the grounds get evenly saturated.

I like to give it a gentle stir with a wooden spoon (metal can scratch your French press), watching the coffee bloom and release those lovely aromatic oils.

3. The Waiting Game

Now comes the hardest part - patience! Pop the plunger on top (but don't press down yet), and let your soon-to-be magical elixir steep in the refrigerator. Think of it like tucking your coffee in for a good night's rest.

How long to steep cold brew French press coffee

The steeping time is crucial for extracting those smooth, complex flavors we're after. I've found that 12-24 hours is the sweet spot, with 16 hours being my personal favorite. Think of it like a slow dance between the water and coffee grounds - rushing it just won't give you the same results.

Here's a little secret I've learned: temperature affects steeping time. If you're brewing in the fridge (around 40°F), aim for the longer end of that range. Brewing at room temperature? You can get away with 12 hours, but keep in mind you'll need to refrigerate it afterward.

Making it your own

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, it's time to get creative! The world is your oyster. Try adding a cinnamon stick during brewing, or a splash of vanilla extract after, whatever it takes to create the best flavored coffee for your taste.

My personal favorite is dropping in a few cardamom pods - it adds this amazing subtle spiciness that'll make your morning coffee feel like a fancy café experience.

Storage

Let's talk about how long does cold brew last because proper storage is key to maintaining that liquid gold. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your cold brew concentrate can last up to two weeks.

However, once diluted, try to consume it within 2-3 days for the best flavor. I like to store mine in a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid - it looks pretty and keeps things fresh!

Bonus: How to make cold brew concentrate in a French press

Ready to level up? Let's talk about making French press cold brew concentrate.

What is cold brew concentrate exactly? Think of it as the espresso of the cold brew world - a stronger brew that you can dilute to your liking. How to make cold brew concentrate is similar to our regular recipe, but with a few key adjustments.

1. Adjust Your Ratio

Getting the cold brew ratio just right for concentrate is like unlocking a coffee superpower! I learned this the hard way after many (many!) experimental batches - we're talking about a bold 1:4 ratio here, which is about twice as strong as our regular cold brew. Picture this: 1 cup of your favorite coarsely ground coffee getting cozy with 4 cups of water.

I know what you're thinking - "That's a shocking amount of coffee!" Trust me, I had the same reaction my first time. But here's the beautiful thing - this concentrated magic potion is meant to be diluted later, giving you the flexibility to customize each cup exactly how you like it. Think of it as creating your own barista-worthy coffee base!

2. Extended Steep

Now comes my favorite part - the long, luxurious rest! Tuck your French press into the fridge for a full 24-hour slumber. I know it's tempting to sneak a peek (trust me, I've been there at hour 18, hovering like a coffee helicopter parent), but this beauty sleep is essential.

Those extra hours are working overtime, coaxing out every bit of flavor from your concentrated grounds. Think of it like a slow dance between water and coffee - you can't rush romance!

3. Dilute and Enjoy

When serving, start with a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water (or milk, or cream - I won't judge!), then adjust to taste. Some like it stronger, others prefer it milder. The beauty of concentrate is that you're in control of your coffee destiny!

Remember, making cold brew is more art than science. Don't be afraid to experiment with these ratios and times until you find your perfect cup. Happy brewing!