How to Make Espresso in a French Press: Easy and Affordable
Can you make espresso with a French press?
Absolutely! While it’s not true espresso (since it lacks the high pressure of a proper espresso machine), you can make a bold, rich, espresso-like coffee using a French press—and surprisingly, it’s pretty good.
I discovered this hack during a time when I couldn’t afford a high-quality espresso machine. I had been craving that strong, concentrated coffee flavor and decided to get creative with the only thing I had lying around: my trusty French press.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it taste too weak? Too bitter? After a few attempts (and some trial and error with grind size and steeping time), I managed to brew a cup that hit all the right notes. It wasn’t exactly like espresso, but it was close enough to make a solid Americano or latte.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make espresso in a French press, share tips to perfect your brew, and even suggest ways to customize your coffee for a cafĂ©-style experience at home. So let’s start brewing!
What Is Espresso Made in a French Press?
Espresso made in a French press isn’t technically espresso. However, it’s a great way to get a bold, concentrated coffee that mimics the intensity of a traditional espresso shot.
A French press uses immersion brewing, where the coffee grounds steep in hot water before being pressed through a mesh filter.

While it lacks the pressure needed to create the crema you’d find in machine-made espresso, you can still get a rich and flavorful cup.
What Can You Expect?
Espresso-like coffee from a French press has its own unique qualities:
- Bold Flavor: The steeping process extracts strong flavors from the coffee beans. I’d say it’s quite similar to espresso.
- Concentrated Brew: By using less water and more coffee grounds, you can create a brew with a rich, intense profile.
- No Crema: One problem is this method won’t give you the espresso’s golden crema layer on top.
- Slightly Coarser Texture: Some fine coffee particles may make their way into the cup, adding a bit of body.
Why Would You Use a French Press?
If you want a budget option, then the French press does the trick. Usually, a good espresso machine is pricey, and not everyone has space at home for one.
Plus, you can use the French press in many different ways. For instance, you can adjust the grind size, water-to-coffee ratio, and brewing time to match your taste.

While it’s not true espresso, you still get intense coffee that you can drink straight or as a base for latte, cappuccinos and other drinks.
What Is the Best Coffee for French Press Espresso?
I’d say that for an espresso-like coffee in a French press, choosing the right beans makes everything different.
I’ve learned this the hard way after a few overly sour or overly bitter brews. Over time, I’ve found that a medium-dark to dark roast works best for mimicking that rich and bold espresso flavor.

These roasts bring out the deeper chocolatey and nutty notes while keeping bitterness in check.
Should You Go For Arabica or Robusta?
I’ve had great results with a blend of Arabica and Robusta.
- Arabica beans are smooth, aromatic, and full of nuanced flavors. But they can sometimes lack the kick you want in an espresso-like brew.
- That’s where Robusta comes in—it’s bolder, higher in caffeine, and adds a slight earthiness that balances beautifully with Arabica’s brightness.
Note: If you prefer a softer, sweeter cup, go for 100% Arabica. But if you’re craving that punchy, intense espresso vibe, a mix of the two is your best bet.
What About Grind Size?
I suggest that for this situation, you go slightly finer than you would for regular French press coffee. However, it shouldn’t be as fine as traditional espresso grounds. This helps extract the robust flavors without over-extraction or sediment overload.

Coffee Brand Recommendations
I love these next brands and highly recommend them. This includes:

- Lavazza Super Crema: This blend perfectly balances Arabica and Robusta. So expect a bold flavor with creamy undertones. It’s a staple in my kitchen when I want a strong and enjoyable cup.
- Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend: This dark roast is rich, smooth, and packed with flavor. It’s 100% Arabica but still delivers that full-bodied and espresso-like taste.
Note: These brands have never let me down, and they’re widely available. For this reason, it’s easy to get started experimenting. Give them a try and see how they work.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Espresso in a French Press
Equipment
- French Press: An 8 oz (or larger) press works well for this recipe.
- Coffee Grinder: A burr grinder is ideal for consistent grind size.
- Measuring Tools: A kitchen scale or spoon to get the right coffee-to-water ratio.
- Kettle: To heat your water.
Ingredients
- Coffee beans: Dark roast works best to mimic the intense, espresso-like flavor.
- Water: Hot, but not boiling—aim for 195°F–205°F for optimal brewing.
- Optional: Sugar, syrups, or milk if you want to customize your drink.
Instructions
- Grind Your Coffee Beans: Start by grinding your coffee beans to a fine consistency, slightly coarser than what you’d use for espresso. This helps avoid too much sediment while still extracting a strong flavor. Measure out about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 4 ounces of water—adjust to taste if you like it stronger or milder.
- Heat Your Water: Boil your water, then let it sit for about 30 seconds to cool slightly. Water that’s too hot can scorch the grounds and create a bitter brew. The sweet spot is between 195°F and 205°F.
- Add Coffee Grounds to the French Press: Pour the freshly ground coffee into your French press. Then shake it gently to spread the grounds evenly across the bottom. This step helps ensure consistent flavor extraction.
- Add Hot Water: Pour the hot water slowly over the coffee grounds, filling the press to your desired level. I like to pour in a circular motion to make sure all the grounds are evenly soaked.
- Stir and Steep: Give the mixture a quick stir to saturate all the grounds. Then, let it steep for 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic happens—long enough to extract bold flavors but not so long that it turns bitter.
- Press and Pour: Place the lid on the French press and slowly press the plunger down to separate the coffee from the grounds. Pour your espresso-like coffee into a mug immediately to enjoy its fresh, bold taste.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Perfect French Press Espresso
I would like to suggest a few tips based on my own (sometimes messy) experiments that will help you get that rich and bold flavor every time.
1 – Adjust the Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The coffee-to-water ratio is everything when it comes to a French press espresso. For a stronger, more concentrated flavor, use 2 tablespoons of coffee per 4 ounces of water.
If you want it even bolder, go up to 2.5 tablespoons. But be careful—too much coffee can lead to over-extraction, which makes your brew bitter.
Start with the basic ratio and adjust based on your taste preferences. It took me a few tries to find my sweet spot, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
2 – Preheat the French Press
This is a step I used to skip, and wow, what a difference it makes! Preheating the French press by rinsing it with hot water ensures your coffee stays warm longer and brews at an even temperature.
It’s a simple trick, but it prevents heat loss and keeps your coffee tasting fresh and flavorful. Plus, there’s something satisfying about pouring coffee into a warm and cozy carafe instead of a cold one.
3 – Avoid Over-Steeping
Over-steeping is the number one problem for bitter coffee. For the best flavor, steep your coffee for 3-4 minutes (no more and no less).
I used to let it sit “just a bit longer,” thinking it would make it stronger. But it always ended up tasting harsh. I recommend setting a timer if you’re forgetful like me. Once the time’s up, press the plunger slowly and pour your coffee immediately to avoid lingering bitterness.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your French Press Espresso
Over the years, I’ve tried everything from simple tweaks to full-blown coffee shop-style creations and honestly, experimenting has become half the fun. So let’s talk about a few recipes:
Americano
This one’s a lifesaver when you want a milder coffee but still crave that espresso-like depth. Just add hot water to your French press espresso, adjusting the ratio to suit your taste.

I like to start with a 1:1 coffee-to-water ratio, but you can go lighter if you prefer. It’s a great option for sipping throughout the day without feeling over-caffeinated.
Latte
When you’re in the mood for something creamy, a latte is the way to go. For this, heat and froth some milk (you can even use a handheld frother if you don’t have a steam wand), then mix it with your French press espresso.

Next add a touch of sugar or flavored syrup—vanilla is my favorite—and you’ve got a cozy, café-worthy drink at home.
Iced Coffee
This is perfect for hot days or when you just need a refreshing twist. So, brew your French press espresso, let it cool slightly, and pour it over a glass filled with ice. Add a splash of milk or a sweetener if you like, but even on its own, it’s a crisp and energizing treat.

Pro tip: Freeze coffee into ice cubes to keep your drink from getting watered down.
Mocha
If you’re a chocolate lover, this one’s for you. Just stir in a spoonful of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup into your French press espresso, then top it off with steamed milk.

I like this coffee when I want something that feels like a dessert in a cup. Sometimes I’ll even sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flair.
Last Thoughts
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making espresso in a French press? What tips, tricks, or favorite drink variations do you swear by? Share your experiences in the comments below«. I’d love to hear your thoughts and with that voilà !