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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Espresso in a French Press

The method I'm about to share is pretty simple. You don't need any fancy equipment, only your trusty French press and a few other tools. So, let me walk you through the process based on my trial and error.
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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

And there you have it—a rich, flavorful brew that’s perfect on its own or as a base for lattes, mochas, or any coffee creation you can dream up.