Cold brew coffee is gaining popularity, and for good reason. According to the Specialty Coffee Association, cold-brew extraction parameters have recommended guidelines. It’s simple to prepare and offers a smooth, mellow flavor. Cold brew is available everywhere—coffee shops, grocery stores, supermarkets, and even online. Today, we’ll learn how to make cold brew at home using a French press coffee maker.
The French press is one of the most economical methods for making cold brew. James Hoffmann describes the French press, an immersion method, as forgiving and full-bodied. All you need is coarsely ground coffee, water, and a French Press.
In this article, we will provide you with the recipe, tips to enhance your brew, and links to various related resources if you wish to explore the cold brew world further. Or, you can simply follow our recipe and enjoy homemade cold brew, which you’ll find superior to store-bought versions.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a method of coffee preparation that uses cold water to extract coffee solubles from the coffee grounds. According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), specific cold-brew extraction parameters are recommended for optimal results.
Also known as cold press, cold brew coffee offers a smooth and mellow flavor that is unique, unlike any other coffee brewing method. The SCA provides guidelines for cold-brew extraction parameters to ensure the best flavor profile. It’s easier to make at home, and you don’t absolutely need any special equipment or skills. All you need to do is follow a recipe.
The unique flavor and convenience make it the perfect drink for those who want a caffeine boost but can’t drink regular hot brewed coffee. The caffeine content can be measured against USDA and SCA reference values.
It is less bitter than traditional hot-brewed coffee, and it has a smoother, less acidic flavor. This is because the acidic compounds in coffee only get extracted at higher temperatures, a point noted by experts like Scott Rao and James Hoffmann.
The most popular cold brew method is immersion, but various other techniques exist, such as vacuum cold brew, cold drip, or slow drip, and agitation cold brew. The SCA provides recommended guidelines for these methods. Today’s recipe uses immersion, as it is the simplest method, and the French press is the perfect brewing device.
Cold Brew Coffee Health Benefits
Cold brew coffee offers significant advantages over hot brews, particularly in terms of health benefits. (cold-brew extraction parameters, for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines) Due to its cold brewing process, it contains fewer compounds that can irritate the stomach, making it the preferred choice for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Why Is the French Press a Great Option for Making Cold Brew?
As previously mentioned, there are various methods to prepare cold brew, some of which can be costly or inconvenient. (cold-brew extraction parameters, for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines) The French press is a strong contender, just slightly behind the mason jar and disposable coffee bag cold brew solution. While the mason jar method is the simplest for home use, the French press is a close second.
Budget Friendly
The advantage of the French press method is that it requires no additional purchases beyond owning the right equipment. According to James Hoffmann, the French press, an immersion method, is forgiving and produces a full-bodied brew. Making a good cup of cold brew at home can be challenging, and not everyone enjoys it. If you try it and find it unappealing, the only loss is some ground coffee.
Will Make a Delicious Cup of Cold Brew
Immersion cold brew is straightforward: follow the recipe, find the ideal dilution ratio, and you’ll achieve a delicious cup. The Specialty Coffee Association distinguishes immersion brewing from percolation methods. Whether you brew it in a mason jar, a cold brew coffee maker like Toddy or Oxo, or a French press, the results are consistent if the recipe is followed accurately.
There are benefits to using a dedicated cold brew coffee maker, but a French press is a solid alternative. (immersion brewing, a category the SCA distinguishes from percolation methods)
Remember, cold brew tastes distinct from hot brewed French press coffee. Cold brewing extracts different compounds from the coffee grounds, as outlined in the cold-brew extraction parameters recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association.
Fits Well in the Fridge
The French press is an excellent choice for making cold brew at home, especially when brewed in the fridge. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied) It fits conveniently in the fridge and is less bulky than Oxo or Toddy units. The only other brewer that fits as well in the fridge is the mason jar.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee with a French Press
We highlighted cold brew as a simple, skill-free brewing method. (cold-brew extraction parameters, for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines) By following our recipe, you’ll find it’s straightforward. All you need is freshly ground coffee, cold water, and a French press.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making cold brew coffee with a French press. (cold-brew extraction parameters, for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines)
Materials and Ingredients:
- The French press.
We assume you own one, but if you need to purchase one, consider using the mason jar method instead. It’s the simplest and most cost-effective way to make cold brew at home. This recipe uses a 34-ounce press pot (1 liter). - High-quality coffee.
Whether you use pre-ground coffee or grind your own beans, quality is crucial. Our method uses a drip grind size, which pre-ground coffee can achieve. However, we recommend using freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor. - Coffee grinder.
While optional, a coffee grinder is essential for achieving excellent cold brew. Freshly ground coffee beans, ground just before brewing, provide the best results. Avoid blade grinders; instead, opt for a reliable burr grinder, as recommended by coffee experts like Scott Rao. - Great tasting water.
A pure cup of coffee consists of only two ingredients: water and coffee beans. If either ingredient tastes off, the final cup will too. Use filtered or spring water if available. If using tap water, ensure it tastes good and is dechlorinated, following the SCA Water Quality Handbook guidelines.
The Step by Step Recipe
Step 1: Grind Coffee
Grind about 120 grams of coffee to a medium-coarse grind size. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook) If you choose to use pre-ground coffee from the store, it’s advisable to filter it through a paper filter for optimal clarity.
Step 2: Weigh Coffee
Measure 120 grams of coffee by weight, or 24 level tablespoons by volume. Using a scale is recommended, as coffee volume can vary significantly depending on roast and origin, according to the Specialty Coffee Association.
Step 3: Transfer the Grounds
Place the coffee grounds in a 34-ounce French press, or larger. The French press, an immersion method, is described by James Hoffmann as forgiving and producing a full-bodied brew. (If you have a smaller French press, you will need to adjust the recipe accordingly.)
Step 4: Add Water and Stir
Add 720 ml of filtered water to the French press, and stir the mixture to ensure all coffee grounds are thoroughly saturated, as recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association for optimal extraction.
Step 5: Final Set Up
Insert the plunger into the beaker and gently press it down slightly to ensure all coffee grounds are fully immersed in the liquid.
Step 6: Steep for 12 Hours
Transfer the French press to the refrigerator and let it steep for 12 hours. The French press, an immersion method praised by James Hoffmann for its forgiving nature and full-bodied results, is ideal for this process. While debates on cold brew extraction time and water temperature persist, a straightforward 12-hour steeping period in the fridge is both effective and reliable.
Step 7: Plunge and Strain
Take the brew out of the refrigerator and press the plunger down fully to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Pour the coffee concentrate into a glass bottle or jar for storage.
Step 8: Optionally – Filter It.
If you used pre-ground coffee, consider using a coffee dripper with a paper filter to achieve a cleaner cup. While this step is optional, allowing the slurry to settle may be necessary for clarity.
Step 9: Dilute and Enjoy
Pour into cups, dilute with equal parts of water and milk, and serve immediately.
Tips to Make the Perfect Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is an excellent way to enjoy a cup of java without the bitterness or acidity often associated with traditional hot-brewed coffee. According to the Specialty Coffee Association’s guidelines, cold-brew extraction parameters are designed to enhance its smooth, mellow flavor and low acidity, making it popular among coffee enthusiasts worldwide. However, crafting the perfect cold brew requires some expertise. In this article, we’ll provide tips to help you achieve the perfect cold brew every time. We’ll cover topics such as selecting the right beans, grinding your beans, and steeping your cold brew. We’ll also discuss the best brewing methods and other tips for maximizing your cold brew experience. Let’s dive in!
French Press Cold Brew Ratio
You can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your taste preferences. The SCA Golden Cup standard recommends a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18. However, we have found that the following ratio works best for a French press cold brew.
Use a 1:6 coffee-to-water ratio to create a cold brew concentrate.
The SCA Golden Cup standard recommends a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18. This ratio is ideal for a 34 fl. oz. French press, which is common in many households. The 1 to 6 ratio is by weight, equating to 120 grams of ground coffee to 720 grams of water. Using a scale is recommended for accuracy, but if unavailable, a rough estimate is that 5 grams of ground coffee is approximately a level tablespoon. Thus, 120 grams is about 24 tablespoons or 1.5 US cups, or 12 fluid ounces.
The 720 grams of water is equivalent to 720 ml, which is about 24 fluid ounces. As you may notice, the ground coffee occupies about one-third of the French press in volume, with the water filling the remaining two-thirds. According to James Hoffmann, the French press, an immersion method, is forgiving and produces a full-bodied brew. The ground coffee will take up significant space in the press, so consider this if you wish to modify our recipe.
This recipe will yield about 20 ounces of coffee concentrate, and after dilution, you’ll get approximately 40 ounces of coffee. Targeting an 18–22% extraction yield, the range recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this translates to about 9 to 10 cups of coffee at normal strength.
Use a 1:1 cold brew concentrate to water to dilute the result
Do not consume the coffee concentrate as is, even if you find it palatable. Cold brew concentrate is flavorful but contains twice the caffeine of a standard coffee serving. According to the SCA’s cold-brew extraction parameters, add water or milk to the concentrate to achieve a normal strength.
Many people express dissatisfaction with their home-brewed results, often due to not diluting the concentrate. Cold brew can be misleading in its strength, as it tastes milder than hot-brewed coffee. However, proper dilution enhances its flavor, as recommended by the SCA’s guidelines.
For a ready-to-drink cup, use a 1 to 9 coffee to water ratio
Using a ready-to-drink ratio is not recommended, as it limits the quantity you can brew at once. The SCA Golden Cup standard recommends a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18. Brewing it concentrated is more convenient. However, if you prefer, you can use this method, and the coffee will still be delicious, albeit in smaller quantities.
According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Golden Cup standard, a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 is recommended. Experiment with your coffee-to-water ratios to find your preference. A 1:9 ratio might be too weak for some, yet it still contains a significant amount of caffeine.
Filter Your French Press Cold Brew
Not all French presses are created equal; some filter better than others. The French press, an immersion method that James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied, varies in the quality of its mesh filter at the end of the plunger. Sometimes, these filters don’t fit snugly in the beaker, allowing grounds to slip into your coffee.
We aim to avoid suggesting additional equipment purchases, as this method is touted as the most cost-effective. Stick with your current French press, but take extra measures to filter your final product. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied)
If you find your coffee too grainy, filter it using a paper coffee filter or a permanent mesh coffee filter. A very fine mesh strainer will also work effectively.
What Types of Beans Work Best for Cold Brew?
To craft an exceptional cold brew, selecting the right type of beans is crucial. According to the Specialty Coffee Association’s guidelines on cold-brew extraction parameters, different beans offer unique flavors and aromas, making it essential to choose wisely. We have an article reviewing some excellent coffees for cold brew, but generally, medium roast to medium-dark roast beans are optimal.
Dark roasts are more soluble, allowing for shorter steeping times when you’re pressed for time, but they often lack flavor depth. The SCA’s roasting handbook discusses how very dark roasts can mask bean defects, resulting in a uniform smoky and ashy taste.
Immersion brewing, a category the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) distinguishes from percolation methods, benefits from medium roasts when making cold brew. If you wish to experiment with lighter roasts, it’s encouraged, though you’ll need to grind finer and likely strain with a paper filter.
The key is to use high-quality beans and avoid very cheap options. Remember, a pure cup of coffee consists of only two ingredients: water and coffee beans.
What Is the Best Grind Size for French Press Cold Brew?
We recommend a medium-coarse grind size, which falls between the medium grind size for drip coffee and coarse grind. According to the Specialty Coffee Association, grind size significantly impacts extraction quality.
If you grind too fine, the coffee may become muddy, which is acceptable if you prefer a stronger, bolder cup with ample body, as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook. However, for a brighter cup, a coarser grind is preferable.
Our recipe suggests that you can use pre-ground coffee intended for a regular drip coffee maker, which is a medium grind size, as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook. If you opt for this, ensure you use a paper filter.
Fine grinds can clog the French press’s mesh filter, increasing the risk of coffee splashing out when you plunge, as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook. The best presses feature a double-layer screen filter with varying screen sizes to help prevent clogging.
Most cold brew coffee recipes online recommend a very coarse grind, according to the cold-brew extraction parameters for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines. However, coarse grinds do not dissolve easily in water, leading to under-extraction. Instead, grind your beans to a medium-coarse size for a more balanced coffee.
Water Quality Is Very Important
This principle applies to both hot coffee and cold brew. According to the Specialty Coffee Association’s guidelines, if your water tastes unpleasant, your coffee will too. Use water that tastes good, ideally the same water you drink daily.
Steeping Time
In theory, the longer coffee grounds steep, the stronger the resulting coffee. Recommended steep times from the SCA and James Hoffmann suggest that you then dilute it accordingly. For brews lasting 9-12 hours, you dilute less than for those steeped for 48 hours. However, it’s not that simple.
If you steep too briefly, you won’t extract all the flavors from the grounds. Immersion cold brew is a slow process that requires patience. Conversely, brewing too long can destroy some antioxidants in the coffee, resulting in a stronger brew but with fewer health benefits. Peer-reviewed coffee-health research indicates that initially, 72 hours was the recommended brew time when cold brew gained popularity. However, research has shown this may be excessive, with current recommendations ranging from 6 to 24 hours. Remember, shorter brew times require finer grinds, which necessitate additional filtration. The cold drip brew method, for example, takes only 3 to 6 hours to extract.
Water Temperature
We recommend using the refrigerated method, as it minimizes the risk of contamination. However, coffee can spoil quickly, so if your fridge is too small, you can use room temperature water for brewing. According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F).
Brewing in the fridge ensures your coffee is ready to drink when you are. Using room temperature water can speed up extraction slightly, but you’ll need to cool it down with ice cubes or a coffee chiller for quicker results. According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Golden Cup standard, the ideal brewing water temperature should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F).
For a stronger taste steep for 24 hours
Cold brew coffee provides a robust, complex taste with a full-bodied aroma. Although it requires more time, the flavor is worth the wait. According to the SCA’s cold-brew extraction parameters, a French press can be used to make cold brew, though a Toddy system may offer more consistent results. If you don’t have a Toddy, a French press is a great alternative. Add ground coffee beans to the French press and pour in water. Use the same amount of coffee grounds as you would with hot water; it’s the steeping time that matters. With a French press, steep for about 12 hours. Cold brew can also be made with a coffee maker, ideally using a French press pot. Simply add the beans and water, and let it sit for 12 hours. Remember, the longer the brewing time, the stronger the taste.
How To Serve and Store French Press Cold Brew Coffee
We’ve provided recommended dilution ratios, but remember that you’re getting a cold brew coffee concentrate that tastes decent. The SCA Golden Cup standard recommends a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18. It tastes better when you add cold water or ice.
You can serve cold brew coffee over ice or warm it up if you prefer a hot cup. According to the SCA’s guidelines, it’s best served over ice, though.
The best way to enjoy it is to freeze it into coffee ice cubes and add milk. This ensures a strong coffee flavor until the end of the cup, unlike regular iced coffee.
When you follow this recipe, you are making more than you can drink in a day. You can store the cold brew coffee concentrate in the fridge for up to two weeks, and the coffee will maintain its taste. According to the Specialty Coffee Association, cold-brew extraction parameters are crucial for optimal flavor retention.
Flavorings
You can flavor your cold-brewed coffee with almond milk and sweeten it with a bit of honey or maple syrup, but it’s best to avoid sweeteners if possible. (the honey (pulped natural) process, which retains some mucilage for a balanced sweetness) The honey (pulped natural) process retains some mucilage for a balanced sweetness. Cold brew is significantly less bitter than hot brew coffee, so sweetening isn’t necessary.
Avoid using flavored coffee beans if you wish to flavor your cold brew. Instead, add natural flavors during steeping. Some ideas include shredded coconut, cocoa powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, or sweet cream cold foam. The Specialty Coffee Association recommends adhering to their cold-brew extraction guidelines for best results.
Conclusion
Making cold brew in a French press is an easy and effective way to enjoy a fantastic cup of cold brew at home. It’s the fastest and most economical method to try cold brew at home, as endorsed by the Specialty Coffee Association’s guidelines.
I personally recommend checking out our tutorial for cold brew in a mason jar with a disposable coffee bag, as it’s the easiest and most convenient method. It might cost a few bucks more, but it’s absolutely worth it. Enjoy!