I are a bit of a coffee aficionado and French press coffee is one of my favorites. I have a coffee grinder and usually buy whole bean coffee so I can use freshly ground coffee as needs. Between me and my roommate we own a regular electric drip coffee maker, two Keurig machines and I have a single use Keurig that came with me when I moved in.
But my absolute favorite way to make coffee is using a French press coffee pot. I use it to make both hot brewed coffee and cold brewed coffee. I like using the French press when I only want a cup or two of fresh coffee to serve at breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Bold and Delicious Coffee
I am a freelance writer, and work out of my house most of the time and often enjoy a cup of coffee (or two) to start out my day. On the weekends, when my roommate is home, we usually fire up the large electric drip coffee maker that makes 12 cups at a time. But when I’m working at home during the week I prefer a fresh cup of coffee, or two, during the day. So, when it’s just me, myself and I – I typically use the French press.
French press coffee, has a smooth and creamy texture, which reminds me of hot chocolate. I tend to put a bit more creamer in this type of coffee, then regular brewed coffee, just the way I’ve gotten used to drinking it I guess.
Small Batches of Coffee
To make coffee in a French press, I fill an electric tea kettle with water and turn it on. While the water is coming up to temperature, I prepare the rest of the items. My French press pot makes 4 small cups of coffee, enough to fill 2 large coffee mugs. I have a 8-cup (30 oz.) French press pot, so I add around 10 tablespoons (2/3 cup) of coffee grinds to the bottom of the pot.
When the water comes to a boil, I turn off the tea kettle, wait for the water to stop boiling, then fill the French press with the hot water. Then stir the coffee into the water using a large wooden spoon before placing the lid on. Let the coffee brew for about 4-6 minutes, then press down on the lid, which is fitted with a permanent metal filter, until the plunger hits the bottom of the pot. Then simply pour in a bit of cream and/or sugar into a large coffee mug and fill your mug with the freshly brewed coffee.
Additional Brewing Tidbits
Coarsely ground coffee should be used in a French press pot. If you have a coffee grinder, you can use whole bean coffee, and grind it specifically for use in a French press coffee pot. I have a Bodum French press pot, the carafe is made out of glass, while the lid, handle and bottom are made out of plastic with a stainless steel plunger which is permanently attached to the lid. You’re not using a filter to make this type of coffee so it is a bit bolder compared to coffee brewed in a traditional drip coffee pot – I tend to add a bit more of sweetened flavored creamer to my coffee when I make it this way.
Cold brewed coffee is made in a similar fashion. Fill the French press pot with coffee but instead of filling with hot water, I add room temperature water. I place the lid on the top then let the coffee brew in my refrigerator over night (or 10 to 12 hours). In the morning, take the French press out of the refrigerator and press the plunger down to the bottom of the pot.
Once the cold brew coffee is ready, I add a few ice cubes to a tall glass, add my favorite coffee creamer and top off with the cold pressed coffee. Cold brew coffee is delicious – it isn’t exposed to heat so it is less bitter (due to a lower acid content) compared to hot brewed coffee. You’re using time, rather than heat, to extract the coffee’s flavor.
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