I often swear by the morning cup of joe to get them going, but sometimes a hot cup of coffee just won't do. That's where cold brew comes in.
With its smooth and refreshing taste, cold brew has become increasingly popular in recent years. And while there are many methods to make cold brew, one of the easiest and most convenient ways is to use a French press pot.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through how to make delicious and refreshing cold brew French press coffee. So, grab your French press, and let's get started!
What You Need
The good thing about using a French press cold brew coffee is that you don't need to buy an additional cold brew maker!
Since we don't need a cold brew maker, what other utensils do we need to prepare besides the French press? Let’s check the list I made for you:
- French press: You'll need a French press pot that can hold at least 32 ounces (4 cups) of liquid.
- Coffee beans: Choose high-quality coffee beans that are freshly roasted and coarsely ground.
- Cold water: You'll need cold water to make a cold brew, so either use filtered water or let tap water chill in the fridge overnight.
- Measuring cups and spoons: You'll need a measuring cup and spoons to measure out the coffee and water.
- Stirring spoon: You'll need a spoon to stir the coffee and water together.
- Fine mesh strainer: You'll need a fine mesh strainer to remove the coffee grounds from the liquid.
- Airtight container: You'll need an airtight container to store the cold brew in the fridge after it's brewed.
That's it! With these simple tools, you'll be on your way to making delicious cold brew coffee in no time.
French Press Cold Brew Ratio
If we are making French press coffee, our ratio can be 1:15-20, but if we are making cold brew coffee with a French press, our ratio needs to be changed.
The French press cold brew ratio is generally 1:7 or 1:8 coffee to water, depending on how strong you like your coffee. But at the same time, it also depends on what kind of coffee beans you bought. So, before you decided to choose which ratio, It needs to be adjusted according to the roasting level of your coffee beans, and flavor characteristics.
(click the French Press for more details)
Coffee-to-water Ratio
If you have no special demands, then you can follow the common coffee-to-warter ratio of 1:8, which means using 1 part coffee to 8 parts water. For example, if you're using 1 cup of coffee, you'll need 8 cups of water. This ratio will produce a strong and smooth cold brew coffee.
Also, you can adjust the ratio to make the cold brew stronger or weaker depending on your preference. If you prefer a stronger cold brew, you can use a ratio of 1:7, which means using 1 cup of coffee to 7 cups of water. If you prefer a milder cold brew, you can use a ratio of 1:9, which means using 1 cup of coffee to 9 cups of water.
Overnight Cold Brew Ratio
The term "overnight" in overnight cold brew simply means that the coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for a longer period of time, usually, 12-18 hours, compared to a regular cold brew which may be steeped for 6-8 hours. This longer steeping time allows for more flavor extraction from the coffee grounds and results in a stronger and smoother cold brew coffee.
While the ratio for overnight cold brew is the same as regular cold brew, the steeping time is longer, so the coffee may be stronger in taste. However, the longer steeping time also means that the coffee is less acidic and less bitter, making it smoother and more enjoyable to drink.
It's worth noting that the exact ratio and steeping time for cold brew can vary depending on factors such as the type of coffee beans used, the grind size, and personal taste preferences. So, feel free to experiment with different ratios and steeping times to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
How do You Ground Coffee in a French Press Cold Brew
(click the Coffee Grinder for more details)
One of the keys to making a great cold brew French press coffee is to grind your coffee beans correctly. Grinding your beans too fine can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste, while grinding them too coarsely can result in weak, under-extracted coffee. Here's how to grind coffee beans for cold brew French press coffee:
- Start with fresh, high-quality coffee beans. If possible, choose a roast that's specifically designed for cold brew coffee, as it will have the right flavor profile and acidity level.
- Set your grinder to a coarse setting. For cold brew French press coffee, you want to use a coarse grind size to ensure that the coffee doesn't become over-extracted. If you're using a burr grinder, set it to the coarsest setting. If you're using a blade grinder, pulse the grinder a few times until the coffee is ground into coarse, even pieces.
- Measure out your coffee beans. For a standard 1-liter French press, you'll want to use about 100 grams of coffee, or roughly 3/4 to 1 cup.
- Grind the coffee beans. Pour the beans into the grinder and grind them until you have a coarse, even consistency.
- Transfer the coffee grounds to your French press. Once you've ground your coffee, transfer the grounds to your French press and add cold water. Make sure all the grounds are saturated with water and stir gently.
How Long Should I Steep Cold Brew French Press Coffee?
(click the French Press for more details)
The recommended steeping time for cold brew French press coffee is 12-18 hours. During this time, the coffee slowly infuses with the cold water, resulting in a smooth and less acidic flavor profile.
If you use a coarser grind size, you may want to steep the coffee for a longer time to ensure that the flavors are fully extracted. On the other hand, if you use a finer grind size, you may want to steep the coffee for a shorter time to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
Once the coffee has steeped for the desired amount of time, slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid. Transfer the cold brew coffee to a separate container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When you're ready to enjoy it, serve it over ice and savor the smooth and delicious flavor.
How Do I Make Cold Brew French Press Coffee
Making a delicious cold brew French press coffee at home is not difficult. Follow the steps below, and try more to find your perfect brew!
You'll need:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Cold water
- French press
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
Instructions:
- Measure out your coffee grounds. For a standard 1-liter French press, you'll want to use about 100 grams of coffee, or roughly 3/4 to 1 cup. Adjust the amount based on your desired strength and the size of your French press.
- Add the coffee grounds to your French press. Make sure the grounds are evenly distributed on the bottom of the press.
- Pour cold water over the coffee grounds. Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio. For a standard 1-liter French press, you'll want to use about 4 cups of water. Stir the coffee and water together with a spoon to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
- Cover the French press with cling film (optional). This will prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping into the coffee while it's steeping.
- Place the French press in the refrigerator. Let the coffee steep for 12-18 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger the coffee will be.
- After the coffee has steeped, remove the French press from the refrigerator and slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid.
- Transfer the cold brew coffee to a separate container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
When you're ready to serve, pour the cold brew coffee over ice and add any desired additions such as milk or sugar.
How do You Make Cold Brew in a 34 oz French Press?
(click the 32 oz French Press for more details)
Making cold brew in a 34 oz French press is similar to making it in any other size of the French press. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help you make the best cold brew possible:
- Use a coarser grind: When making a cold brew, it's best to use a coarser grind than you would for hot coffee. This will prevent over-extraction and ensure a smoother cold brew.
- Use cold water: Cold water will extract fewer bitter compounds than hot water, resulting in a smoother, less acidic cold brew.
- Steep for 12-18 hours: This will allow enough time for the coffee to infuse with the water and produce a strong, flavorful cold brew.
- Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio: This will produce a strong concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk before serving.
- Cover the French press with cling film: This will prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping into the coffee while it's steeping.
- Store the cold brew in the refrigerator: This will keep the coffee fresh and prevent it from going stale.
- Experiment with different coffee beans and ratios: Try different roasts and ratios to find your preferred flavor profile.
By following these tips and tricks, you'll be able to make a delicious and refreshing cold brew in your 34 oz French press.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Cold Brew French Press Coffee?
Cold brew French press coffee has been growing in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This refreshing and flavorful beverage offers several benefits over traditional hot coffee, making it a great choice for coffee lovers looking for something different. Here are some of the benefits of drinking cold brew French press coffee:
Lower acidity: One of the most significant benefits of cold brew French press coffee is its lower acidity compared to hot coffee. This makes it a great choice for people with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux issues, as it is less likely to cause discomfort.
Smooth taste: The slow and gentle steeping process used to make cold brew French press coffee results in a smoother, less bitter taste. This is because the coffee beans are steeped in cold water for a longer period of time, which allows for a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile.
Less caffeine: Cold brew French press coffee typically has less caffeine than hot coffee due to the longer steeping process. This makes it a great choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to cut back on their intake.
Versatile: Cold brew French press coffee can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be served over ice for a refreshing summer drink, or heated up and mixed with milk or cream for a cozy winter treat.
