The French press is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to make coffee at home. You simply add ground coffee and hot water to a glass jug, let it sit for a few minutes, then push down the metal filter to separate the coffee from the grounds. No paper filters, no machine, no fuss. The result is a rich, smooth, full-bodied cup that many people consider the best way to truly taste a coffee.
How to Make It:
☕ You'll need: 2 heaping tablespoons / 30g of coarsely ground coffee per mug | 1.5 cups / 350ml of hot water per mug (just off the boil — around 200°F / 93°C)
(Making 2 mugs? Use 4 tablespoons / 60g of coffee and 3 cups / 700ml of water.)
- Remove the plunger from the French press and add your coarsely ground coffee.
- Pour your hot water over the grounds until the press is as full as you need. Give it a gentle stir.
- Place the plunger on top but do not press it down yet. Just let it rest there.
- Set a timer for 4 minutes and let the coffee steep.
- When the timer goes off, slowly and steadily press the plunger all the way down.
- Pour right away and enjoy.
Tip: Don't leave your coffee sitting in the French press after pressing — it keeps extracting and will turn bitter. Pour it all into your mug or a separate jug straight away.