How to Make Espresso With a French Press? (Step-by-Step)

Contrary to conventional methods, making espresso in a French press is possible. Also, it offers a unique and flavorful experience.

While a French press doesn’t replicate the high-pressure extraction of an espresso machine, it can produce a concentrated and bold coffee resembling espresso.

In this article, I will tell you the correct and step-by-step method to make espresso with a French press maker. Along with the French press espresso recipe, we will also discuss the best practices that you need to keep in mind while brewing it.

Let’s start.

What is a French press?

A French press is a simple yet effective coffee brewing device that consists of a glass or stainless steel cylindrical container with a plunger and mesh filter. It operates by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in hot water and then using the plunger to separate the brewed coffee from the grounds.

Its design allows users to control steeping time, water temperature, and coffee-to-water ratio which results in a flavorful, full-bodied coffee. While primarily used for coffee, the French press can also brew tea or infuse water with various flavors.

Since it doesn’t use paper filters, it is considered to be more environmentally friendly than other coffee brewing devices. It is easy to use and versatile which makes it a more popular coffee brewer especially who want to enjoy a hands-on approach to coffee brewing.

What is an espresso machine?

An espresso machine is a specialized coffee-making device engineered to make concentrated coffee known as espresso. It functions by forcing hot water, pressurized through finely-ground coffee beans.

Generally, it comprises a pump or piston-driven mechanism to create the necessary pressure, a boiler to heat water to the ideal brewing temperature (around 195°F to 205°F), and a portafilter, which holds the coffee grounds for brewing.

Available in various types ranging from manual to fully automatic models—these machines produce a small but robust shot of coffee, often topped with a creamy, flavorful layer called crema. Espresso machines offer versatility, allowing the creation of a variety of coffee-based beverages beyond traditional espresso.

Difference between coffee brewing methods of French press and espresso machine

The French press uses immersion brewing, steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for several minutes.

This method allows the coffee grounds to slowly release their flavors into the water. This results in a full-bodied, textured coffee without the presence of a crema.

In contrast, an espresso machine employs high-pressure extraction, forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at a rapid pace, commonly within 25 to 30 seconds.

This intense, pressurized extraction method yields a concentrated, bold shot of coffee with a rich layer of crema, focusing on the coffee’s intense flavors and aromatic oils.

The key difference lies in the time and pressure applied during the brewing process, which significantly impacts the resulting taste, texture, and strength of the coffee.

Can you make espresso in a French press coffee maker?

Ideally, yes you can brew espresso shots in French press but practically, you should not do this.

Here is the reason:

Traditional espresso, as made by an espresso machine, involves a specific high-pressure extraction process not achievable with a French press.

However, you can make a coffee that’s similar to espresso in terms of strength and concentration using a French press, but it won’t be exactly the same as what you’d get from an espresso machine.

Things you need

1) French Press

Ensure it’s clean and free from any residue from previous brews.

2) Fine Coffee Grind

Use a grind finer than what’s typically used in a French press but coarser than what’s used for espresso. This finer grind allows for a more concentrated extraction.

3) Coffee Beans

Choose high-quality espresso beans for a more robust flavor. Freshly ground beans work best for optimal flavor.

4) Hot Water

Use water just below boiling point (around 195°F to 200°F) for better extraction.

5) Timer

To monitor and control the steeping time for a more concentrated brew, aiming for around 2-3 minutes.

6) Stirring Instrument

A spoon or coffee stirrer to evenly saturate the coffee grounds in the French press.

How to make espresso with a French Press?

1) Preheat the French Press

Before brewing, you need to preheat your French press by rinsing it with hot water. This simple step helps maintain the ideal brewing temperature for your coffee.

2) Measure Coffee and Water

For a 3-cup French press, measure out 4-6 tablespoons (roughly 26-39 grams) of finely ground coffee. The grind should be finer than the standard French press grind but coarser than espresso. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.

Simultaneously, heat water to just below boiling point, approximately 195°F to 200°F, to ensure the ideal brewing temperature.

3) Add Coffee Grounds

Carefully place the fine coffee grounds into the preheated French press.

4) Pour Hot Water

Initiate the brewing process by pouring a small amount of hot water onto the coffee grounds, enough to saturate them entirely. Use a gentle stir to ensure all grounds are fully wet.

5) Brewing Time

Allow the coffee to bloom for approximately 30 seconds. Following the blooming stage, gradually pour the remaining hot water into the French press. Commence the timer and let the coffee steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on your desired strength.

6) Stirring and Plunging

After the designated steeping time, gently stir the coffee grounds for a few seconds to ensure proper saturation and extraction. Then, begin pressing down the plunger slowly and steadily. This separates the grounds from the brewed coffee.

7) Serve and Enjoy

Pour the brewed coffee into a pre-warmed cup or serving vessel. While this brew won’t exactly replicate true espresso due to the absence of high pressure, it will offer a strong, concentrated coffee akin to espresso in a French press. Savor the robust flavors and enjoy your homemade, espresso-like brew.

Benefits of making espresso with a French press

1) Affordability

Utilizing a French press is more budget-friendly than investing in an espresso machine. It’s a cost-effective method to create a concentrated and flavorful coffee resembling espresso without the expense of specialized equipment.

2) Control Over Brewing Variables

The French press allows precise control over crucial brewing factors like grind size, steeping time, and coffee-to-water ratio. This level of control empowers you to adjust and customize the brew to match your desired strength and flavor profile.

3) Strong and Concentrated Brew

While not replicating true espresso due to the absence of high pressure, a French press can deliver a potent, full-bodied coffee similar to espresso. With a finer grind and shorter steeping time, it produces a more intense and concentrated cup compared to standard French press coffee.

4) Portable

French presses are compact and portable which makes them suitable for travel or settings where an espresso machine might not be accessible. Their multifunctionality allows you to brew various beverages beyond just espresso-like coffee.

5) Ease of Use

User-friendly and low-maintenance, French presses offer a straightforward brewing process. They’re accessible for home baristas and newcomers to specialty coffee brewing.

Disadvantages of making espresso in a French press

1) Lack of True High-Pressure Extraction

The primary disadvantage is the inability of a French press to replicate the high-pressure extraction process characteristic of an espresso machine. This means the resulting brew will be strong but won’t precisely match the intensity and flavor profile of a true espresso shot.

2) Absence of Crema

Authentic espresso is known for its creamy, flavorful layer called crema, which results from high-pressure extraction. The French press method won’t produce this crema due to the absence of pressure, affecting the overall mouthfeel and presentation of the coffee.

3) Grind Size Challenges

Achieving the ideal grind size for espresso-like coffee in a French press can be tricky. While a finer grind is necessary, it’s challenging to achieve the fine consistency required for proper extraction without turning the coffee into sludge, potentially affecting the flavor and texture.

4) Time and Effort

Making espresso-like coffee with a French press might require more meticulous attention to grind size, steeping time, and brewing technique. It demands a certain level of precision and experimentation to achieve a satisfactory brew.

5) Quality and Consistency Variations

Due to the manual and variable nature of the French press brewing process, achieving consistency from batch to batch might be more challenging. Factors like water temperature, brew time, and agitation can affect the final cup’s quality.

Sizes of French presses suitable for making an espresso-like brew

1) 3-Cup French Press (Around 12 oz)

This size is perfect for individual servings and is commonly used to create a more concentrated coffee resembling espresso. It offers better control over the brewing process.

2) 4-Cup French Press (Around 17 oz)

Slightly larger, it still provides a manageable quantity suitable for those aiming to produce a strong, concentrated coffee in a French press.

3) Single Serve or Travel French Press (Around 8-10 oz)

Specifically designed for single servings or on-the-go brewing, these are convenient for making a single, strong cup of coffee resembling espresso.

Best practices to follow while brewing French press espresso

1) Grind Consistency and Size

Use a fine grind, finer than the standard French press grind but not as fine as espresso. Consistency is crucial to avoid over-extraction or clogging the filter.

2) Correct Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Measure the coffee and water accurately. Typically, a higher coffee-to-water ratio is used to produce a more concentrated brew, aiming for a more espresso-like result.

3) Optimal Water Temperature

Ensure the water temperature is just below boiling point, around 195°F to 200°F, to extract flavors effectively without scalding the coffee.

4) Shorter Steeping Time

Shorten the brewing time to around 2-3 minutes to create a more concentrated coffee. Adjust this time according to your taste preference.

5) Even Saturation and Stirring

Ensure all coffee grounds are evenly saturated with hot water. A quick and gentle stir aids in proper saturation and extraction.

6) Slow and Steady Plunging

Press down the plunger slowly and steadily to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee, ensuring a cleaner cup without excessive sediment.

7) Preheating the French Press

Preheat the French press by rinsing it with hot water before brewing. This helps maintain the brewing temperature for a more consistent extraction.

8) Use Quality Beans and Fresh Grind

Use high-quality espresso beans and grind them just before brewing to maximize the flavors and aromas in the final cup.

9) Clean and Maintain the French Press

Regularly clean and maintain your French press to ensure the quality and taste of your brewed coffee remains consistent.

Wrapping up

Here, I have got you covered with the step-by-step way to make espresso coffee using a French press coffee maker.

When it comes to affordability and portability, French press coffee makers are a good consideration for making espresso.

However, at the same time, you should also understand that despite efforts to mimic the strength and concentration of espresso, using a French press doesn’t replicate a genuine espresso shot. While it can produce a strong, concentrated coffee.

FAQs

1) What grind size is best for French press espresso?

The grind size for French press espresso should be finer than the typical French press grind but not as fine as espresso. Aim for a medium to fine grind that is slightly coarser than espresso but finer than the standard French press grind. This finer grind helps to intensify the extraction and create a more concentrated coffee reminiscent of espresso.

2) Does espresso brewed in a French press coffee maker taste the same?

No, the espresso brewed in a French press won’t taste identical to a true espresso shot from an espresso machine. The absence of high pressure in a French press affects the extraction process, resulting in a different flavor profile and mouthfeel. While it will be strong and concentrated, it won’t have the same intensity, crema, or specific characteristics of espresso made under high pressure.

3) Do you need espresso coffee beans to brew espresso shots using a French press maker?

Using espresso-specific beans isn’t mandatory. You can use high-quality coffee beans of your choice to create an espresso-like brew in a French press. While espresso beans are specially roasted for espresso machines, any high-quality coffee beans with a flavor profile you enjoy can be used to produce a concentrated and robust coffee in a French press. Freshly ground beans contribute significantly to the flavor and aroma of the final brew. Adjusting the grind size and brewing parameters will help in achieving a more concentrated and intense cup.