Brew Guide: French Press and Cold Brew


Hario Bright Coffee & Tea Press: 

The French press has an iconic look, yielding brews that are bolder, stronger, and more viscous. Unlike pour overs or a standard auto-drip coffee maker, this method does not use a paper filter medium, which would absorb more out of the coffee. Instead, the wire mesh filter allows more coffee oils and fines to be incorporated into the brew, giving it a thicker mouthfeel and bolder flavor. Not only can you make a great hot brewed coffee in a press, but one can also make cold brew with this method as well. 

 

What You'll Need:

Ratio:  
    • 1:15 coffee to water
    • 40 grams coarsely ground coffee
    • 600 grams hot water 
Grind: 
    • Coarse (consistency like uncooked grits)
Brew Time:  
    • 3 to 3 ½ minutes 
Temperature: 
    • 203°F 
Distribution: 
    • Stir

Let's Get Started!

STEP 1

Pull up the press plunger and set it aside on the counter. Grind your coffee and pour it into the French press.

Pouring coffee grounds into a French press

STEP 2

Pour hot water in a circular motion to create turbulence and ensure the grounds are saturated. Be sure to reserve some hot water. 

Kettle pouring water into a French press

STEP 3

Allow the coffee to bloom and form a domed crust for about 40 seconds. Break the crust, stir, and add the remaining hot water. 

spoon stirring coffee in a French press

STEP 4

Carefully fix the press plunger over the coffee with the plunger screen up. Allow your coffee to brew for 3 – 3 ½ minutes, including bloom time. Once the brew time is up, slowly press down on the plunger to filter and press the coffee grounds down to the bottom of the carafe. 

Drawing indicating to push down on plunger in French press

 

STEP 5

Pour your freshly brewed coffee into your favorite cup, sip, and enjoy!

French press pouring coffee into Fortuna Coffee mug
 

Pro Tip:

Glass press pots do not hold heat well, so if you plan to sit down with the whole freshly brewed batch of coffee for a while, then pour the brew into a thermal carafe to keep the heat. Pouring the freshly brewed coffee into another vessel will stop the brewing process completely, as the coffee will otherwise stay in contact with the coffee grounds, pressed to the bottom of the pot. 
 

Cold Brew 

Ratio:  
    • 1:4 coffee to water
    • 100 grams coarsely ground coffee
    • 600 grams hot water 
Grind: 
    • Coarse (consistency like uncooked grits)
Brew Time:  
    • 12-16 Hours

Let's Get Started

STEP 1

Pull up the press plunger and set it aside on the counter. Grind your coffee and pour it into the French press. 

 

STEP 2

Pour hot water in a circular motion to create turbulence and ensure the grounds are saturated. Be sure to reserve some hot water. 

 

STEP 3

Allow the coffee to bloom some, then stir to break the crust and add the remaining water. 

 

STEP 4

Carefully fix the press plunger over the coffee with the plunger screen up. 
Allow the brew to sit on the counter or in the fridge overnight, at least 12-16 hours. 
The next day, slowly press down on the plunger to filter and press the coffee grounds to the bottom of the carafe. 

French press with plunger up

 

STEP 5

Pour your freshly brewed cold brew concentrate into your favorite cup. Add milk to turn the concentrate into an instant home iced latte, or add hot water to make a quick cup of coffee. The possibilities are endless with a little bit of cold brew concentrate in your fridge!
      Need the coffee ground?

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