The first question you might have is…
Can you make espresso with a french press?
Yes, you can. If you know how to make a french press, then it’s really simply changing the grind size and slower plunge.
If you never made a french press, I am going to provide a simple step by step guide to making one.
How to Make Espresso in a French Press: 7 Simple Steps
Check out our full instructions if learning how to brew espresso in a French press is a must for you. Learn how to make delicious coffee on your own!
According to studies, the average cost of a cup of coffee in the United States is $2.70.
So, if you need a cup to get you going in the morning, learning how to prepare espresso in a French press at home might save you hundreds of dollars every year.
A decent quality espresso may be the foundation for a variety of coffee drinks, so after you’ve mastered this ability, you’ll be able to prepare yourself barista-class beverages without having to pay the coffeeshop charge.
In this post, we’ll look into French press recipes as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using one, so you can make an informed decision about whether you should buy one for your home.
Recipe for French Press Espresso
Traditional espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground, tightly packed coffee at least nine times. Although a French Press does not apply this amount of pressure, it can nonetheless produce a smooth, powerful, and black shot.
- Time to prepare: 4 minutes
- Time to cook: 6 minutes
- Serving: 1 person
- Calories: 2 kilocalories
Equipment:
- French press, Kettle, coffee grinder, and a Mug or cup
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp very fine ground coffee beans
- boiled water (250 mL)
Instructions
1. Grind the Beans
Remember that for espresso, you want a very fine grind since you don’t want water to quickly enter your coffee grounds.
French press brewing, on the other hand, requires a considerably coarser grind.
Since we are technically trying to make an espresso, set your grinder to a very fine grind setting.
You can alter your grinder settings if you have a good quality grinder; otherwise, you will need to assess it for yourself and experiment a little. Remember that the flavor and consistency of your espresso will be influenced by the quality of your coffee beans. The best beans will have a robust, smooth flavor that is not overpowering.
Check out our article if you’re looking for the best organic coffee beans for espresso.
2. Fill your French press halfway with warm water.
It’s usually a good idea to have your Portafilter in the machine while it’s heating up while producing espresso with an espresso machine.
Thermal stability and temperature are critical for producing a high-quality espresso shot.
Because a French press is different, it must be warmed individually. To pre-heat a French press, fill it halfway with warm water for a few minutes. This is essential for producing warm, full-bodied espresso.
3. Warm up your water
Fortunately, this is a straightforward task.
Heat your water in a tea kettle as if you were preparing tea. You want your water to be around 195 degrees.
All you have to do is fill the press halfway with warm water and set it aside for a few minutes.
This is the best time to heat the water for your espresso.
4. Add coffee grounds into your Pre-heated french press
Due to the finer grind, you’ll need to double the amount of coffee you’d normally put in for French press a 2:1 ratio (2 tablespoons of coffee for every 1 cup of water used).
If you want to know how much coffee to put in a French press to make a double shot espresso, simply double the amount.
5. A small amount of water should be added.
Normally, at this point, you’d fill your French press halfway with water and begin brewing.
When making espresso, add a small bit of water to allow the coffee to “bloom.” This allows the coffee to release all of its natural oils and generate a rich flavor.
You’ll still get espresso if you just fill it up straight soon, but it won’t taste as fantastic as it could. Brewing should not be rushed. It takes time, but it will be well worth it in the end!
6. After the bloom
After the coffee has flowered, add the remaining water and whisk the contents. After that, cover the pot with a lid and let the coffee steep for at least a few minutes. If you prefer a stronger coffee, leave it to brew for a longer period of time. The top on the French press prevents heat from escaping; in fact, the best French press models feature a superb seal. However, no of how hard you press, do not press down on the plunger at this moment.
7. Plunge down slowly
After three to five minutes, slowly and gradually press the plunger down. Slower the better. The coffee grinds won’t try to fight its way up. After that, your espresso is ready to drink.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of French Press Espresso
The French press has been around for nearly 100 years and is a reliable technique of preparing espresso, but it is not without flaws. This strategy has both advantages and disadvantages.
The primary advantage is that the equipment is affordable and simple to store. You don’t have to worry about purchasing a costly gadget that will take over your countertops. French presses can produce consistently good coffee, and the learning curve for making espresso coffee in a French press is rather short.
The disadvantages include the fact that it is less safe than other procedures. You’ll have to heat water and pour it into the press, which takes extra time and can lead to safety hazards if you don’t pay great attention. Furthermore, you must keep an eye on how long the coffee is steeping or you may end up with coffee that is either too strong to drink or tastes like dishwater.
Conclusion
A French press is a relatively low-cost technique to prepare barista-quality espresso at home. However, you must learn how to brew espresso in a French press correctly. Fortunately, there is a short learning curve, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to impress your friends and dinner party visitors with a variety of delectable coffee beverages.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
