Making cold brew coffee in a french press is an easy and delicious way to make your own custom-strength cold brew at home. If you’re looking for a refreshing pick-me-up without all the faff of buying pre-packaged drinks or taking expensive trips to cafes, this guide will show you how quickly and easily you can create your own perfect cup of iced java using just a few simple tools. Besides tasting great, how to make cold brew in a french press allows you to experiment with different roast profiles and ground sizes in order to discover new flavors that appeal to your palate – something pre-packaged products simply cannot offer! So if you’d like to start crafting coffee worthy of being enjoyed, let’s get brewing!
Contents
- 1 What is a French press?
- 2 What is cold brew? Why use a French press?
- 3 Equipment you need to make cold brew in a french press
- 4 The cold brew French press ratio
- 5 How to make cold brew in a French press
- 6 Which roast works best?
- 7 Does the grind size matter?
- 8 How to store cold brew in a french press?
- 9 What to serve with cold brew in a french press?
- 10 Tips when making cold brew in a french press
- 11 Troubleshooting Your Cold Brew
- 12 Conclusion: how to make cold brew in a french press
- 13 FAQs: make cold brew in a french press
- 13.1 Can you make good cold brew with a French press?
- 13.2 How to make cold brew concentrate in French press?
- 13.3 What is the ratio of cold brew to French press?
- 13.4 How long should French press cold brew steep?
- 13.5 How long is cold brew good for?
- 13.6 What happens if you leave cold brew too long?
- 13.7 How do you keep cold brew fresh?
- 13.8 Can cold brew grow bacteria?
- 13.9 Which is better French press or cold brew?
- 13.10 What happens if you leave coffee in a French press too long?
What is a French press?
A French press is a simple yet effective coffee brewing device. It is made up of a cylindrical glass or metal carafe, a narrow filter screen and plunger, and two lids – one to cover the carafe, and another to cover the filter screen. This easy-to-use tool allows you to make coffee with a full-bodied flavor quickly and conveniently.

What is cold brew? Why use a French press?
Cold brew is an increasingly popular coffee beverage made by steeping coarsely-ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for at least 12 hours. This slow extraction process creates a smooth, rich flavor that has significantly less acidity than traditional hot coffee. Cold brew also retains more of the subtle undertones and complex flavors than its heated counterpart.
Equipment you need to make cold brew in a french press
All you need to make French press cold brew is already in your possession. Gather together a few basic tools and before long, you can be enjoying this delicious blend of richly brewed coffee!

– French press
– Coarsely ground coffee (about 1/3 cup per 4 cups of cold water)
– Cold or room temperature filtered water
The cold brew French press ratio
It’s essential to keep in mind the French press ratio when making cold brew. With this method, you’ll need more coffee than usual to achieve a strong and flavorful concentrate! Brewing with a French press is slightly different from traditional methods – understanding these nuances can take your cold brew game up another notch.

Grounds to water ratio: 1:6 by weight
Brew the perfect cup of coffee with this recipe: two cups of ground java and three-and-a-half cups of H20 yields a delightful 140 grams!
Cold brew concentrate to water ratio: 1:1
For a rich, smooth cup of cold brew coffee every time, try using the French press brewing method to make concentrate – 1 part water or milk plus 1 part your freshly pressed concoction creates an invigoratingly delicious drink!
How to make cold brew in a French press

Measure And Grind Coffee Beans
Get ready to brew the perfect cold coffee with a French press! To get the best results, you’ll need 90 grams of coarsely ground beans – slightly bigger than what you would normally use for this type of brewer. You should also make sure that your grind is consistent by using a burr grinder and aim for an ideal ratio between 1:5 or 1:4 depending on how strong you like it. Time to sit back and enjoy some delicious cold brew!
Add Water
Create a delicious cup of coffee with your French press by slowly swirling in 887ml of filtered water. Just make sure to not stir the mixture – it will all come together naturally!
Wait 12 Hours Or More
As the patience of a saint is needed to survive this step, take solace in knowing that letting your brew sit for 12 hours will result in an exquisite cup of coffee- not just any ordinary liquid. Nurture and protect it like you would with a newborn -it’s sure to be well worth the wait!
Pour And Filter
Congratulations on making it through the long wait for your perfect cuppa! Get ready to sip that cold brew goodness – just top off your French press, give the plunger a gentle push down for stability and pour yourself a cup of deliciousness.
Enjoy Your Hacked Cold Brew!
Enjoy the sun and get ready to make your day memorable with a refreshing cold brew! This coffee concentrate packs some punch, so don’t forget to dilute it first. Add in plenty of ice cubes and maybe an extra splash or two of water – then you’re all set for deliciousness. Now that everything’s made-to-order, settle into that summer warmth and pick out what fun activity awaits today – or use this amazing nectar for something even more creative like one of those sensational iced coffee recipes… let’s go!
Which roast works best?
Creating an ideal cold brew with a French press requires using the right type of roast. For this method, you’ll want to pick something medium-dark or darker. The idea is to bring out the natural sweetness and complexity of the bean as well as to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor. Roasts on the lighter side will result in weaker brews, so be sure to opt for something with a bit of punch. Furthermore, it’s important to note how freshly roasted beans can produce better cold brew results – so if you want the best out of your coffee experience, go for the freshest beans available!
Does the grind size matter?
Yes, absolutely! The grind size for a French press is key to how well it brews. Too fine and the grounds will be too dense for water to pass through easily; too coarse and the cold brew may become weak or diluted. To get the perfect cup of java from a French press every time, aim for something slightly coarser than what you would normally use for drip coffee.

And there you have it! Now that you know how to make cold brew in a french press, bring out the blender and get ready to whip up something wonderful. Enjoy your freshly brewed nectar and show off your newfound brewing skills to everyone – cheers!
How to store cold brew in a french press?
Storing cold brew in a French press is actually quite easy. All you need to do is pour the remaining liquid from your French press into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep your cold brew fresh and flavorful for a longer period of time so you can enjoy it whenever and wherever!
What to serve with cold brew in a french press?
If you’re looking to switch up how you enjoy your cold brewed coffee, there are plenty of ways to do it. From adding a splash of milk or cream, to sweetening with honey or sugar – the possibilities are endless! If you want some extra flavor, try using flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel. To really take it up a notch, how about trying some of your favorite snacks with it? From freshly-baked cookies to decadent pastries – why not make the most out of your experience and enjoy every sip?
Tips when making cold brew in a french press
When making cold brew in a French press, it’s important to keep these key tips in mind:
-Always use freshly ground coffee beans – preferably medium-dark or darker roasts.
-Grind size should be slightly coarser than what you would normally use for drip coffee.
-Use cold or room temperature filtered water – never hot.
-Stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so during the brewing process to help achieve an even extraction.
-Once finished, pour your cold brew into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Following these tips will ensure that you get a delicious cup of coffee every single time – enjoy!
Troubleshooting Your Cold Brew
Enjoying an ideal cup of cold brew need not remain a distant dream. With this tried-and-tested method, you can tailor the flavor profile to your desired taste – no matter how discerning it may be!
If your cold brew isn’t the right strength
Find your perfect cold brew – experiment with water to make a truly personalized blend. Whether you like it strong or light, adding and subtracting the right amount of H2O is key for creating that ideal taste!
If your cold brew taste a little sour
If your brew has a noticeable acidic taste, it may not have steeped for long enough. To correct this issue and create the perfect cup of coffee, try extending brewing time by an hour or two to achieve maximum extraction from your beans – don’t be afraid to experiment!
If your cold brew is on the bitter side
Over-extraction led to a bitter cup of coffee – but with just an hour or two less extraction time, you’ll be able to craft the perfect brew!
Conclusion: how to make cold brew in a french press
Making cold brew in a French press is easy, but it does require some precision and understanding of how to make cold brew in a french press and how long it needs to steep. With just a few simple tips, you can master the art of cold brewing with ease! From adjusting water levels to adding extra flavorings – cold brews have never been easier to make. So go ahead and get brewing – cheers!
FAQs: make cold brew in a french press
Can you make good cold brew with a French press?
Brewing your own French Press concentrate is a cinch! All you need to do is mix together some ground coffee and water, and wait anywhere from 8 hours to 24 for the perfect blend. If you’re in a rush, don’t worry – just eight short hours will still yield an exquisite cup of concentrated joe.
How to make cold brew concentrate in French press?
Get the perfect brew with a simple ratio: 140 grams of coffee grounds to 840 grams water (or 2 cups of grounds, 3½ cups water) for your morning cup. Make it extra special by French pressing cold brew concentrate and diluting it 1 part concentrate : 1 part fresh filtered H2O for full flavor.
What is the ratio of cold brew to French press?
For a delicious cold brew, the perfect ratio is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee for every 3 cups of water. That means if you’re using a standard French Press with 4-cup capacity, your proportions are good to go!
How long should French press cold brew steep?
Make sure you have all the right components for a perfect cold brew. Put your grounds in the base of your French Press and cover them with cool water, but don’t press down just yet! Refrigerate this mixture overnight to let it steep – 12-15 hours is ideal. When chilled and ready, plunge down into deliciousness then pour over ice cubes for an unbeatable refreshment experience!
How long is cold brew good for?
Enjoy the perfect, fresh cold brew for up to a week. But if it goes past its prime and starts tasting off, don’t worry – your houseplants will thank you! Just mix two parts water with one part cold brew for an easy way to give thirsty flora all they need.
What happens if you leave cold brew too long?
Perfectly brewed cold brew is a delicate balance of flavor, but steeping it for too long can quickly become your worst enemy. Overtime the grounds’ bitterness will return and ruin that delicious sweet taste you were hoping to achieve—we recommend no more than 24 hours at room temperature!
How do you keep cold brew fresh?
Once your delicious cold brew is ready, it’s important to store the remainder properly in a sealed container. Doing so maximizes flavor and helps keep the coffee fresher for longer – ensuring maximum enjoyment! So hurry up and put it in the fridge once you’re done sipping away on that first cup.
Can cold brew grow bacteria?
To ensure your cold brew is safe and delicious, stay out of the “danger zone”! Keep temperatures below 40˚F while brewing, storing, and serving to prevent potentially hazardous pathogens like botulism from forming. Higher than 140˚F will take care of any bacteria that might have formed – but it’s best not to take chances with contamination when there are easy alternatives available.
Which is better French press or cold brew?
Enjoy an enhanced coffee experience with a French press! The pungent flavor of hot brew is perfect for those who crave more complexity in their java, while cold-brew lovers can still enjoy that timeless coolness on summer days.
What happens if you leave coffee in a French press too long?
A French press can be great for making coffee, but it’s easy to fall prey to the trap of oversteeping. Even though you’ve used a plunger as your filter, there is still some contact between water and grounds – meaning that if left too long in the pot, bitterness will ensue!
Chef Angelo Landi has been in the culinary industry for over 20 years, and he has spent the last six of those developing the menu for Coal Vines. His favorite pizza on the menu is the Spicey Meatball, which is made with spicy sausage, pepperoni, and calabrese salami. When he’s not in the kitchen cooking up a storm, Chef Angelo enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.