Make A Great Cup Of French Press Coffee

Many coffee aficionados and cafe hounds will tell you that the best way to make a plain cup of coffee – rather than an espresso-based coffee drink – is to use a French Press. While I disagree and feel that there are at least three ways to make a better cup of coffee (OK – those three are a properly made cup of drip coffee by hand, the Aerobie Press and a vacuum coffee maker), I do agree that a French Press is relatively easy to use to make very good cup of coffee indeed.

So what is the right way?

First off you need a French Press itself – see picture – and you need one of the right size. Most people make French Press coffee for a minimum of two large cups. So, let’s say you are making 20 ounces – enough for two medium cups for two or three larger cups for one or two very large cups for one.

Put four to six ounces of coarsely ground coffee into the bottom of the French Press – this is important. It needs to be coarsely ground so you minimize any sludgey stuff at the end of the pot. And you want a good amount of coffee because you will extract slightly less well from the coarse grind.

Many people will tell you not to use boiling water – they are right but only just. Boil the water. Turn it off. Wait fifteen seconds. Then pour the amount of water you need into the press. The cold press will coll the water down to the right temperature.

Now let it sit untouched for about 30 seconds, then carefully and thoroughly stir everything up with a spoon. The grounds will have floated to the top and made a crust and they all need to be stirred back in to the water. Now put the press lid and ‘plunger’ on top, but do not push down yet. Wait two more minutes to finish brewing and then carefully push the plunger completely down. Voila – your coffee is ready to drink!

Related posts:

1. Brewing a perfect cup of coffee – Basic Coffee Machine Method
2. The Best Coffee Cup