Brewing Made Easy: How to Make the Best Coffee for French Press

Hey there, coffee lovers! If you’re like me, you know that the French press is a fantastic way to brew a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.

But with so many options out there, finding the best coffee for your French press can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect French press coffee, from choosing the right beans to mastering the brewing process. Let’s get started!

What Type of Coffee Is Best for a French Press?

A French press is great for making a hot drink to jumpstart your mornings or a cold brew for sunny afternoons. When making the best coffee for French press, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you’re using the right ingredients to match your taste preferences.

Bean Characteristics

Freshly roasted beans are always the best choice if you plan to use coffee beans. They retain more of their natural oils and flavors, which are crucial for a rich and aromatic cup of coffee.

Single-origin coffee beans can offer unique flavor profiles that are more pronounced in a French press. For example, coffee beans from Ethiopia might have fruity and floral notes, while beans from Colombia could offer a more balanced and nutty flavor.

Roast Preferences

If you’re a whole-bean coffee enjoyer, you may have particular preferences on your flavor notes. This will help you decide the best coffee for French press based on the type of roast you’re looking for.

Light roast beans might be your go-to due to their fruity and floral notes. If you prefer a bold, rich, and full-bodied cup, dark roast beans are ideal. They’re great if you’re looking for the taste of spicy, smoky, or chocolate notes.

If you’re not a fan of bitter flavors but still want that caffeine kick, medium roast beans provide a versatile choice that balances acidity and body. You’ll get a well-rounded flavor profile that’s neither sharp nor heavy.

Coffee Bean Origins

You’ll discover distinct flavor notes depending on where your go-to coffee brand or local coffee shop gets its coffee beans.

Here are some excellent sources of coffee bean products;

• Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s Kafa zone is recognized by UNESCO as the birthplace of wild Arabica coffee. Known for its complex and fruity flavors, Ethiopian beans can add a unique twist to your French press brew.
• Colombia: Offers a balanced flavor with a mix of fruity and nutty notes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Sumatra: If you’re into earthy and spicy flavors, Sumatran green beans are a great choice. They provide a deep, rich taste and distinct flavor.

Keep in mind that different coffee brands will vary in the preparation and packaging of these coffee beans. Try out different brands to see which products match your tastes best.

Can I Use Flavored Coffee in a French Press?

Absolutely! You can use flavored coffee in a French press! However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best experience.

Inspect Impact on Equipment

Using flavored coffee can sometimes leave residues or oils in your French press, which might affect the taste of future brews. Unless you want a touch of new flavor to your coffee every day, we suggest being thorough with your washing.

Clean Your French Press Thoroughly

After drinking your delicious cup of flavored coffee, remember to thoroughly clean your French press after each use. This includes disassembling the plunger and washing all parts with warm, soapy water.

If you frequently enjoy flavored coffee, consider having a separate French press dedicated to flavored brews to avoid mixing flavors unintentionally.

Look Out for Consistency in Flavor Profile

Flavored coffee beans are typically coated with oils or flavoring agents. This can enhance your coffee experience, but it also means a stronger aroma and a change in consistency.

The aroma of flavored coffee can be more intense, which some people love, while others might find it overpowering. Additionally, the flavoring can sometimes mask the natural flavors of the coffee beans, so choose high-quality flavored beans to ensure a balanced taste.

This is why it’s recommended to use a dedicated French press coffee maker if you’re a fan of flavored coffee.

How to Make the Perfect French Press Coffee

When it comes to brewing coffee with a French press, the grind size is crucial. The French press method requires coarse grind coffee beans, which are significantly larger than the fine grind beans used for espresso or the medium grind beans used for drip coffee makers.

Here’s why a coarse grind works best:

• Prevents Over-Extraction: A coarse grind ensures that the coffee grounds are large enough to prevent over-extraction. Over-extraction can make your coffee taste bitter and unpleasant.
• Easier Filtration: The French press uses a metal mesh filter, which is not as fine as paper filters. A coarse grind prevents the grounds from slipping through the mesh and ending up in your cup.
• Enhanced Flavor: Coarse grounds allow for a slower extraction process, which helps to bring out the rich, full-bodied flavors that French press coffee is known for.

To achieve the perfect coarse grind, you can use a burr grinder, which provides a consistent grind size. Blade grinders, on the other hand, can produce uneven grinds, which may affect the taste of your coffee.

Here’s a quick guide to help you identify the right grind size:

Can I Use Pre-ground Coffee for French Press?

Although you can use pre-ground coffee for a French press, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best possible cup.

First, let’s talk about the grind size. Pre-ground coffee is often ground for drip coffee makers, which might be too fine for a French press.

A finer grind can also lead to over-extraction, making your coffee taste bitter, and it can result in a lot of sediment in your cup. Ideally, you want a coarse grind for a French press.

If you’re buying pre-ground coffee, look for options specifically labeled for French press or coarse grind.

What Is the Best Coffee-to-Water Ratio for French Press?

When brewing the perfect cup of coffee with a French press, getting the coffee-to-water ratio just right is crucial. The ratio you choose can significantly impact the strength and flavor of your coffee.

Here’s a friendly guide to help you find the best ratio for your taste.

Following the Standard Ratio

The standard coffee-to-water ratio is typically one to two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water. However, the measurements may slightly differ for a French press.

The most commonly recommended coffee-to-water ratio for a French press is 1:15. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you should use 15 grams of water. If you prefer to measure in tablespoons and cups, here’s a quick reference:

• 1 cup of water (8 oz): Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee.
• 4 cups of water (32 oz): Use about 8 tablespoons of coffee.

Adjusting for Strength

Everyone’s taste is different, so you might want to adjust the ratio to suit your preferences.

If you prefer stronger coffee, use a 1:12 ratio. For example, for 1 cup of water, use about 2.5 tablespoons of coffee.

If you prefer milder coffee, use a 1:17 ratio. For 1 cup of water, use about 1.75 tablespoons of coffee.

Here’s a quick reference table to help you gauge the amount of coffee and water you should use to make the best coffee for French press:

Get Great Coffee from a Great Coffee Brand

Using a French press is an excellent choice if you want to taste a richer flavor from your coffee products. By following our guide above, you’ll be able to select the right ingredients and prep the right coffee brewing method to enjoy a refreshing cup of Joe.

Brewing your own coffee is a relaxing experience that helps you start up your day. If you’re looking for the best French press coffee products for your morning pick-me-up, you’re in the right place.

At Bones Coffee Company, we provide a wide selection of flavored coffee products to match the unique taste of coffee lovers and connoisseurs. Browse our catalog to discover our bestselling coffee flavors today!