EQUIPMENT:
- French Press (e.g., Timemore U French Press (450ml) or Fellow Clara French Press (1L))
- Coffee Scales
- Coffee Grinder (if you're grinding fresh!)
RECIPE:
We're using our Timemore U 450ml French Press which makes about 2 small mugs of coffee (or one big mug if you're treating yourself). A good starting point when brewing is to follow a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:14. This just means you'll use 1 part coffee to 14 parts water. So let's say you have a 600ml french press... you'll need around 42g of coffee (as 600 divided by 14 = 42).
- Coffee: 32g (medium grind)
- Water: 450ml
- Temperature: Between 93-96°C (200°F)
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
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Prepare Your Equipment:
Gather your coffee, French press, scales, and grinder. -
Heat Your Water:
Boil water and then let it cool for a minute to reach around 93-96°C (200°F). -
Pre-warm the French Press:
Pour some hot water into the French press to warm it up, then discard the water. -
Grind Your Coffee:
Grind 30g of coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to the texture of table salt. -
Add Coffee to the French Press:
Place the ground coffee into the pre-warmed French press. -
Add Water:
Pour 450ml of water over the coffee in a circular motion, ensuring all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated. -
Stir and Steep:
Stir the coffee gently, then place the lid back on without pressing down the plunger. Let it brew for 4 minutes. -
Skim Off the Foam:
After 4 minutes, gently stir the coffee again and remove the floating grounds with a spoon. -
Plunge:
Slowly press the plunger down until the mesh filter reaches the top of the coffee (the liquid bit). Avoid the temptation of pushing down to the bottom as you might get some sediment in your brew which isn't very pleasant! -
Pour and Enjoy:
Pour the brewed coffee into your cup, stopping before the last bit to avoid sediment. Enjoy your perfect brew!
TIPS & DIALING IT IN:
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Grind Size: For a smooth cup, aim for a medium-coarse grind. If your coffee is too weak or watery, try a finer grind next time. If it’s too bitter, go coarser.
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Brew Time: Adjust the brewing time to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger cup, steep it for an extra minute.
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Temperature Control: The ideal temperature is 93-96°C for optimal extraction. Too hot and your coffee may become bitter; too cold, and it might be under-extracted.
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Customising Your Brew: You can increase the coffee dose for a more intense cup but be cautious with adjustments—small changes can make a big difference in taste. We'd recommend the following brew ratios:
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Light Roast: 1:14 (1 part coffee to 14 parts water)
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Medium Roast 1:15
- Dark Roast: 1:16
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Final Thoughts:
Brewing with a French press is simple yet effective. With these steps, you can achieve a full-bodied, flavour-packed cup of coffee in just a few minutes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the grind size, brew time, and coffee-to-water ratio to find your perfect brew.
Enjoy your coffee and let it fuel your creativity!
