How To Make Coffee In A French Press
Although the French press (also known as a press pot, plunger pot or cafetière) was developed more than a century ago, this low-tech yet very elegant method has gained popularity in recent years. The sleek and easy to use French press produces a very full-bodied, intensely flavored and aromatic brew that highlights the full range of a coffee's character and flavor. We recommend using darker roasts for an intensely rich and flavorful cup.
Brewing Time: 4 min
What you Need
8-cup French Press
Grinder (if using whole bean)
60g of coffee
Wooden spoon
Hot water (495 grams)
Gram scale
Timer
Measuring scoop
Mug(s)
Step 1: Heat Your Water
Bring water temperature to boiling and then let sit for 30 seconds before using. Ideal water temp should be between 195-205F
Gaviña Family Tip: Always use fresh filtered water for the best cup of coffee. Brewed coffee is 98% water so the quality of the water has an impact on the flavor of the final cup.
Step 2: Prep & Preheat Your French Press
Preheat your French Press with hot water. Dump out water right before you’re ready to put in the coffee.
Gaviña Family Tip: Don’t skip this step. Preheating the brewer will keep the extraction more even and consistent throughout the brewing process.
Step 3: Measure & Grind Your Coffee
Weigh, and then grind 60g (or about 8 tablespoons) of coffee to a medium-course. Your grind should resemble coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs. Place the ground coffee into the French Press.
Step 4: Pour & Bloom
Set your timer for 4 minutes. Start pouring hot water over the grounds evenly until you fill the French press half way. After approximately 1 minute, gently stir the bloom with the wooden spoon to thoroughly blend the coffee grounds and water.
Gaviña Family Tip: As the grounds become wet, a bloom will form at the top of the brew. The size of the bloom will vary depending on the type and freshness of the coffee. After 15 to 20 seconds, gently stir the bloom to blend the coffee grounds and water. This will help the water to extract the flavor components evenly from all the grounds.
Step 5: Pour More Water
After stirring the bloom add more water to fill to the top. Set the lid on the press with the handle all the way up and wait until your timer goes off.
Gaviña Family Tip: Once you place the lid, gently press down until the filter in the lid sits just below the surface of the coffee. This keeps the grounds submerged within the water for a more even extraction and also helps to retain heat.
Step 6: Press & Serve
When your timer sounds, gently hold the lid and firmly press on the plunger handle down until it reaches the bed of grounds on the bottom of the container. Grab those mugs, serve and enjoy!
Gaviña Family Tip: For best results and taste serve immediately after you’ve finished brewing. The grounds continue to steep if left in the press and can turn coffee bitter. Also, save your coffee grounds and use them for composting and mulch.