French Press Cold Brew Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about waking up to a lazy morning with the promise of a smooth, rich cold brew that you crafted yourself—especially when you realize it’s taken less effort than your usual coffee run!

I love starting my day with French Press Cold Brew, a refreshing blend crafted with coarsely ground coffee and cold water. This invigorating brew pairs perfectly with added milk or cream, offering a smooth, robust flavor without the acidity of hot coffee, and provides a natural energy boost.

French Press Cold Brew Recipe Ingredients

• Coarsely Ground Coffee: Packed with antioxidants, providing a robust, rich flavor.

  Enhances mental alertness.

• Cold Water: Essential for brewing, retains smoothness, reducing bitterness.

  Hydrates and refreshes naturally.

• Milk or Cream: Adds creaminess, provides calcium and protein.

  Balances coffee’s bold flavors.

• Sweeteners: Customize sweetness, enhance flavor.

  Source of carbohydrates for instant energy.

French Press Cold Brew Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
• 4 cups cold water
• Optional: Milk, cream, or sweeteners to taste

How to Make this French Press Cold Brew Recipe

1. Add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to the French press carafe.

2. Pour 4 cups of cold water over the coffee grounds, making sure they are fully saturated.

3. Stir the mixture gently to ensure even extraction and saturation of the coffee grounds.

4. Place the lid on the French press, but do not press the plunger down yet.

5. Leave the French press at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours to steep.

6. After steeping, slowly and gently press the plunger down to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid.

7. Pour the cold brew coffee into a separate container for storage or serve immediately.

8. If desired, add milk, cream, or sweeteners to taste before serving.

9. Store any unused cold brew in the refrigerator for up to a week.

10. Enjoy your refreshing cold brew over ice or as is, according to your preference.

French Press Cold Brew Recipe Equipment Needed

1. French press
2. Measuring cups
3. Spoon or stirrer
4. Container for storage or serving
5. Refrigerator (optional for steeping and storage)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for French Press Cold Brew?
  A: While it’s best to use freshly coarsely ground coffee, you can use pre-ground coffee, though it may not yield the same flavor clarity.
• Q: How long should I steep the coffee in the French press?
  A: The ideal steeping time for cold brew in a French press is between 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Q: Can I heat up cold brew coffee?
  A: Yes, you can heat it up if you prefer a warm beverage, though it is traditionally served cold.
• Q: How should I store the cold brew once it’s made?
  A: Store the cold brew in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week for the best flavor.
• Q: What is the ideal coffee to water ratio for French Press Cold Brew?
  A: A ratio of 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of water works best for a balanced flavor.
• Q: How can I make my cold brew stronger?
  A: To make it stronger, you can increase the amount of coffee grounds or steep for a bit longer.
• Q: Can I sweeten my cold brew?
  A: Absolutely! Feel free to add milk, cream, or sweeteners to taste, either before or after brewing.

French Press Cold Brew Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Coarsely ground coffee:
  • Coarsely ground decaf coffee
  • Coarsely ground espresso beans
• Cold water:
  • Filtered water
  • Chilled bottled water
• Optional additions (Milk, cream, or sweeteners):
  • Almond milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Oat milk
  • Agave syrup
  • Honey
  • Vanilla extract

Pro Tips

1. Use a coarser grind for the coffee beans to prevent over-extraction and ensure a smoother cold brew. A consistency similar to breadcrumbs is ideal.

2. For a more concentrated cold brew, you can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio, using slightly more coffee or slightly less water, depending on your taste preference.

3. To enhance the flavor profile, experiment with adding spices such as cinnamon or a vanilla bean directly into the French press during the steeping process.

4. If you prefer a less acidic cold brew, extend the steeping time to the full 24 hours, which can mellow out the acidity and enhance the richness of the flavor.

5. When serving, try using coffee ice cubes (made by freezing cold brew coffee) to keep your drink chilled without diluting the flavor as the ice melts.