A French press isn’t just for coffee. You can use this versatile brewing device to make several of your favorite drinks, including your own cold brew coffee concentrate. Want a cup of tea? Try steeping loose leaf tea in your French press. You can even use it to froth milk by pumping it through the mesh to make a cold foam for your next drink. And if cold brew is your favorite caffeinated drink in the summer, a French press is all you need to make it.
Keep reading to learn how to make cold brew in a French press and find out which French presses make the most flavorful cold brew this summer.
The Best French Press to Make Cold Brew
The most important ingredient in making cold brew in a French press is the French press itself. Not all French presses are equal, so you must choose the right one for the best extraction to create a quality cup of cold brew.
To help you out, here are our top choices for French presses for cold brew.
Primula 2-in-1 French Press Cold Brew One Coffee Maker
Our first recommendation is the Primula 2-in-1 French Press Cold Brew One Coffee Maker.
This French press is made with cold brew in mind. It comes with a cold brew filter with mesh that is fine enough to catch the grinds.
The design of this French press features extra-tough borosilicate glass with a durable protective holder and a comfortable grip handle. The lid seals for freshness for up to two weeks, and the bottom of the glass is non-slip to prevent any accidents. Large enough to make 5 servings of cold brew, you’ll be sure to get maximum use out of this French press.
Cafe Du Chateau Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Next, we have the Cafe Du Chateau Cold Brew Coffee Maker.
This French press is for cold brew, which makes it a great first brewing device when you first learn how to make cold brew in a French press.
The laser-cut filter of this device lets water flow and keeps the grounds out. The silicone seal is airtight and hugs the glass carafe to ensure that none of the flavors of your cold brew get out while it’s steeping, while the plunger is also tightly sealed. With a large 34-ounce capacity, this French press will let you make enough cold brew for you and all of your friends.
OlarHike French Press Coffee Maker
The stylish OlarHike French Press Coffee Maker is another great option for cold brew, thanks to this French press’s four-layer filtering that helps deliver a clean and flavorful brew without any grind remnants.
The composite filtration components prevent the grinds from getting into your final cup of cold brew.
The extra-thick glass carafe is strong, durable, and both shatter- and temperature-resistant. All in all, this French press will result in a smoother, cleaner cold brew as your final product.
Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Our last recommendation for French presses for cold brew is the Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker.
This cold brew French press is unique because it includes two lids. One is to keep your coffee safe in the fridge overnight, and the classic one has the plunger needed to press down the coffee grinds once they’re done steeping.
What’s more is that this French press has a massive capacity of 51 ounces, so you can make enough cold brew to last you for days. The innovative locking system keeps your coffee cold and fresh, so there’s no rush to finish this much coffee!
How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press
Making cold brew in a French press is easier than it may seem – in fact, it only takes 5 easy steps to enjoy a cup of your delicious creation. Making cold brew takes little effort, and all you need is your French press and coffee of choice.
Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make cold brew in a French press.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
The first step to making cold brew in a French press is to gather your ingredients. You only need two ingredients: good-quality ground coffee for the French press and cold water. If you wish, you can start with your favorite coffee beans and use a burr grinder or coffee grinder to create your own coarsely ground coffee, but there is no shame in using your favorite pre-ground coffee.
As a rule of thumb, to make a cold brew or cold press coffee, you want to stick to a 1:4 ratio, meaning four times the amount of water to coffee. The amount you use for this cold brew coffee recipe depends on the size of your French press.
Step 2: Add your grinds and cold water
The next step is to add your grounds to the French press, then fill it with your cold water. Gently stir to saturate all the grounds with water. Be sure not to push down on your plunger yet.
Step 3: Let it sit
Place your French press in a dark, cool place to rest for anywhere from 12-16 hours.
Step 4: Strain
Once time is up, press down on your plunger to strain your cold brew.
Step 5: Serve
Finally, pour your cold brew over ice cubes and add milk or sweetener if you prefer. Then you’re ready to enjoy your French press cold brew!
Conclusion: Making Cold Brew in a French Press is Easier than You Think
When you go to a coffee shop, cold brew is marketed as a sophisticated version of iced coffee, but the truth is that it isn’t that much harder to make, especially when you have the right French press. Once you learn how to make cold brew in a French press, you’ll find yourself making it all summer long.
Because Brock is the tallest member of the team at 6 foot 5 inches, when he’s not thinking about food, he’s eating his favorites: pizza, burgers, tacos and burritos. He's always experimenting with the latest kitchen gadgets and exploring new techniques in the kitchen.