This French press hack will save you money on iced coffee
Make cold brew at home with this simple method.
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The cold brew craze has swept the nation—folks can’t seem to get enough of this smooth, refreshing beverage. If you’re tired of paying $5 a pop for your daily cold brew, why not try making your own? If you’ve already got a French press on hand for making hot coffee, you’ll be pleased to know that it makes cold-brewing a snap.
What is cold brew, anyway?
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, as opposed to regular iced coffee, which is brewed hot over ice. Cold brew generally tastes less acidic than iced coffee, and is typically smoother. While cold brew takes longer to make than iced coffee, it can be much easier to brew effectively.
What you’ll need
- A 32-ounce French press (we love the Espro P3)
- 30 grams coarsely ground coffee, similar in consistency to sea salt
- A digital kitchen scale, like our favorite, the Bonavita coffee scale
- 3 to 3½ cups filtered water (you can use unfiltered water, but we think filtered water makes for more delicious coffee)
How to make French press cold brew
Step 1: Measure your coffee
Measure out 30 grams of coffee using a digital kitchen scale.
Step 2: Add the coffee grounds to the press
Remove the plunger lid from the French press, then add your grounds to the brewing chamber. Give the chamber a gentle shake to level the surface of the grinds.
Measure your coffee grounds into a small glass or bowl using a digital kitchen scale.
Step 3: Add water to the press
Fill the press with about 3 cups of cold water, leaving about one inch of space at the top of the press.
Step 4: Stir and brew
After about a minute, stir the mixture to make sure the grinds are soaked. Then, place the lid onto the brewing chamber. With the plunger still up, pop the press in your refrigerator.
Press slowly when you plunge your French press to avoid coffee grounds slipping into your beverage.
Step 5: Plunge and Serve
After approximately 24 hours, remove the press from the fridge. Then, slowly press the plunger all the way down. Serve over ice, with milk and sugar if you like. Your homemade cold brew coffee will last for up to two days in the refrigerator for best flavor.
Pro tip: Don’t throw your grounds in the trash! Used cold brew grounds are great to use in your garden or compost.
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