Updated: September 2026.
With a French press you can make much more than hot coffee: cold brew, iced coffee, spiced coffee, coffee with frothed milk and even decaf. The basic recipe is simple: 30 g of coarsely ground coffee per 500 ml (17 oz) of water at 200-205 °F (93-96 °C), four minutes of steeping and a slow press of the plunger. From there, each variation changes one ingredient or one time.
Versatility is one of the French press's greatest strengths. Here's the basic recipe and five variations to get the most out of it with specialty coffee. If you'd like to understand first how it works and what its parts are, read how the French press works.
What Is the Basic French Press Recipe?
- Heat the water to 200-205 °F (93-96 °C); let boiled water rest for about 30 seconds.
- Grind 30 g of coffee coarse, like coarse salt, for 500 ml of water (a 1:16 ratio).
- Put the coffee in the press, pour the water until it's all wet and stir gently.
- Put the lid on without pressing the plunger and steep for 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger down slowly and serve right away, so the coffee doesn't keep extracting.
We explain it in more detail in how to make coffee in a French press.
French Press Recipes and Variations
| Recipe | Ratio | Water | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic recipe | 1:16 (30 g / 500 ml) | 200-205 °F (93-96 °C) | 4 minutes | Full-bodied and strong |
| Cold brew | 1:8 (60 g / 500 ml) | Cold | 12-18 hours in the fridge | A smooth, low-acid concentrate |
| Iced coffee | 1:10 (30 g / 300 ml) | 200-205 °F (93-96 °C) | 4 minutes | Strong coffee to serve over ice |
| Spiced coffee | 1:16 | 200-205 °F (93-96 °C) | 4 minutes | Aromatic, with warm notes |
| Frothed milk | A third of the press with milk | Milk at 140-150 °F (60-65 °C) | 15-20 pumps | Foam for milk drinks |
Cold brew in a French press
Cold brew has become very popular for its smoothness and low acidity, and the French press is one of the easiest ways to make it.
- Mix 60 g of coarsely ground coffee with 500 ml of cold water and stir.
- Cover without pressing the plunger and leave it in the fridge for 12 to 18 hours.
- Press the plunger and pour the concentrate into a jar, so it doesn't stay in contact with the grounds.
- Serve over ice, diluted with water or milk to taste (for example, 1 part concentrate to 1 part water).
For more detail, read our complete cold brew guide.
Quick iced coffee
If you don't want to wait hours, brew a stronger coffee than usual (30 g for 300 ml of hot water), steep it for 4 minutes and pour it straight into a glass full of ice. The ice melts and dilutes the coffee to just the right strength.
Spiced coffee
Add the spices to the ground coffee before pouring the water, so they steep together. Start with a clean-profile bean, like those in our specialty coffee selection, so the spice complements the cup without overpowering it.
- Cinnamon: half a broken stick per 500 ml. Adds a warm, cozy flavor.
- Vanilla: a piece of split pod, or a few drops of extract after serving. Gives a sweet, smooth profile.
- Cardamom: two or three lightly crushed pods. Adds a fresh, spicy touch.
- Clove or nutmeg: in very small amounts, for a richer, festive coffee.
Frothed milk in a French press
The press can also froth milk without a machine. Heat the milk to 140-150 °F (60-65 °C), fill the press to a third and pump the plunger up and down 15-20 times, until the milk doubles in volume. Use it for a coffee with milk or a homemade cappuccino.
Decaf coffee
For those who prefer to avoid caffeine, the French press is a very good option: the recipe is the same, and immersion brewing extracts the body and aromas of a quality decaf well. Choose a recently roasted decaf and, if you can, one decaffeinated without solvents, such as by the water or CO2 process.
Tips for Better French Press Recipes
- Always use a coarse grind: a fine grind passes through the metal filter and leaves sediment and bitterness.
- Serve all the coffee as soon as you press the plunger; if it stays in the press, it over-extracts.
- Start with a good bean: with a good gourmet coffee, every variation shines in the cup. If you don't have a grinder, our specialty ground coffee comes ready for the press.
- If you don't have one yet, see our French press coffee maker.
If you like experimenting with different methods, read our comparison of AeroPress, Chemex and French press, or our comparison table of coffee brewing methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Press Recipes
What can you make with a French press?
Hot coffee, cold brew, iced coffee, spiced coffee, decaf and frothed milk for drinks like the cappuccino. It also works for brewing loose-leaf tea.
How do you make cold brew in a French press?
Mix 60 g of coarsely ground coffee with 500 ml of cold water, cover without pressing the plunger and leave it in the fridge for 12 to 18 hours. Then press the plunger, pour the concentrate into a jar and serve over ice, diluted to taste.
How much coffee goes in a French press?
For hot coffee, about 30 g per 500 ml of water, a 1:16 ratio. For cold brew, twice as much: about 60 g per 500 ml.
Can you froth milk with a French press?
Yes. Heat the milk to 140-150 °F (60-65 °C), fill the press to a third and pump the plunger 15-20 times until it doubles in volume.
Why is my French press coffee bitter?
Usually because the grind is too fine, the coffee steeped longer than 4-5 minutes or it wasn't served right after pressing. Try a coarser grind and serve it all immediately.
Written by the Green Hills Coffee team, specialty coffee growers and roasters in Itagüí, Antioquia.
