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How To Make Cold Brew In A French Press?

Famously known for its cool and refreshing flavor, Cold Brew is a hit amongst coffee purists all over the world. While the overall process of making cold brew coffee at home is a piece of cake, many people do not have a filter or the required equipment to make it.

French Press Coffee Maker

To make your life, even more, simpler and your coffee more refreshing, we are going to cover one of the best and easiest ways of preparing a refreshing cup of cold brew coffee in a French Press! 

Gain an understanding of what is cold brew and its origin, also get to know the best tips on how to make cold brew coffee in a french press, exciting cold brew recipes and so much more. Continue reading for the ultimate guide on cold brew coffee using a french press!

What Is A Cold Brew?

Cold Brew Coffee in a bottle

Just as the name suggests Cold Brew Coffee is Coffee brewed with Coldwater. In simple words, the process of making Cold Brew involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for 12 to 14 hours.

It started gaining popularity in recent years. One of the most common reasons people prefer it over regularly brewed coffee is because it is less acidic and has a sweeter and smoother flavor.

It is extremely simple to make at home, and it can be made in a number of ways. You can have it just with ice, or add milk or soda to it.

[Must Read: Can Coffee Grounds Be Reused]

Origin

Cold Brew started gaining popularity worldwide in the last 10 years or so. But, its story goes back a lot longer than that.

The story of this overnight brew coffee dates back to the 1600s in Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto seems to have the earliest record of Cold Brew coffee, which is why it was also named Kyoto-style Coffee.

The Japanese had a long tradition of brewing Cold Tea and this is where a new method of brewing coffee in cold water came into the picture. 

However, some reports suggest that the Japanese may have learned to make this style of coffee from the dutch traders. The Dutch traders used to make Cold Brew concentrate to take on long voyages. This was done so they could enjoy coffee on their ship.

 It is however argued that they would dilute the cold brew concentrate in hot water to enjoy hot coffee. When the dutch traders reached Japan, the Japanese learned the art of making cold brew.

If you found this interesting then you would definitely be interested in knowing the benefits of cold brew, the best coffee grounds for cold brew, and many other such facts related to cold brew coffee.

Click here to learn everything related to cold brew and how to make it the traditional way.

How To Make Cold Brew Coffee In A French Press?

Coffee in french press

You’ve probably heard this before, but making cold brew is by far the easiest method of making coffee. So if you’re a newbie to this do not worry, we will guide you through every step-

Equipment

  • Measuring Cups
  • French Press Coffee Maker

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup Coarsely Grounds Coffee
  • 4 Cups  Water

The Process

1.  Remove all the attachments of the french press coffee maker. Including the filter, plunger, and lid.

2. Measure the coffee grounds using your measuring cups and add them to the french press coffee maker. You can grind your coffee beans using these top coffee grinders for french press.

3. Finally, Pour in the water and let it sit for 14 to 16 hours. You can either let it sit on your kitchen counter or let it brew in the refrigerator.

If you’re going to keep it in the refrigerator the process of brewing might take up to 18 hours.

4. Once brewed add the filter of the french press along with plunger and lid and press the filter down firmly.

5. This is it. Fill a glass with ice and pour your cold brew coffee and enjoy!

[Also Read: Does heating cold brew make it acidic?]

How Do You Serve Cold Brew?

How to drink coffee really depends on individual choices and preferences. I like to enjoy my cold brew plain with lots of ice, if you want a lighter flavor you can add ice cubes to a tall glass, fill it halfway with cold brew and then dilute it with some milk.

What Is The Cold Brew French Press Ratio?

The coffee-to-water ratio plays a huge role in how your final result is going to come out! We have found that a 1:8 Ratio works the best when using a french press to brew your coffee.

When brewing coffee the regular way using a regular jug we have found the best results with a 1:5 ratio, that is if you need to take 200gm of coffee grounds for every 1litre of water. 

Best French Press For Cold Brew

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

Bodum Chambord French Press

The Bodum Brand has been commonly known to produce premium coffee makers and other drinkware. One such excellent product by the Bodum Brand is the Bodum Chambord French Press.

Made of good quality borosilicate glass and stainless steel lid and filter, this french press coffee maker ensures durability. It comes with a 3 part stainless steel plunger that helps extract the aromatic flavors and oils of coffee.

One of the well-known brands amongst coffee connoisseurs this brand is known to make delicious refreshing coffee within minutes. It can make up to 8 cups of coffee.

If you’re looking for equipment that is perfect for making cold brew this is it. Get yours now and enjoy a flavorful cup of cold brew.

Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee 

Even though it seems that both drinks are just coffee with Ice. That is not at all the case. 

Cold Brew and Iced Coffee – both these drinks are made with two ingredients: Coffee and Water. But, What makes one drink so different from the other is its method of brewing, taste, and flavor. 

Learn the differences between cold brew and cold coffee here!

Exciting Read

Enjoy experimenting with your coffee and trying out new recipes? This one recipe is surely to die for!

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Recipe

If you have had the chance to sip on this heavenly coffee drink by Starbucks, you would know and understand why everybody is raving about it.

The deadly combination of chilled Cold Brew and vanilla flavored sweet cream is to die for! This easy recipe will help you make this amazing coffee at home!

Learn how to make this amazing coffee recipe here!

Final Thoughts

Cold Brew is one method of coffee that is enjoyed by every coffee lover. It is a chilled, refreshing coffee drink- perfect for summer weather. Not to mention it is also less bitter and acidic than regular coffee.

Enjoy making cold brew using a french press and do not forget to have fun with it by trying different recipes. Happy Caffeinating!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you use a French press for iced coffee?

Ideally iced coffee is a regular brew consumed with ice and French press coffee makers are a great method of brewing coffee. So, you can definitely use a french press to make iced coffee.

How do you make cold brew using Bodum French Press?

To make cold brew using Bodum french press or any other french press for that matter, use the exact same processes mentioned above. Add coffee grounds, water, let it brew, and enjoy!

How long to steep cold brew at room temperature?

Around 14 to 16 hours is the right amount of time. After the brew is prepared, refrigerate it immediately.

Do I have to steep cold brew in the fridge?

No, you can steep the coffee grounds at room temperature and put the concentrate in the fridge once it’s done. However, if you choose to steep it in the fridge it would take longer to brew than it would at room temperature.

Can I store Cold brew with milk in the fridge?

Adding milk to cold brew reduces its shelf life. It is best to store the brew in concentrated form and then dilute it with water or milk when you are ready to drink it. To know more about how long coffee with milk lasts in the fridge read our guide here!