Best French Press Coffee Recipe (Perfect Every Time)

French press coffee brings out deep, rich flavors with minimal equipment. This recipe balances coffee-to-water ratio, timing, and temperature to brew the perfect cup—smooth, strong, and never bitter.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons (30g) coarsely ground coffee (medium-dark roast recommended)
• 2 cups (475 ml) hot water (just off the boil – ~200°F / 93°C)

Directions

1. Preheat the French press
2. Pour some hot water into your empty French press to warm it. Discard after a few seconds.
3. Add coffee grounds
4. Add 4 tablespoons of coarse ground coffee into the carafe (use a burr grinder for best results).
5. Pour water
6. Pour in half of the hot water first. Let it sit for 30 seconds—this allows the coffee to “bloom” and release gases for better flavor.
7. Stir gently
8. Stir with a wooden spoon or chopstick to mix the grounds evenly with water.
9. Add remaining water
10. Pour in the rest of the water and place the lid on with the plunger pulled all the way up.
11. Brew for 4 minutes
12. Let the coffee steep for exactly 4 minutes. Set a timer.
14. Press and serve
15. Slowly press the plunger down with steady pressure. Pour your coffee into cups right away to prevent over-extraction.