HomeNews Can You Make Cold Brew Coffee In A French Press

Can You Make Cold Brew Coffee In A French Press

2025-10-13

Yes — you absolutely can! In fact, a French press is one of the easiest and most effective tools for making cold brew coffee at home or in cafés. Its built-in plunger and mesh filter make it perfect for steeping coarse coffee grounds and separating them cleanly once brewing is complete.


1. What Is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period (usually 12–18 hours). Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled, cold brew uses slow extraction to produce a smoother, less acidic flavor.

Key differences from regular coffee:

  • Lower acidity: Gentle extraction reduces sharpness.

  • Naturally sweet: No bitterness from heat exposure.

  • Higher caffeine content: Longer steeping time pulls more compounds.

  • Rich texture: Feels smoother and fuller-bodied.


2. Why Use a French Press for Cold Brew?

A French press combines simplicity and control — perfect for the slow extraction process required in cold brew.

Advantages:

  • Built-in filter: The mesh plunger separates grounds easily.

  • No special equipment needed: Just coffee, water, and a refrigerator.

  • Easy cleanup: Grounds stay contained.

  • Customizable brew ratio: Adjust strength to taste.

If you already own a French press, you’re only a few steps away from smooth, barista-quality cold brew.


3. What You’ll Need

ItemRecommendation
French Press800 ml or 1 L capacity recommended
Coffee BeansCoarse ground, medium-dark roast
Coffee-to-Water Ratio1:8 for concentrate, 1:12 for ready-to-drink
Filtered WaterCold or room temperature
Spoon or StirrerFor mixing grounds evenly
RefrigeratorFor overnight steeping

4. Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press

Step 1: Grind Your Coffee Coarsely

Use a coarse grind (similar to raw sugar or sea salt). Fine grounds can pass through the mesh filter and cause a gritty texture.

Step 2: Add Coffee to French Press

For a 1-liter press, use about 100–120 grams of coffee for a strong concentrate.

Step 3: Add Cold or Room-Temperature Water

Pour 800–1000 ml of water over the grounds slowly. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are fully wet.

Step 4: Steep for 12–18 Hours

Place the plunger lid on top (do not press down) and let it sit:

  • Room temperature: 12 hours.

  • Refrigerator: 14–18 hours for a smoother taste.

Step 5: Press and Strain

After steeping, push the plunger down slowly and evenly. Pour the coffee into another container to prevent over-extraction.

Step 6: Dilute and Serve

Cold brew concentrate is strong — mix 1 part concentrate to 1–2 parts water or milk.
Serve over ice, or add syrup or cream for your preferred flavor.


5. Tips for Perfect Cold Brew

  • Use filtered water for cleaner taste and less mineral buildup.

  • Don’t stir after pressing — it can reintroduce sediments.

  • Store properly: Keep in a sealed glass bottle for up to 5 days in the fridge.

  • Avoid over-steeping: Longer than 24 hours can result in a woody or bitter flavor.

  • Try different roasts: Dark roast yields bold flavor, while medium roast brings out sweetness and fruity notes.


6. Cold Brew Ratio Guide

StrengthCoffee (g)Water (ml)Notes
Strong Concentrate1201000Best for mixing or iced lattes
Balanced Brew1001000Smooth and drinkable straight
Light Brew801000Subtle, tea-like flavor

7. Why Sellwell French presses Are Ideal for Cold Brew

Sellwell offers high-quality French presses designed for both hot and cold brewing, ensuring every batch of cold brew is clean, rich, and easy to prepare.

Key Advantages:

  • Durable borosilicate glass or stainless steel body for temperature resistance.

  • Fine-mesh plunger filter that prevents grounds from passing through.

  • Wide handle and precision spout for smooth pouring.

  • Easy disassembly for cleaning after long cold-brew steeps.

  • Available in multiple capacities — ideal for home and café use.

These features make Sellwell French presses a reliable choice for both professional baristas and home coffee enthusiasts who love full-bodied cold brew.


8. Quick Summary

StepActionKey Tip
1Grind coffee coarselyPrevents sediment
2Mix with cold waterStir for even saturation
3Steep 12–18 hoursRefrigerate for smoother taste
4Press slowlyAvoid agitation
5Store in glass containerLasts 4–5 days

9. Flavor Variations to Try

Add-InResult
Vanilla extractSmooth, aromatic flavor
Cinnamon stickWarm spice note
Brown sugar or honeyBalanced sweetness
Orange peelLight citrus brightness
Milk or oat milkCreamy cold latte style

Conclusion

Yes — you can easily make delicious cold brew coffee in a French press. It’s cost-effective, simple, and delivers a naturally smooth, rich flavor without bitterness.

By combining coarse grounds, cold water, and patience, you can brew café-quality cold coffee right in your kitchen.

For the best results, choose a durable, easy-clean French press from Sellwell — designed for both hot and cold brewing with premium materials that guarantee flavor purity and long-lasting performance.

With the right press and technique, every glass of cold brew can taste refreshing, smooth, and perfectly balanced.

Previous: How Does A French Press Coffee Maker Work

Next: How To Make Strong Coffee In A French Press

Home

Product

Phone

About Us

Inquiry