Most people use a French press coffee maker for hot, aromatic coffee, but what if you want something cool, smooth, and refreshing? Can you make French press coffee with cold water?
The answer is yes — and it’s easier than you might think. This method is known as cold brew coffee, and your French press is one of the best tools to make it. Cold brewing creates a naturally sweet, low-acid coffee that’s perfect for hot weather or for anyone who prefers a milder flavor.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make French press cold brew with cold water, how it differs from hot brewing, and how to achieve the best taste using a SELLWELL French press coffee maker.
When using cold water, coffee extraction happens slowly — over many hours rather than minutes. The cool temperature brings out different flavor compounds, emphasizing smoothness and sweetness rather than acidity or bitterness.
| Feature | Hot French Press | Cold Water French Press |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temperature | 90–96°C (195–205°F) | Room temp or chilled |
| Brew Time | 4 minutes | 12–16 hours |
| Flavor | Bold, aromatic, slightly acidic | Smooth, sweet, low-acid |
| Serving | Hot | Cold or over ice |
| Caffeine | Medium | Slightly higher per ounce |
Cold brewing doesn’t use heat, so it takes longer for water to dissolve the coffee’s soluble compounds. The result is a refreshing, balanced coffee concentrate that you can enjoy cold or mix with milk and ice.
Before brewing, prepare these items:
SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker (glass or stainless steel)
Coarsely ground coffee beans (similar to sea salt)
Cold or room-temperature filtered water
Spoon or stirrer
Refrigerator or cool area for steeping
Jar or bottle for storage
Good water and freshly ground coffee are the foundation of great cold brew.
Use a 1:8 ratio for concentrate or 1:12 for ready-to-drink cold brew.
| Type | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Concentrate | 100 g | 800 ml |
| Milder Brew | 80 g | 960 ml |
Adjust the ratio based on your preferred strength.
Add the coarsely ground coffee to your SELLWELL French Press. A coarse grind ensures slow, even extraction and prevents clogging the mesh filter.
Pour in cold or room-temperature filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently with a spoon to make sure all the coffee is wet and evenly mixed.
Avoid using hot water — that would change the chemistry and create a different drink entirely.
Place the lid on top with the plunger pulled up and let the French press sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Steeping time guide:
12 hours → Lighter, smoother flavor
16 hours → Richer, stronger concentration
Don’t rush this step — time replaces heat in the extraction process.
After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and evenly to separate the grounds from the coffee. Pour the liquid into a clean bottle or jar.
If you prefer extra clarity, pour the brew through a fine cloth or paper filter after pressing.
To serve your cold brew:
Mix 1 part concentrate with 1–2 parts cold water or milk.
Pour over ice for a refreshing drink.
Add sugar, vanilla, or cream if desired.
You can also warm the cold brew gently for a smoother hot coffee option — it’s incredibly versatile.
Cold water extraction changes how coffee flavors develop:
Less acidity: Cold water extracts fewer acid compounds, making the coffee easier on the stomach.
More sweetness: Longer steeping enhances natural sugars and smooth notes.
Milder aroma: The scent is softer, but the flavor lasts longer on the palate.
Higher caffeine concentration: Because it’s brewed as a concentrate, it delivers a stronger energy boost per serving.
This balance of strength and smoothness is what makes cold French press coffee ideal for warm climates or afternoon refreshment.
Use Coarse Grind: Fine grounds over-extract and create bitterness.
Choose Filtered Water: Clean water enhances clarity and sweetness.
Don’t Over-Steep: Beyond 18 hours, the brew can turn woody or dull.
Store Properly: Keep sealed in the fridge; best within 5 days.
Experiment: Try adding cinnamon, vanilla beans, or cocoa nibs before steeping for unique flavors.
Our SELLWELL french press coffee makers are designed to perform equally well for both hot and cold brewing.
Key Features:
High-strength borosilicate glass or stainless-steel body for durability and temperature stability.
Fine dual-layer mesh filter for clean extraction, free from sediment.
Large capacity options for batch cold brewing.
Smooth plunger system for easy pressing, even after long steeping.
Easy disassembly and cleaning for everyday use.
Whether brewing steaming morning coffee or cool summer cold brew, SELLWELL ensures precise flavor and effortless performance.
| Drink Style | Ingredients | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cold Brew | Cold brew + ice | Clean, bold, and refreshing |
| Cold Brew Latte | Cold brew + milk or cream | Smooth and velvety texture |
| Vanilla Cold Coffee | Cold brew + vanilla syrup + ice | Sweet and aromatic |
| Mocha Cold Brew | Cold brew + milk + chocolate syrup | Dessert-like richness |
| Sparkling Cold Coffee | Cold brew + soda water + lemon slice | Bright and fizzy twist |
Each recipe starts with your French press cold brew base — versatile, balanced, and easily customized.
Q1: Can I really make coffee with only cold water?
Yes. It takes longer, but cold water extracts flavor slowly, producing a naturally smooth, less acidic coffee.
Q2: How long should I steep cold brew in a French press?
12–16 hours is ideal. Adjust based on desired strength and taste.
Q3: Should I refrigerate it during brewing?
If your room temperature is warm, yes. Refrigeration prevents spoilage and keeps flavors clean.
Q4: Can I reuse coffee grounds for another batch?
Not recommended — once brewed, the grounds lose their flavor and aroma.
Q5: How long can I store cold brew coffee?
Up to 5 days in the refrigerator, sealed in an airtight container.
So, can you make French press coffee with cold water?
Absolutely — and it’s one of the easiest ways to create a naturally sweet, low-acid, and refreshing drink. The French press’s full-immersion design makes it perfect for cold brewing, allowing you to extract all the flavor with none of the bitterness.
With a SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker, you can craft café-quality cold brew or iced coffee right in your kitchen — effortlessly, sustainably, and with full control over every detail. Whether you’re cooling off in summer or just want a smoother cup, cold water French press coffee is a refreshing way to enjoy your favorite beans.
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