Greek coffee is known for its strong flavor, thick texture, and rich foam, traditionally brewed in a small pot called a briki over low heat. It’s an essential part of Greek culture — slow, aromatic, and meant to be savored.
But what if you don’t have a briki? Can you make Greek coffee in a French press instead?
The short answer is yes, but with a few important adjustments. While a French press won’t perfectly replicate the creamy foam (kaimaki) and sediment texture of traditional Greek coffee, it can still produce a strong, flavorful cup that captures the essence of this Mediterranean classic.
Let’s explore how it works and how a SELLWELL French Press coffee maker can help you enjoy Greek-style coffee at home.
Greek coffee differs from most brewing styles because of its ultra-fine grind and unfiltered preparation.
Grind size: Powdery fine, almost like flour.
Water temperature: Brewed slowly over low heat, not boiled rapidly.
Serving style: The grounds settle at the bottom; the coffee is not filtered.
Taste: Bold, dense, and slightly sweet, with a thick mouthfeel.
The main challenge of making Greek coffee in a French press is that the metal mesh filter is designed for coarse grounds, while Greek coffee uses ultra-fine powder. However, with careful technique, you can approximate the flavor while reducing sediment.
Although the French press wasn’t designed for this purpose, it can produce a similar result by mimicking the Greek coffee process.
Use extra-fine ground coffee — ideally Greek, Turkish, or espresso-style. The grind should feel like soft powder between your fingers.
Greek coffee is strong. Use about 1 heaping teaspoon (7–8 g) per 100 mL of water.
For a double serving:
200 mL water
2 teaspoons fine coffee
If you prefer sweetness, add sugar directly to the grounds before mixing.
| Sweetness Level | Sugar Added | Greek Name |
|---|---|---|
| No sugar | None | Sketos |
| Medium | 1 tsp | Metrios |
| Sweet | 2 tsp | Glykos |
Greek coffee should never be made with boiling water.
Heat your water to about 80–85°C (175–185°F) — just below boiling.
Using pre-heated water in your French press prevents the coffee from becoming overly bitter or losing its smooth texture.
Pour the fine grounds into your SELLWELL French press coffee maker, then slowly add the hot water. Stir gently for a few seconds until the grounds are evenly mixed and begin to sink.
Avoid vigorous stirring — it can cause excess foam and uneven texture.
Place the lid on top (with the plunger pulled up) and let the coffee steep for 3–4 minutes.
During this time, the fine grounds will slowly settle at the bottom, while the liquid becomes rich and dark — similar to traditional Greek coffee.
If you want a cleaner cup, press the plunger down very slowly to separate most grounds.
If you prefer the authentic Greek style, don’t press — simply pour the coffee carefully, letting the grounds remain at the bottom.
Pro Tip: Stop pouring when you reach the last 1–2 centimeters of liquid to avoid transferring sediment into your cup.
Greek coffee is traditionally served in a small demitasse cup with a glass of cold water on the side. Let it rest for 1 minute before sipping — this allows the sediment to settle completely.
Enjoy it slowly, savoring the thick body and lingering flavor.
| Feature | Traditional Greek Coffee | French Press Version |
|---|---|---|
| Foam (Kaimaki) | Natural thick foam on top | Minimal foam |
| Sediment | Heavy, unfiltered | Lighter, partly filtered |
| Flavor | Dense, earthy, concentrated | Slightly cleaner, smoother |
| Body | Heavy, syrupy | Medium-thick |
| Ease of Brewing | Requires briki and careful timing | Simple and convenient |
The French press method creates a modern variation of Greek coffee — smoother, cleaner, and less gritty, while preserving the strong flavor and aroma.
Use very fine coffee. The finer the grind, the closer the taste to authentic Greek coffee.
Preheat your French press. Warm glass or steel helps maintain proper extraction temperature.
Avoid boiling water. Overheating destroys the natural sweetness and aromatic oils.
Do not over-steep. Longer contact time increases bitterness.
Serve immediately. Greek coffee tastes best when fresh, not reheated.
The SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker is designed with precision and flexibility, making it suitable even for fine-ground recipes like Greek coffee.
Advantages:
High-strength borosilicate glass or stainless-steel body maintains stable heat.
Fine dual-layer mesh filter separates most sediment without losing flavor.
Ergonomic plunger allows gentle pressing, ideal for delicate brewing.
Compact design perfect for small servings like Greek-style coffee.
Easy to clean and durable for daily use.
With SELLWELL’s thoughtful construction, you can enjoy strong, authentic Greek-style coffee in minutes — no briki required.
Once you’ve mastered the method, experiment with these versions:
Greek Coffee Latte: Mix your Greek-style coffee with steamed milk for a creamy twist.
Iced Greek Coffee: Chill your French press brew and serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
Spiced Greek Coffee: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon before brewing for added aroma.
Each variation maintains the bold Greek flavor while adding a modern flair.
Q1: Can I use Turkish coffee in a French press?
Yes. Turkish and Greek coffee are almost identical in grind and flavor, and can both be brewed with the same method.
Q2: Why doesn’t my French press coffee have foam like Greek coffee?
The foam (kaimaki) forms from heating coffee in a pot. The French press doesn’t replicate this step, so foam will be minimal.
Q3: Does Greek coffee taste the same in a French press?
Not exactly — it’s smoother and less gritty but retains the rich, concentrated flavor.
Q4: Can I use sugar directly in the French press?
Yes. Add sugar before pouring water to dissolve it evenly and recreate authentic sweetness.
Q5: How should I clean the press after brewing fine coffee?
Rinse immediately after use and disassemble the mesh filter to remove fine residue. SELLWELL’s detachable design makes this simple.
So, can you make Greek coffee in a French press?
Yes — with the right grind, gentle brewing, and a bit of patience, you can recreate a smooth and flavorful version of traditional Greek coffee.
While it won’t produce the thick foam of a briki, your SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker offers a cleaner, more convenient way to enjoy the same bold flavor and aroma at home. Whether you serve it hot or chilled, Greek-style coffee from a French press is proof that great coffee traditions can adapt beautifully to modern brewing tools.
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