How to Make Espresso In a French Press (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Making espresso with a French press is incredibly easy, doesn't require special tools or experience, and will give you great results every time.

Plus, the best part - all that it takes is just a few easy steps!

Keep reading for our step-by-step guide on how to make delicious homemade espresso using only a French press.

Making espresso with a French press is totally doable. Some people prefer the flavor of a French press version to that of a machine-made variety since it's smoother and often more flavorful.

The key to making espresso in a french press is in grinding your beans more finely and using more coffee grounds than you normally would for the chosen size of the press.

Depending on your desired level of "espresso-ness," try playing around with varying levels of grind and amount of coffee to find the perfect fit for you.

Just make sure to keep track of your experiments so you don't forget how you got your preferred results.

To get started, follow our step-by-step guide below!

Keep in mind that making espresso in a French Press is not the traditional method of making espresso. However, it can be a quick and easy way to make a strong coffee that is similar to espresso if you have the right tools and ingredients.

• French press
• Coffee beans
• Grinder
• Measuring cup or scale
• Kettle
• Water

1. Heat water - Heat the water in a kettle to boiling point, then let it cool for 30-45 seconds until it reaches a temperature of around 200°F (93°C).

2. Grind coffee beans - Grind the coffee beans to a fine grind size. You will need about 7-8 grams of coffee per cup of espresso. 

3. Add espresso grounds to the French Press - Add the grounds to the French Press. It is important to use the correct amount of coffee, as this will affect the strength and flavor of the espresso. 

4. Add hot water - Add hot water to the French Press, pouring slowly and evenly over the coffee grounds. Use a ratio of 1:2 coffee to water for a strong espresso.

5. Stir the coffee - Stir the coffee and water together gently with a spoon to ensure the coffee grounds are fully saturated. 

6. Let the coffee brew -Place the plunger on top of the French Press, but don’t press down yet. Let the coffee brew for 3-4 minutes.

7. Press the plunger down - Slowly press the plunger down to the bottom of the French Press to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.

8. Serve and enjoy - Pour the coffee into a cup and enjoy your French Press espresso!

If you're looking for a coffee perfect for an espresso in a French press, you want something with a high-quality, bold flavor. Think about going for a medium to dark roast with deep flavor notes that will come through nicely when brewed.

Espresso is usually made from pure Arabica beans; however, some individuals opt to use Robusta beans as well – this allows the espresso to be more intense and flavorful. 

The amount of coffee you should use for an espresso in a French press depends on your personal preference, but the standard is about 2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee for each 6 ounces (180 mL) of water.

This ratio yields a strong coffee with a full body and intense flavor similar to espresso.

Keep in mind that when using a French press, the grind size should be finer than you'd use for drip coffee. If you're using pre-ground coffee, look for an espresso roast that's labeled as being "finely ground" or "extra-fine."

When grinding your own beans, aim to achieve the consistency of fine table salt. Generally speaking, this will produce the best results.

For espresso brewed in a French press, the optimal steeping time is between 2 to 4 minutes.

It's necessary to steep the espresso for at least 2 minutes to fully dissolve the coffee grounds and extract enough caffeinated goodness.

If you steep your espresso for any longer than 4 minutes, it may become overly-concentrated or over-extracted, leaving behind a bitter taste.

The key to achieving crema when crafting espresso in a French press lies in the quality and fineness of the grind. A finer grind will give you maximum contact between grounds and hot water, producing a more complex flavor.

Use filtered or bottled water heated to around 205 degrees F if possible — freshness is key — and preheat your French press too.

Finally, use one tablespoon of grounds per two ounces of liquids; this ratio may require some trial and error before settling upon your preferred taste. With practice, you will be able to craft creamy espresso drinks with ease in no time.

When it comes to adding milk to espresso from a French Press, there are a few things to consider.

Generally speaking, the oil and foam content of espresso from a French Press is greater than traditional espresso machines and as a result, the texture of the final product when adding milk can be altered.

Our advice is to avoid adding too much milk to your French press espresso due to its increased lipids, so that you don’t lose out on the crisp flavours that come with a more balanced drink.

However, if you still prefer a creamy cup of coffee brewed with a French press, maybe reducing the amount of beans you add or using less coarse grinds might help balance out the acidity while still allowing you enjoy all your favourite milky treats.

Making espresso in a French press is one of the simplest yet most rewarding ways to make quality coffee. With some practice and the tips we provided, you should be able to quickly master the art of making espresso in a French press.

Not only will you get a cup of rich and flavorful espresso that can rival any specialty store’s product, but you’ll also have complete control over every step of your brewing process.

Keep in mind that although pre-ground "espresso" coffee works best for a French press espresso, you shouldn't count out experimenting with different grind sizes or types of beans.

So don't be afraid to get creative: after all, making espresso with a French press shouldn't be much harder than drinking it!