While scouring the internet, we found that most recipes for French Press Espresso were completely wrong, leading to watery espresso that is unfit for espresso drinks. This post details the right way to make rich French Press Espresso that is perfect for sipping, Americanos, lattes, iced espresso drinks, tiramisu, and more!
We did the recipe testing for you and interpreted coffee science for a simple recipe that gets French Press Espresso right every time!
What is the difference between Espresso and Coffee?
Espresso is a rich concentrated drink made from finely ground espresso beans and filtered water. Espresso beans are the same as coffee beans, but have been roasted longer for a bolder, richer coffee flavor. It is made with high pressure that quickly extracts loads of coffee flavor and provides the creamy texture and foam on top.
Coffee is a less concentrated drink made from coarsely ground coffee beans and filtered water. Coffee beans are typically roasted for a shorter duration than espresso beans for a milder flavor. Coffee is made by a gravity filtration method in a coffee maker or by steeping the grounds in a French Press.
In summary, the difference between espresso and coffee is the coarseness of the coffee grounds, the duration of roasting the coffee beans, and the method of brewing.
Why most French Press Espresso recipes are wrong
Have you seen other French Press Espresso recipes that use the exact same ratio and/or grind coarseness for both espresso and coffee? Coffee is two rounded tablespoons of coffee per 1 cup of water. Espresso is nearly the same amount of coffee, but for only two tablespoons (or 1 fluid ounce) of water.
If you are using that coffee ratio with espresso grounds, you are simply making espresso coffee. This is fine for sipping with or without creamer, but it will make all of your espresso drinks watery.
Remember that you can always dilute the espresso further, but you cannot make it more concentrated once brewed.
How to make it
Mimic traditional espresso using a french press with this simple guide. No espresso machine, espresso maker, or moka pot needed!
Ingredient Notes
Just like machine made espresso from your local coffee shop, you need only ground espresso beans and filtered water to make this French Press Espresso recipe.
Ground Espresso Beans
While it's best to choose coffee beans that are specifically intended for espresso, a dark roast coffee with a fine ground is a good substitute. It may be labeled espresso roast, French roast, or Italian roast.
Espresso beans are roasted for longer than traditional coffee beans and therefore have the most robust espresso flavor.
Filtered Water
We like to use filtered water when possible so there are no extra flavors added to the espresso. Tap water is ok too. The idea water temperature for making espresso in a French Press is 200 degrees F.
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making espresso using a French Press is very similar to making coffee, but with a different ratio of water to ground coffee.
- Espresso Grounds: Pour the grounds into the bottom of the French press.
- Water: Heat the water to about 200 degrees F. This is just below boiling, so either use a thermometer or allow the water to boil then wait for two minutes for the temperature to drop slightly.
- Bloom: Pour just a few splashes of water into the french press and swirl or stir the grounds. Wait for 30 seconds. This is called blooming. It allows the carbon dioxide to escape quickly and makes a better tasting espresso. Then pour the remaining water into the French press. Cover with the lid but do not press the plunger down. Wait 4 minutes.
- Plunge: After 4 minutes , press the plunger down slowly. To create crema, gently pull the plunger back out and plunge again (you can do this a couple of times to create a thicker layer of foam). Pour out the espresso immediately to prevent over-extraction. You should get ¼ cup of espresso (two shots).*
- Enjoy: Enjoy your espresso, or use it to make an Americano ("Espresso Coffee", see Variations below for details) or in one of our espresso drinks!
Hint: Check to make sure no water is trapped in the bottom of the French press after pouring out the espresso. This can happen because espresso grounds are a finer grind than regular coffee grounds. If water is trapped, try adjusting the plunger or setting the French press upright for a moment and pouring again. You may not need to do this at all or more than once, depending on your French Press.
Variations and Uses
Here are a few ways to enjoy or vary this French Press Espresso recipe:
- Americano - An Americano is a shot of espresso with additional water added to dilute to a traditional American coffee. Use 2 rounded tablespoons of espresso powder per 1 cup of filtered water to make an Americano. Or simply make the espresso as listed and top with additional hot water to your desired taste.
- Latte or Cappuccino - Make your espresso as listed then top with steamed milk to your desired taste.
- Espresso for Tiramisu - If you are making Tiramisu, you can use full strength espresso or very strong Espresso Coffee for dipping ladyfingers. Using 3-4 rounded tablespoons of espresso grounds for every 1 cup of water is an ok ratio for Tiramisu or Espresso Coffee. Try our impossibly authentic Dairy-Free Tiramisu or traditional Strawberry Tiramisu with this French Press Espresso recipe!
- Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso - Do you have brown sugar, a creamy milk of choice, and vanilla extract on hand? Then you can also make this Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso recipe!
- Iced Mocha - This super easy recipe is creamy and indulgent! You need cocoa powder, sugar, and a creamy milk of choice.
Recipe FAQs
Here I answered some frequently asked questions about this French Press Espresso recipe. Don't see your question? Leave it in the comments at the end of this post and I'll answer within two business days.
Store any leftover French Press Espresso in an airtight container in the refrigerator so it doesn't absorb any odors. Use within 3 days for best taste.
If made correctly, French Press Espresso should be stronger than coffee. This is because espresso has a finer ground, which gives off a stronger coffee flavor. The ratio of grounds to water is also higher, which means there is more ground coffee used in making espresso than in coffee.
While it's best to choose coffee beans that are specifically intended for espresso, a dark roast coffee with a fine ground is a good substitute. Espresso beans are roasted for longer than traditional coffee beans and therefore have the most robust espresso flavor.
Just like brewing coffee, espresso should sit in a French Press for the gold standard of 4 minutes. Any less, and your espresso will be too weak. Any more, and there will be a distinctive over-brewed taste.
Related coffee and espresso recipes to consider...
Looking for more coffee and espresso recipes like this French Press Espresso? Check these out:
Or pair it with one of our favorite coffee shop treats like these Brownies without butter Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins, Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Muffins, or Apple Coffee Cake (gluten-free).
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card or comment field below. Thank you!
📖 Recipe
French Press Espresso
Ingredients
- 3 rounded tablespoons of ground espresso beans (18 grams)
- ⅓ cup filtered water (80 ml)
Instructions
- Espresso Grounds: Pour the grounds into the bottom of the French press.
- Water: Heat the water to about 200 degrees F. This is just below boiling, so either use a thermometer or allow the water to boil then wait for two minutes for the temperature to drop slightly.
- Bloom: Pour just a few splashes of water into the french press and swirl or stir the grounds. Wait for 30 seconds. This is called blooming. It allows the carbon dioxide to escape quickly and makes a better tasting espresso. Then pour the remaining water into the French press. Cover with the lid but do not press the plunger down. Wait 4 minutes.
- Plunge: After 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly. To create crema, gently pull the plunger back out and plunge again (you can do this a couple of times to create a thicker layer of foam). Pour out the espresso immediately to prevent over-extraction. You should get ¼ cup of espresso (two shots).*
- Enjoy: Enjoy your espresso, or use it to make an Americano ("Espresso Coffee", see notes) or in one of our espresso drinks!
Notes
Variations and Uses
Here are a few ways to enjoy or vary this espresso recipe:- Americano - An Americano is a shot of espresso with additional water added to dilute to the size of a traditional American coffee. Use 2 rounded tablespoons of espresso powder per 1 cup of filtered water to make an Americano. Or simply make the espresso as listed and top with additional hot water to your desired taste.
- Latte - Make your espresso as listed then top with steamed milk to your desired taste.
- Espresso for Tiramisu - If you are making Tiramisu, you can use full strength espresso or very strong Espresso Coffee for dipping ladyfingers. Using 3-4 rounded tablespoons of espresso grounds for every 1 cup of water is an ok ratio for Tiramisu or Espresso Coffee. Try our impossibly authentic Dairy-Free Tiramisu or traditional Strawberry Tiramisu with this French Press Espresso recipe!
Andre says
Jamie is absolutely right! The other recipes are watery and not made well. Thank you for doing the research and making a solid French press espresso. I wish I started with this one.
Jamie says
Thank you for the review and I'm so glad you enjoyed it Andre!
Coral says
Lovely for my americano! Thank you!
Jamie says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Cam P. says
This worked perfectly! I was searching for a French press espresso recipe and also noticed that the other recipes were just making a coffee. Thanks for noticing this and doing the research for us!
Jamie says
Thank you so much Cam!