How to Make Cold Brew Coffee in a French Press
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If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping smooth, refreshing cold brew coffee without paying $6 a cup at your local café, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into exactly how to make cold brew coffee in a French press!
Whether you’re a cold brew addict or just curious about this cool coffee trend, using a French press is one of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to get started. It’s low-effort, budget-friendly, and the results? Bold, rich, and totally Instagram-worthy.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything from the perfect coffee-to-water ratio to expert tips that guarantee a delicious brew every single time. Grab your French press, and let’s make some magic!
Why Use a French Press for Cold Brew?
So, why exactly should you make cold brew coffee in a French press? Simple: it’s one of the most accessible, no-fuss brewing methods around. No fancy filters. No complicated steps. Just coffee, water, and time.
The built-in metal filter of a French press makes it perfect for cold brew — it separates the grounds without stripping away the coffee’s natural oils, giving you a bold, smooth, and slightly creamy result.
Plus, if you already own a French press, you’re halfway there! If not, don’t worry — this is the one I use.
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to make cold brew coffee in a French press. The best part? You probably already have most of this in your kitchen!
Here’s your cold brew checklist:
Ingredients:
- Coarse ground coffee
Go for a coarse grind — it should feel like sea salt. This prevents over-extraction and makes filtering easier. Try a bold, low-acid roast made specifically for cold brew. These are our favorite cold brew beans. - Cold, filtered water
Quality water = quality coffee. Use cold or room-temperature filtered water for the smoothest taste.
Tools:
- French press (32 oz or larger recommended)
Don’t have one yet? Grab the Bodum Chambord French Press — perfect size and easy to clean. - Spoon or wooden stirrer
You’ll need this to gently mix the coffee and water without scratching the glass. - Measuring cup or kitchen scale
Precision helps! A simple 1:7 or 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio is a great place to start. - Optional: Extra filter or cheesecloth
For an ultra-smooth brew, you can strain it one more time after pressing — totally optional but great if you like your cold brew crystal clear.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee in a French Press (Step-by-Step)
You’ve got your gear. You’ve got your beans. Now it’s time to learn how to make cold brew coffee in a French press — step by step. Trust us, it’s ridiculously easy and totally worth the (short) wait.
Step 1: Measure Your Coffee and Water
Use a 1:7 to 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio to start — that’s about 1 cup (85g) of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups (900ml) of water.
Want stronger cold brew? Use a 1:5 ratio and dilute later to taste.
If you’re using a kitchen scale, even better. Accuracy = consistency.
Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds to the French Press
Pour your coarse coffee grounds directly into the bottom of your French press. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot — cold brew is brewed strong and often diluted before drinking.
Step 3: Add Water and Stir Gently
Pour your filtered water over the coffee grounds slowly, making sure to saturate them evenly.
Then, give it a gentle stir with a wooden spoon or plastic utensil (metal can crack glass). Make sure all the grounds are wet and floating.
Step 4: Steep for 12–16 Hours
Place the lid on your French press without plunging it down, and let the mixture steep for 12 to 16 hours. You can leave it:
- On the counter at room temperature (12–14 hours), or
- In the fridge (14–16 hours)
The longer it brews, the stronger and richer the flavor.
Step 5: Press and Pour
After steeping, slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid.
At this point, your cold brew is ready to drink — but for a cleaner result, you can pour it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove extra sediment (optional).
Step 6: Serve, Sip, and Store
Serve your cold brew over ice, or mix with water, milk, or your favorite syrup. Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge — it stays fresh for up to 7–10 days!
That’s it! You’ve just learned how to make cold brew coffee in a French press — and once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought again.
Cold Brew French Press Ratio Chart
Getting your ratios right is key to a perfectly balanced cold brew. Here’s a quick reference chart you can save or pin:
| Coffee (Coarse Ground) | Water (Filtered) | Yield (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup (43g) | 3.5 cups (800ml) | ~3 cups cold brew |
| 3/4 cup (64g) | 5 cups (1.2L) | ~4 cups cold brew |
| 1 cup (85g) | 6.5–7 cups (1.5L) | ~5–6 cups cold brew |
| 1.5 cups (128g) | 10 cups (2.3L) | ~8–9 cups cold brew |
Note: Cold brew concentrate is typically brewed strong and then diluted 1:1 with water, milk, or ice before serving.
This chart is perfect for scaling your brew based on how much cold brew you want — or how much your French press can hold.
Cold Brew Tips & Troubleshooting
Even though cold brew is super forgiving, a few pro tips can help you avoid rookie mistakes and make the smoothest coffee possible:
Cold Brew Tips
- Use coarse grind only.
Too fine, and your cold brew will be bitter and over-extracted. Aim for a texture like sea salt or breadcrumbs. - Filtered water = better flavor.
Since cold brew isn’t boiled, the quality of your water really matters. - Don’t plunge early!
Let it steep fully (12–16 hours) before pressing. This ensures maximum flavor extraction. - Try a cold brew-specific roast.
Low-acid, dark or medium roasts shine in cold brew.
Check out our go-to Cold Brew Blend — smooth and made for this method.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too weak?
Use more coffee, steep longer, or try a stronger coffee-to-water ratio like 1:5. - Too bitter?
Your grind might be too fine or steep time too long. Use a coarser grind and stick to 12–14 hours next time. - Gritty or cloudy coffee?
Press slowly and consider straining through a second filter (cheesecloth, nut milk bag, or even a paper coffee filter). - Cold brew too concentrated?
That’s normal — just dilute 1:1 with water, milk, or your favorite creamer when serving.
FAQs About How to Make Cold Brew Coffee in a French Press
Can you make cold brew coffee in a French press?
Yes, you can absolutely make cold brew coffee in a French press — and it’s one of the easiest methods! The built-in plunger acts as a filter, making it simple to steep and strain your coffee without extra tools. Just combine coarse grounds and cold water, let it sit for 12–16 hours, and press.
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew in a French press?
A good starting ratio is 1:7 or 1:8 — that means 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee for every 7–8 cups of water. If you want a stronger cold brew concentrate, try a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio and dilute it before serving.
How long should you steep cold brew in a French press?
Cold brew should steep for 12 to 16 hours. You can leave it on the counter for a quicker brew or in the fridge for a slower extraction. Just make sure you don’t plunge it until the steeping time is done.
What kind of coffee grind is best for French press cold brew?
Use coarse ground coffee for cold brew in a French press — similar to sea salt. A grind that’s too fine can make the coffee bitter and clog the filter when pressing.
Do you press the plunger down during cold brew steeping?
No, you should not press the plunger down while the coffee is steeping. Just place the lid on top and leave the plunger up until the full 12–16 hours have passed.
Can I use regular ground coffee for cold brew in a French press?
Technically, yes — but it’s not ideal. Regular ground coffee (which is finer) can lead to over-extraction and a gritty texture. For best results, stick with coarse ground coffee made for cold brew or French press brewing.
How long does French press cold brew last in the fridge?
Cold brew made in a French press can be stored in the fridge for up to 7–10 days. Keep it in a sealed jar or bottle for best flavor and freshness.
