How to Make Espresso using a French Press
Similar to an espresso machine, a French Press is a tool used to pull coffee that is flavorful and full-bodied, although less intense than a true espresso maker.
Equipment:
French Press
scale
kettle
mug
Ingredients:
whole/ground coffee beans
water
Instructions:
I. Measure out the coffee to 30g. Grind beans if whole post-measurement. Should resemble ground cinnamon.
II. Heat water using electric kettle to boil, let rest for 30-60 seconds to reach 200F. For best results, use alkaline water.
III. Preheat the French Press by pouring hot water into it, swirl, and pour out.
IV. Add coffee to French Press.
V. Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee evenly to allow it to bloom in flavor. After about 30 seconds, pour the remaining water to reach 100g of total water. (3:1 water to espresso ratio).
VI. Steep coffee for 4 minutes. Too long = bitter, too short = not enough flavor extracted.
VII. Plunge the French Press gently and slowly.
VIII. Enjoy immediately as pure espresso or pour over milk and ice for a latte.
My current at-home latte recipe uses this technique with this recipe:
Fill aesthetic cup up almost completely with ice, pour fair life whole milk leaving about 1 1/2 inch headspace, add 3 T homemade dandelion honey syrup, stir, pour espresso shot on top and gently swirl with lid on (looks the prettiest this way).
