How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press

Cold brew is coffee made by steeping grounds in cold water for many hours, creating a smooth, naturally sweet drink with less acidity than hot coffee. And yes—you can make it in the French press you already own. It’s budget-friendly, easy, and delivers café-level results without any fancy gear.

What You’ll Need

• French press (8-cup size works well)

• Coarsely ground coffee (think breadcrumbs)

• Cold or room temperature water

• A spoon or chopstick for stirring

• Fridge space for steeping

Step-by-Step: Cold Brew in a French Press

1. Measure Your Coffee and Water

For a strong concentrate, use a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio (about 1 cup of coffee grounds for 8 cups of water). You can dilute later when serving.

2. Combine and Stir

Add the coffee to your French press, pour in cold or room temp water, and stir to make sure all the grounds are wet.

3. Steep—The Waiting Game

Place the lid on (plunger up) and pop the press in the fridge for at least 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger it will be.

4. Press and Pour

After steeping, slowly press the plunger down. Pour the coffee into a clean jar or pitcher right away—this stops extraction and keeps flavors balanced.

5. Serve Your Way

Cold brew concentrate can be poured over ice and topped with water or milk to taste. It’s also great for iced lattes, coffee cocktails, or even baking.

Tips for Better Cold Brew

• Filtered water can make the taste smoother.

• Use medium-to-dark roasts for a richer flavor, or try lighter roasts for a bright, tea-like brew.

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days for best flavor.

With a French press, cold brew is as easy as stir, steep, press, and sip. It’s a low-effort, high-reward way to make refreshing coffee all summer long. Check out our blogs for more on brewing