I still remember the first time I made cold brew in my French press—it felt like unlocking a secret café trick at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cold brew in French press without fancy tools or overpriced bottles, you’re in the right place. I’ve brewed countless batches, tried every french press brewing method I could find, and finally landed on a simple routine that gives me smooth, low-acid coffee every time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my go-to setup, the best homemade cold brew coffee tips, and even how to strain cold brew coffee for a cleaner taste. Let’s make your mornings cooler, one glass at a time!
Why I Switched to Cold Brew in My French Press
I used to drink hot coffee all day. Morning, afternoon, even late at night. But after a while, it made my stomach feel bad. I also felt shaky and couldn’t sleep well. That’s when I tried cold brew in my French press. It changed everything. The taste was smooth, and my stomach felt better too.
Cold brew has a mellow flavor. It doesn’t taste bitter like hot coffee. It’s rich but not sharp. The secret is simple. When you steep coarse coffee in cold water for hours, it pulls out the flavor, not the acid. That’s why it feels smoother.
I also saved money. I used to pay $4 for one cup at a café. Now, I make a whole batch of homemade cold brew coffee at home. It costs less than a dollar. My French press became my budget-friendly barista.
What You’ll Need (Simple French Press Setup)
Making cold brew in a French press is super easy. You don’t need fancy tools—just a few basics from your kitchen.
- French press: An 8-cup (34 oz) press works best for small batches.
- Coarse coffee grounds: Use fresh beans and grind them rough—like sea salt.
- Cold, filtered water: Clean water makes your coffee taste better.
- Spoon or chopstick: Stir to make sure all the grounds get wet.
- Optional tools: A kitchen scale or measuring spoon helps with the ratio. A paper filter or cheesecloth makes straining cleaner.
Pro Tip: Not every French press works well for cold brew. I use [insert brand/model] because it’s simple to clean and has a strong plunger that filters out the grit.
Cold Brew Ratio for French Press (With a Simple Table)
Getting the ratio right is key to making smooth cold brew. I like to keep it simple: use 1 part coffee to 8 parts water. That’s the magic number that gives me rich, balanced flavor every time.
If you’re using a scale, measure your coffee in grams. If not, you can use tablespoons or just estimate based on cups. Here’s a quick cheat sheet I made from my own brews:
| Coffee (Coarse) | Water (Cold) | Final Yield |
| 28g (1 oz) | 1 cup | ~¾ cup cold brew |
| 56g (2 oz) | 2 cups | ~1.5 cups |
| 84g (3 oz) | 3 cups | ~2.2 cups |
| 112g (4 oz) | 4 cups | ~3 cups |
Pro Tip: Want a stronger coffee? Use a 1:4 ratio and make cold brew concentrate. You can always dilute it later with water or milk.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew in French Press
Making cold brew at home is easy when you follow a few simple steps. This is my go-to method, and it works every single time.
Step 1 – Add Coarse Coffee Grounds
Start with coarse ground coffee—like breadcrumbs or sea salt. Freshly ground beans taste better and give a smoother cup. I usually add 1 ounce (28g) of coffee for every 1 cup of cold water.
Step 2 – Pour in Cold Filtered Water
Pour cold, filtered water over the coffee. Stir gently with a spoon or chopstick to wet all the grounds. Don’t skip this—dry spots can lead to uneven flavor.
Step 3 – Steep in Fridge for 12–18 Hours
Cover the French press and place it in the fridge. Let it steep for 12 to 18 hours. I leave mine overnight, and by morning, the cold brew is ready to press.
Step 4 – Press the Plunger Down Slowly
After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Don’t rush—pressing too fast can stir up the grounds and make the coffee gritty.
Step 5 – Strain for a Cleaner Cup
This step is optional, but I always do it. Pour your cold brew through a paper filter, nut milk bag, or cheesecloth to remove any fine bits. It makes a big difference.
Why the French Press Brewing Method Works So Well
The French press is a true coffee hero. It’s simple, cheap, and does more than you’d expect. That’s why I keep coming back to it—especially for cold brew.
One reason it works so well is the built-in filter. When you steep coffee in the press, the metal mesh separates the grounds without needing paper filters. It’s easy and waste-free.
You don’t need fancy machines or special pods. Just coarse coffee, water, and your press. It’s perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Even better? It pulls double duty. You can use it for hot brews in the morning and cold brews overnight. One tool, two great results.
And let’s not forget the taste. Cold brew from a French press is bold but smooth. No bitterness, no sour notes—just pure flavor. Less waste, more taste.
How to Store and Serve Your Homemade Cold Brew Coffee
Once you’ve made your cold brew, you’ll want to keep it fresh and tasty. The good news? It stores really well.
Pour the coffee into a clean, airtight jar or bottle. I use a mason jar or a flip-top glass bottle. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to one week.
When it’s time to drink, just pour it over ice. You can keep it black, or add milk, cream, syrup, or even a splash of vanilla. Cold brew is super versatile—it’s your coffee, your way.
Want to save space? Make a strong cold brew concentrate instead. Use a 1:4 ratio (1 part coffee to 4 parts water), and dilute it with water or milk when you’re ready to serve.
Troubleshooting Cold Brew Mistakes (And How I Fixed Mine)
Don’t worry if your first batch doesn’t taste perfect—mine didn’t either! Cold brew is simple, but a few small tweaks can make a big difference.
Problem: Tastes too bitter
This usually happens when the coffee grounds are too fine or you let it steep too long. Cold brew needs coarse grounds and just the right amount of time.
Problem: Too weak or watery
If your brew tastes flat or too light, you might not have used enough coffee, or you pulled it out too soon.
Fix it by increasing your coffee-to-water ratio or steeping it a few hours longer next time. A 1:8 ratio for regular brew or 1:4 for concentrate usually works great.
Problem: Gritty texture
Ever had coffee that feels sandy at the bottom? That means the plunger mesh didn’t catch all the grounds—or you stirred up the sediment while pressing.
I now strain my cold brew again using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. It only takes a minute and makes a huge difference in texture.
If your cold brew turns gritty, you might need to strain better and clean your press thoroughly. You can also learn how to dispose of coffee grounds from French press the right way to keep your setup mess-free.
FAQs
Can I reuse coffee grounds for a second brew?
You can, but the second batch will taste weak. I’ve tried it, and it’s just not the same. Fresh grounds work best every time.
How do I strain cold brew coffee without a filter?
Use a cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, or nut milk bag. It removes the fine bits and gives you a cleaner cup.
Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
Yes, especially if you make it as a concentrate. You can always add water or milk to adjust the strength.
Final Thoughts
Making cold brew at home is one of those little changes that made a big impact in my daily routine. With just a French press, cold water, and a bit of time, I get smooth, café-style coffee without leaving the house.
You don’t need a fancy setup. No barista tools or high-tech brewers. Just some coarse coffee, a spoon, and a little patience. Once you get the hang of it, it feels almost too easy.
For me, it became a weekend ritual. I grind my beans, set it up at night, and wake up to rich, chilled coffee. It’s simple, it’s affordable, and honestly—it always hits just right.
