French Press Espresso (No Machine Needed!)

Here’s how to make French press espresso! It’s easy and makes great-tasting espresso, no fancy machine required.

Espresso can seem intimidating at first, but if you already have a French press at home, you’re halfway there to a solid alternative. This French press espresso makes a delicious version that’s super close to the flavors I get out of my espresso machine.

The best part is that it’s ideal for espresso drinks. If you love a latte, cappuccino, or affogato, brewing up a French press espresso results in delicious versions of all of those coffee treats.

Start with espresso roast coffee

Other than a French press, the coffee you buy is the most important part. Go for espresso roast coffee, ground to a medium fine grind.

Here’s why these elements are important:

• Espresso roast is important to get the right dark, bitter flavor that’s typical in espresso shots. Starbucks and Intelligentsia both have a nice espresso roast.
• Medium fine grind is important for use in the French press. Espresso coffee beans are typically ground very fine for an espresso machine. If they’re too fine for a French press, they can be hard to strain, and you end up with sediment in your coffee cups.

The basic steps

Here’s the basic idea behind the quick and simple French press espresso:

1. Grind the coffee. Grind ½ cup coffee beans to a medium fine grind.
2. Heat the water. Heat ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons water to hot but not boiling (200 to 205°F).
3. Add coffee and wait 4 minutes. Add the medium fine ground espresso coffee to the French press. Top with the hot water and stir. Set a timer and wait 4 minutes.
4. Plunge. Place the lid on the French press and slowly press on the plunger all the way down.

Choosing a French press

I like the Bodum French press. It’s high quality, works well, and the brand has been making them for years. Another option is to use an insulated French press, which keeps the coffee warm for you if you’re not sipping it all right away. Either way, you’ll be using a tool that’s been around for coffee brewing since at least the 1920s.

More alternatives without a machine

French press espresso is my top method for making espresso without a machine because it has the best flavor and doesn’t require specialty equipment. But if you’re looking for some other options, here are a few more ideas:

• Manual espresso maker: This option has the best flavor for a specific tool, and they’re generally a lot cheaper than a machine and more portable.
• Aeropress: The Aeropress method is even cheaper, but you’ll sacrifice some flavor. The espresso isn’t great, but it’s decent if you’re in a bind.

This French press espresso recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Print