How to make espresso in a French press

If you love coffee but don’t own an expensive espresso machine, you might be wondering if it’s possible to make espresso in a French press. The truth is, while you can’t create a true espresso—since that requires finely-ground coffee at high pressure—you can brew a strong, concentrated cup that tastes similar to espresso. This article will show you how to make espresso with a French press, step by step, so you can enjoy a rich, bold drink without an espresso machine.

Whether you’re a coffee lover looking for a new brewing method or just want to make French press espresso for your morning routine, this guide covers everything from grind size and coffee beans to water ratios, steep times, and tips for achieving the perfect cup of coffee.

1. What Is a French Press and Why Do People Love It?

A French press—also known as a coffee plunger—is one of the simplest and most popular brewing devices in the world. With just a beaker, a metal mesh filter, and a plunger, you can brew coffee at home without much effort.

The French press is usually used for making rich, full-bodied French press coffee, but it’s also adaptable for brewing a stronger, more concentrated version that resembles espresso coffee. Because it doesn’t require electricity or expensive equipment, it’s often the first tool people buy when learning how to make coffee at home.

The French press is generally affordable, portable, and easy to clean, making it ideal for travelers, students, or anyone who wants to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee without relying on complicated machines.

2. Can You Really Make Espresso with a French Press?

The first question many beginners ask is: Is it really possible to make espresso in a French press? The answer depends on how you define espresso.

True espresso requires an espresso machine that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. Since the French press doesn’t use pressure, it can’t replicate that exact process. However, it is possible to make a concentrated, bold, and smooth coffee that is similar to espresso.

This method is often called French press espresso, and while it won’t produce the thick crema of a shot of espresso, it’s strong enough to serve as a base for many other coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and iced espresso-style beverages.

3. How Does French Press Coffee Compare to Espresso?

French press coffee is brewed differently from espresso, so the flavor and texture will not be identical. In a French press, you let the coffee grounds and water mix together, allowing oils and fine particles to remain in the cup. This results in a heavier body and a richer mouthfeel.

Espresso, on the other hand, is a cup of espresso extracted under pressure, creating a very concentrated liquid with a layer of crema. The coffee brewed in a French press won’t have crema, but it will still be a strong coffee—much closer to espresso drinks than standard drip coffee.

For anyone who wants to make espresso without an espresso machine, the French press is one of the best alternatives because it can create coffee similar to espresso with just a few adjustments.

4. What Type of Coffee Beans Work Best for French Press Espresso?

To make French press espresso, you need to start with the right coffee beans. Traditionally, espresso beans are dark roasted because they produce a bold, slightly bitter taste that pairs well with milk in espresso drinks.

However, you can experiment with medium roasts if you prefer a brighter flavor. The key is to roast coffee beans that are fresh, as stale beans will never give you the rich flavor you’re looking for.

Whether you’re aiming for a shot of espresso style or just want coffee similar to espresso, choosing high-quality ground coffee beans makes all the difference.

5. Grind Size: How to Grind Coffee for a French Press Espresso

Grind size is one of the most important factors when learning how to make espresso in a French press. Typically, coarsely ground coffee is used for French press brewing because it prevents clogging of the filter. However, when trying to make an espresso style drink, you’ll need a finer grind of coffee.

That doesn’t mean going all the way to finely-ground coffee (which is used in an espresso machine). Instead, use a grind slightly finer than your usual grind size for French press but coarser than espresso grind. This balance allows you to separate the coffee grounds with the plunger while still creating a more concentrated brew.

Always grind your coffee beans fresh if possible. Using pre-ground coffee can lead to uneven extraction, while freshly ground coffee beans produce a more aromatic and flavorful cup.

6. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Espresso in a French Press

If you’ve ever asked, “Can I use my French press to make espresso at home?” the answer is yes—at least a close version. Here’s how to make a rich, concentrated brew:

1. Measure the coffee grounds – Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per cup of water. For stronger flavor, you can go up to 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 3 ounces of water.
2. Grind your beans – Use a grind slightly finer than normal coarsely ground coffee beans, but not as fine as true espresso grind.
3. Boil and cool the water – Heat water to just below boiling. Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in the French press.
4. Stir and steep – Gently stir to add the coffee grounds evenly. Allow the coffee to steep for 3–4 minutes. For a stronger taste, let the coffee steep a little longer.
5. Press the plunger – Slowly press the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. Keep your press on a stable surface while doing this.
6. Serve and enjoy – You now have a bold, concentrated coffee that’s similar to espresso.

This method is the best way to make espresso without an espresso machine, and while it’s not a true espresso, it’s perfect for espresso at home.

7. What Is the Ideal Coffee to Water Ratio for French Press Espresso?

The ratio of coffee to water is crucial in making strong, concentrated French press espresso. A common coffee to water ratio for French press is 1:15, but for espresso-style coffee, you’ll want something closer to 1:8.

That means for every cup of water, use about 2 tablespoons of coffee or even more if you prefer a bolder taste. This creates a brew that’s similar to espresso in strength and intensity.

Experiment until you find your perfect cup of coffee, but always keep in mind that the more coffee to water you use, the stronger and more concentrated coffee you’ll get.

8. Common Mistakes When Brewing Espresso in a French Press

Many people try espresso using a French press and are disappointed with the results. The most common mistakes include:

• Using the wrong grind size: Too coarse, and you’ll get weak coffee; too fine, and it clogs the filter.
• Not adjusting the amount of coffee: Standard ratios make regular French press coffee, not French press espresso.
• Steeping too long: If you let the coffee steep much longer, the flavor becomes bitter.

Remember, a French press is one of the easiest tools to use, but it requires the right balance of coffee grounds and water to achieve a coffee similar to espresso.

9. Tips to Improve Your French Press Espresso Brew

If you want to level up your results when making espresso in a French press, try these tips:

• Use fresh espresso beans – They produce a richer flavor than old coffee.
• Experiment with grind size – A finer grind of coffee leads to stronger extraction.
• Use my French press daily – The more you practice, the better you’ll get at controlling ratios and steep times.
• Heat your cup of coffee first – Pre-warming your cup keeps the flavor intact.
• Try different coffee drinks – Your strong brew can be used for lattes, cappuccinos, or iced espresso drinks.

By tweaking these small details, you’ll get a drink that’s similar to espresso and satisfying enough for any coffee lover.

10. Final Thoughts: Is French Press Espresso Worth Trying?

If you don’t own an espresso maker and want to enjoy espresso without an espresso machine, then making French press espresso is absolutely worth it.

While it’s not the same as espresso coffee brewed at high pressure, it’s possible to make a rich, bold, cup of espresso-like coffee at home with nothing more than a French press. This method is simple, affordable, and gives you a chance to experiment with coffee brewed in new ways.

So the next time you’re craving a cup of coffee that’s stronger than drip but don’t have access to an espresso machine, just remember—you can always make espresso in a French press.

Key Takeaways:

• A French press is usually used for regular coffee but can be adapted for espresso without an espresso machine.
• You can’t make a true espresso, but you can brew coffee similar to espresso.
• Use espresso beans or dark roast coffee for bold flavor.
• The ideal grind is slightly finer than normal coarsely ground coffee.
• Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per cup of water for a stronger brew.
• Allow the coffee to steep for 3–4 minutes before pressing.
• Practice and adjust the ratio of water to coffee until you find your perfect cup of coffee.
• Your homemade French press espresso can be used in many other coffee drinks.

1. Can you really make espresso in a French press?

Yes! While a French press can’t create true espresso (since it doesn’t use high pressure), it can brew a strong, concentrated coffee similar to espresso. This method is often called French press espresso.

2. What grind size should I use for French press espresso?

Use a grind that’s slightly finer than normal French press coffee but not as fine as traditional espresso. This ensures the plunger can still filter the coffee grounds while giving you a stronger extraction.

3. What coffee-to-water ratio works best for French press espresso?

For stronger, espresso-like coffee, use about 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per cup of water (roughly a 1:8 ratio). Adjust to taste for a perfect cup of coffee.

4. What’s the difference between French press coffee and espresso?

French press coffee is brewed by steeping coffee grounds and water together, resulting in a full-bodied, heavy drink. Espresso is brewed in an espresso machine using finely-ground coffee at high pressure, producing a concentrated espresso shot with crema.

5. Can I use French press espresso for lattes and cappuccinos?

Absolutely! While it’s not true espresso, your French press espresso can be used as a strong base for many other coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees.