If you love coffee and are always up for experimenting, you’ve probably wondered: Can you make espresso in a French press? After all, espresso machines can be pricey and complicated, while French presses are simple and affordable. But is it really possible to get that rich, intense espresso shot using just a French press?
In this article, we’ll break down what makes espresso, how a French press works, and whether you can get espresso-quality coffee with it. We’ll also share tips on how to make the best coffee with your French press, plus some handy tricks if you’re craving that espresso vibe at home without splurging on a machine.
What Exactly Is Espresso?
Before diving in, let’s quickly recap what espresso really is — and why it’s different from regular brewed coffee.
- High pressure: Espresso machines force hot water through finely ground coffee at around 9 bars of pressure.
- Fine grind: Espresso requires a very fine grind to extract maximum flavor quickly.
- Short extraction time: The brew time is typically 25-30 seconds, resulting in a concentrated shot.
- Rich crema: The pressure creates a layer of creamy foam (crema) on top, which is a hallmark of true espresso.
So espresso isn’t just strong coffee — it’s about the method, pressure, grind, and timing.
How Does a French Press Work?
French presses, also called press pots or plunger pots, brew coffee very differently:
- Steeping method: You add coarse coffee grounds to hot water, let it steep for 3-5 minutes, then press a plunger down to separate grounds from liquid.
- No pressure: There’s no pressure applied beyond your hand pressing the plunger, so no intense extraction.
- Coarse grind: French press coffee uses coarser grounds to avoid too much sediment.
- Longer brew time: Steeping takes a few minutes, producing a full-bodied, but less concentrated coffee.
The French press is great for rich, flavorful coffee but it’s not designed to replicate espresso’s high pressure.
Can You Make Espresso in a French Press?
Here’s the honest answer:
No, you can’t make a true espresso in a French press.
Why?
- The French press doesn’t generate anywhere near the pressure needed for espresso.
- It uses coarse grounds and longer steeping, which is opposite to espresso’s fine grind and fast extraction.
- It can’t produce the signature crema that espresso shots have.
But here’s the good news: You can make a strong, concentrated coffee that mimics some espresso qualities using a French press.
Think of it as a “French press espresso-style coffee” — bold, rich, and full-bodied, but not technically espresso.
How to Make Strong Coffee That’s Espresso-Like in a French Press
If you want to get close to espresso using your French press, try these tips:
1. Use a Fine Grind
- Go finer than your usual French press grind — somewhere between espresso and drip grind.
- A finer grind increases surface area for extraction, giving you stronger flavor.
- Be careful: too fine and it may clog the plunger or make pressing tough.
2. Adjust Your Coffee-to-Water Ratio
- Use more coffee per ounce of water than usual.
- Try 1:10 ratio (1 gram coffee to 10 grams water), instead of typical 1:15 or 1:16.
- This packs more coffee solids in the cup, creating a concentrated brew.
3. Shorten Your Steep Time
- Steep for about 2-3 minutes instead of 4-5.
- This helps avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
4. Press Slowly and Firmly
- After steeping, press the plunger down slowly but with some firmness.
- This separates grounds well and improves clarity.
5. Heat Your Water Right
- Use water just off boil (around 200°F or 93°C).
- Too hot or too cold affects extraction quality.
Step-by-Step Recipe: “French Press Espresso-Style Coffee”
Here’s a quick guide to try this at home:
- Grind 20 grams of coffee to a fine-medium texture. Not as fine as espresso but finer than usual.
- Heat 200 ml of water to 200°F (93°C).
- Add coffee grounds to your French press.
- Pour half the water, stir gently to saturate grounds.
- Add the rest of the water and place the lid on (plunger up).
- Let it steep for 2.5 to 3 minutes.
- Slowly press the plunger down.
- Pour and enjoy your strong, espresso-style cup!
What Will This Coffee Taste Like?
- Expect a bold, rich, slightly more bitter brew than regular French press coffee.
- It won’t have espresso’s thick crema or velvety mouthfeel.
- The flavor will be robust with heavier body, making it a good base for lattes or cappuccinos if you add steamed milk.
- Perfect for those who want espresso vibes without an espresso machine.
Pros and Cons: French Press Espresso-Style Coffee
Pros:
- Easy and affordable — no special equipment needed.
- Great for experimenting and customizing your brew.
- Rich, full-bodied coffee that packs a punch.
- Simple cleanup.
Cons:
- Not true espresso — no crema or pressure extraction.
- Might be gritty or slightly muddy if grind is too fine.
- Can’t make authentic espresso-based drinks like macchiatos or Americanos without an espresso shot.
Alternatives if You Want Real Espresso at Home
Wondering how to make espresso without a machine? If you’re craving authentic espresso but want to avoid a pricey machine, here are some budget-friendly options:
- AeroPress: Uses pressure and fine grounds to make espresso-style coffee.
- Moka pot: Stovetop espresso maker creates strong, pressurized coffee.
- Handheld espresso makers: Small devices that use manual pressure to extract espresso shots.
Each of these can get you closer to real espresso without breaking the bank.
FAQs About Espresso and French Press Coffee
Q: Can I use espresso beans in a French press?
Yes! Espresso beans are just regular coffee beans roasted darker for espresso machines. Grinding them coarser for French press will work fine.
Q: Can I froth milk to make lattes with French press coffee?
Absolutely! Heat and froth milk separately, then combine with your strong French press brew for a latte-like drink.
Q: Will French press coffee have crema?
No. Crema requires high pressure from an espresso machine and can’t be replicated in a French press.
The Verdict: Is It Worth Trying?
If you love coffee and enjoy experimenting, making espresso-style coffee in a French press is definitely worth a shot. You won’t get a perfect espresso, but you can create a deliciously strong and bold cup that satisfies your espresso cravings without expensive gear.
Plus, mastering this method gives you more flexibility with your French press and lets you customize strength and flavor exactly how you like it.
So next time you’re craving espresso but don’t have a machine handy, give this method a try — your taste buds might just thank you.
