Mastering the French Press: Step-by-step Brewing Guide for Beginners

For those who want to enjoy a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee at home, the French Press is one of the easiest and most rewarding brewing methods. Whether you’re new to home brewing or simply looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through each step — with Grão Coffee’s freshly roasted beans at the heart of every brew.

1. Choose the Right Grind Size for French Press

To get that smooth, robust flavor, grind size matters. A coarse grind — similar to sea salt — is ideal for French Press, allowing the water to extract flavors without becoming over-extracted or bitter. Grão Coffee offers freshly roasted beans that can be ground to your preferred level when you order, making it easy to get the perfect grind every time.

Tip: Avoid fine grinds (like for espresso), as they can make the coffee muddy and hard to press.

2. Measure Your Coffee and Water — Get the Ratio Right

A balanced coffee-to-water ratio ensures the perfect brew. A standard starting point is 1:15 — that’s 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or ml) of water. For a single large cup (about 300 ml of water), use around 20 grams of coffee.

Example:
• 20g Grão Coffee (coarse grind)
• 300 ml hot water (just off boil, around 93–96°C)

This ratio brings out the flavor notes of Grão’s premium blends without being too weak or too strong.

3. Steeping Time: The Secret to a Full-bodied Brew

Once you’ve added hot water over the coffee grounds, let it steep for 4 minutes. This allows all the rich oils and flavors to be extracted. Stir gently after pouring the water to ensure even saturation.

Steps Recap:
• Add coffee to French Press
• Pour hot water evenly over grounds
• Stir gently and cover
• Let steep for 4 minutes
• Press down the plunger slowly and serve

Final Tip: Enjoy It Fresh and Pure

French Press coffee is best enjoyed immediately for maximum flavor. Pair it with a light snack or dessert, and you’ve got a café-worthy experience at home.

Grão Coffee’s selection of blends and single origins are perfect for French Press — choose a roast that suits your taste and start brewing like a pro!