The Art of French Press: A Simple Path to Beautiful Coffee

There's something magical about brewing coffee in a French press. Maybe it's the ritual, or perhaps it's how this simple method brings out coffee's deepest flavors, there's a natural rhythm to it.

What makes the French press special is how it lets coffee truly express itself. Without paper filters in the way, all those precious oils and subtle flavors make their way into your cup, creating a rich, full-bodied brew that's hard to beat.

What you'll need for this coffee:

• A French press (glass, steel, or ceramic - they all have their charms)
• A scale (because precision matters in coffee)
• Any kettle that can get your water nice and hot
• A grinder (burr grinders are wonderful, but use what you have)

The sweet spot for most folks is a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. Think 30g of coffee to about 450g of water. For the grind, we're looking for something coarse - picture sea salt or breadcrumbs. Too fine, and you'll end up with a muddy cup that nobody wants to wake up to.

Here's the process:

1. Start with those coarse grounds in your press
2. Pour just enough hot water (195-205°F) to cover the grounds and give them a gentle stir
3. Add the rest of your water
4. Let it steep for 4 minutes (watch the sunrise while you wait)
5. Optional but lovely: skim off the "crust" of grounds floating on top
6. Press slowly - it should feel like a gentle resistance, not a workout

If your first cup isn't perfect, try dialing it in with your grind or brew time. Too bitter? Go coarser or steep less. Too weak? Try the opposite. It's all about finding what makes your perfect cup.