Hot black coffee is my favorite and go-to, but the summer months have me craving a cold iced coffee, especially during the hot afternoons. I actually haven’t tried any store bought cold brew or iced coffees, but I love a good iced latte or iced coffee from a local coffee shop or Starbucks. Ever since becoming married, I’ve been wanting to try making more things homemade – it’s more fun and resourceful that way in my mind. A lot of times way more simple than you think, too!
In my first cold brew at home attempt, I tried using a strainer and it didn’t work very well because a lot of the grounds still got through. On the other hand, I didn’t want to spend extra money and buy a separate coffee maker to make iced coffee. My good friend actually brought it up to me that I should use my french press to try and make it and I’m never looking back!
Without further ado, I’d love to show you how to make cold brew coffee in a french press and a few ways to enjoy it!
Step 1 – Place coffee grounds in french press
First things first – grab your french press. I have had this one for years and it’s fantastic. Here’s another good option. Grind the coffee before this if you prefer. I would love to get this coffee grinder someday! Put the grounds in the very bottom of the glass carafe. You will have to remove the plunger! The recommended ratio I use for water to coffee is 1 part coffee to 3 parts water. It depends on your personal preference in coffee roast style and how strong you like your coffee.
Step 2 – Add water
Add water to the carafe over the grounds. Chilled water works great when making cold brew, rather than boiling water when you are using your french press for hot coffee.
Step 3 – Leave your coffee to brew
This is the easiest, but longest part of the process! You can either leave the plunger off or some say to put it on top of the carafe but don’t press it down (I guess I just leave it off so it’s easier). Set the press in the fridge or at room temperature (again, personal preference – I’ve found the fridge works great for me!) for a minimum of 12 hours (easy to do overnight).
Step 4 – Enjoy your cold brew coffee!
Once the 12 or more hours are up, slowly push the plunger down to filter the grinds from your cold brew and you are good to go!
There are many ways to enjoy homemade cold brew:
- On ice – simply add ice cubes to your favorite glass and add as much of the cold brew as you want.
- With milk – Add your favorite milk or creamer. I’ve always wanted to try this creamer; Planet Oat Oatmilk is my favorite lately. I’ve heard great things about this brand, too.
- Flavored – Add a flavored coffee syrup then top with cold brew and/or milk.
To save your cold brew, I seal it in a mason jar and keep it in the fridge! Cold brew lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge when sealed.
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