French Press Explained: Coffee, Cocktails & More

French press

Attilio Calimani, an Italian designer, created the French press in 1929. It is also known as a press pot or plunger pot. Nonetheless, the device took off in France, where it was dubbed the “French press” for obvious reasons.

Coffee grounds are steeped in hot water and then the grounds are separated from the coffee by pressing down on the plunger in a French press. The resulting brew is fuller and more robust in flavor than coffee prepared with a drip coffee maker, which removes some of the coffee’s natural oils and characteristics.

Coffee grinds are steeped in hot water for several minutes in a French press, and then the grounds are pressed down to extract the coffee. This method of brewing allows for a more robust and robustly flavored cup of coffee because more oils and tastes are extracted from the beans. Nevertheless, residue from the grounds can make French press coffee appear hazy or grainy.

Nevertheless, drip coffee is prepared by running hot water over a filter containing the coffee grinds; the resulting beverage is collected in a carafe. The grinds’ natural oils and flavors are filtered away during this process, leaving behind a more refined and refined flavor. The convenience and speed with which drip coffee can be prepared make it a popular choice for brewing multiple cups at once.

Coffee made with a pour-over method is prepared in the same way as drip coffee, except the grounds are steeped in a filter perched atop a cup or carafe. Because the water pressure and temperature can be adjusted more precisely, the resulting flavor is more complex and refined. Coffee connoisseurs frequently prefer to pour over coffee for its more nuanced flavor, despite the fact that it takes longer to prepare.

Size, substance, and cost are all considerations when shopping for a French press. You may get French presses ranging from single-cup models to those that can brew a whole pot of coffee at once. Bodum, Hario, and Frieling are a few well-liked manufacturers. Presses can be made from a variety of materials, with glass and stainless steel being two common choices. The lowest-priced choice can be found for less than $20, while the most expensive can cost over $100.

Whether you drink your coffee from a French press, a drip machine, or a pour-over is a question of personal preference. There is no one best approach because they each come with their own set of pros and cons. The easiest way to decide which approach is best for you is to experiment with each one and discover which one you like the most.

Although the practice likely arose organically as bartenders experimented with different procedures and ingredients, pinning down the exact time and place when coffee presses were first used to prepare alcoholic cocktails is impossible. But in recent years, coffee presses have gained popularity among bartenders for use in making inventive and tasty cocktails.

A coffee press can be useful for making cocktails since it facilitates the simple integration of ingredients. Bartenders can quickly and easily make complex and savory infusions by adding herbs, spices, fruits, or other items to the press along with base alcohol.

Coffee presses are versatile tools that can be used for more than just infusing beverages. Bartenders can make their own syrups to sweeten and flavor drinks by putting items like fruit, sugar, and water in a coffee press and steeping them together.

Coffee presses are so adaptable and easy to operate that they have even found their way into the cocktail scene. Bartenders can use a coffee press to make a variety of delicious drinks that will stand out from the crowd.


Here are a few French press cocktail drink recipes that you can try:

French Press Sangria

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of red wine
  • 1/2 cup of brandy
  • 1/2 cup of orange juice
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • Club soda

Instructions:

  1. In a French press, combine the red wine, brandy, orange juice, sugar, and sliced fruit.
  2. Stir to combine and let sit for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
  3. When ready to serve, press the plunger down to strain the mixture into a large pitcher.
  4. Pour the sangria over ice and top with club soda to taste.

Coffee Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1/4 oz cold brew coffee
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Add the bourbon, simple syrup, cold brew coffee, and bitters to a French press.
  2. Stir to combine, then let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Press the plunger down to strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with an orange peel.

French Press Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of tequila
  • 1/2 cup of lime juice
  • 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
  • 1/4 cup of simple syrup
  • Salt or sugar, for rimming glasses
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Rim two glasses with salt or sugar.
  2. In a French press, combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
  3. Stir to combine, then let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Press the plunger down to strain the mixture into the prepared glasses.
  5. Garnish with lime wedges.

I hope you enjoy trying out these French press cocktail drink recipes!