If you’ve ever wondered whether you can actually use espresso in a French press, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a question that pops up a lot among coffee lovers who want to mix things up without buying an espresso machine. So, let’s get straight to it: no, you can’t make a true espresso in a French press because it doesn’t have the pressure that espresso machines use. But—and here’s the interesting part—you can use espresso-style coffee or espresso grounds in your French press to make a strong, bold cup that kind of mimics espresso. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s pretty close and can be surprisingly good.
Now, before you rush to dump your espresso grounds in the French press, let’s talk about the basics. Espresso and French press coffee are worlds apart in how they’re made. Espresso is all about high pressure—about bars of it—pushing hot water through super fine coffee grounds. This quick, intense process pulls out a concentrated shot with that lovely crema on top. French press, on the other hand, is a gentler giant. You steep coarsely ground coffee in hot water for a few minutes, then press down a plunger to separate the grounds. No pressure, no crema, but you do get a rich, full-bodied cup with lots of oils and flavor.
So, can you just use espresso grounds in a French press? You can, but it’s a bit tricky. Espresso grounds are very fine, which is perfect for an espresso machine but not so great for a French press. Using really fine grounds can make pressing the plunger a real workout because it clogs the filter. Plus, you’ll probably end up with a gritty cup because those tiny grounds slip through the mesh. And let’s not forget, steeping fine grounds for several minutes can make your coffee bitter or harsh.
The sweet spot? Try a grind that’s finer than your usual French press but not as fine as espresso grind—somewhere in the fine to medium-fine range. This helps with pressing and keeps your coffee smoother.
If you want to give this a go, here’s a quick rundown on how to make espresso-style coffee in your French press that’s actually enjoyable:
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First, grind your coffee fresh. Use a fine to medium-fine grind. It’s a little finer than what you’d usually use for French press, but don’t go all the way to espresso grind. Fresh beans make a huge difference in flavor.
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Use a stronger coffee-to-water ratio than normal. Instead of the usual 1:14, go for something like 1: or 1:12. For example, grams of coffee to ml of water.
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Heat your water to around to degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t just pour boiling water straight in—that can scorch your coffee and make it bitter.
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Preheat your French press with hot water so your brew stays warm longer.
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Add your coffee grounds, pour in half the water, and give it a gentle stir to make sure everything’s wet.
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Pour in the rest of the water, then let it steep for to minutes. The longer you wait, the stronger it gets, but be careful not to overdo it or you’ll get bitterness.
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Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Don’t rush this part; pressing too fast stirs up the grounds and makes your coffee muddy.
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Pour your coffee immediately into a warm cup and enjoy.
What will this taste like? Expect a bold, intense cup with a full body and rich mouthfeel. It won’t have that iconic espresso crema, but you might get a little foam if you press carefully. There will probably be some sediment in your cup, but that’s part of the French press charm.
To put it simply, here’s how the three compare:
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Espresso: very fine grind, super short brew time, high pressure, thick and creamy with crema.
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French press: coarse grind, longer steep, no pressure, full-bodied and oily.
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Espresso-style French press: fine to medium-fine grind, longer steep, no pressure, bold and rich but no crema.
If you want to take your French press espresso-style coffee to the next level, here are some tips I’ve found helpful:
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Always use fresh, quality beans. Dark roasts or espresso roasts work best for that deep, smoky flavor.
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Grind your beans just before brewing. It really makes a difference.
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Play around with the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time until you find what you like. Coffee is personal, after all.
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Preheat your French press and cup. It’s a small step but keeps your coffee hotter longer.
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Press the plunger slowly to avoid disturbing the grounds too much.
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If you hate sediment, try pouring your coffee through a paper filter after brewing. It smooths things out but also takes away some body.
Now, some common questions I get asked:
Can I use pre-ground espresso coffee in a French press?
Sure, but it’s not ideal. Pre-ground espresso is usually too fine and can make pressing harder and your coffee gritty. Freshly ground coffee is always better.
Will using espresso grounds damage my French press?
Nope, your French press will be fine. Just be aware that fine grounds can clog the filter and make pressing tough.
How does this coffee taste compared to real espresso?
It’s definitely different. You won’t get the crema or the exact flavor profile, but it’s a strong, bold cup that’s quite satisfying.
Can I froth milk to make lattes with French press espresso?
Absolutely! You can froth milk separately or even use the French press itself by pumping the plunger up and down to create foam.
What roast level should I use?
Dark or espresso roasts are your best bet for that rich, chocolatey flavor.
If you’re curious about some related terms, you might see people talking about “French press espresso alternative,” “espresso grind for French press,” or “strong coffee French press method.” These all circle around the same idea—getting a powerful cup without an espresso machine.
So, is it worth it? If you want a strong, bold coffee without splurging on an espresso machine, using espresso-style grounds in your French press is a pretty cool hack. It won’t replace the real thing, but it’s a great way to experiment and enjoy a rich cup that’s different from your usual brew. Plus, it opens up possibilities for making milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos at home without fancy gear.
Honestly, the best part is playing around with it—try different beans, tweak your grind size, mess with steep times. Coffee is as much about the journey as the destination, and this method gives you a fun way to explore new flavors and techniques. So go ahead, give it a shot, and see what kind of magic you can brew up in your French press.
