• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Seeking Good Eats
  • Recipes
  • by Course
  • Low Carb Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Drinks and Cocktail Recipes

French Press Cold Brew Coffee

Modified: Sep 24, 2021 by Kori Butler · Published: Sep 1, 2021

FacebookPinterestEmailReddit
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
Pinterest Hidden Image

French Press Cold Brew is so simple to make at home. The perfect cup of cold brew is bold, smooth, refreshing, with no bitterness. One batch of this cold brew concentrate will last for days. Let's get brewing!

frech press cold brew coffee served in a tall mason jar over ice and a drizzle of cream.Pin

Watch: How To Make Cold Brew French Press Coffee

Why You'll Love Cold Brew Coffee in French Press

"Working as a barista I learned how to make fantastic cold bew coffee. Now you can make the perfect cup of cold brew at home. It really is incredibly easy and tastes amazing." 🙂 -Kori

Easy

French press cold brew is the easiest method for making this coffee. Add water, beans, steep, then simply press to filter the coffee.

Since this makes a whole pitcher you'll have coffee made ahead for days! Perfect on busy days

Smooth and Refreshing

French press cold brew concentrate is smooth and refreshing with no bitterness or acidity. This is because of the way it's brewed. Using cold water prevents the acidity from releasing into the coffee when it steeps.

Unlike the hot water brewing process that causes the acids to decay into bitter compounds that are released into regular coffee.

Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉

A black French press coffee maker and a clear glass of iced cold brew coffee with a metal straw.Pin

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew is made with coarse ground beans that have been steeped in cold filtered water for 12 to 24 hours.

Because of the extraction process through steeping, along with the use of cold water, it results in a smooth and refreshing coffee with very little acidic taste. This allows all the subtle bean flavors to come through resulting in a very delicious cup of coffee.

It can be served cold or hot and can be sweetened or flavored in any number of ways.

Cold Brew French Press Ingredients

A french press sitting on a white wood table with a bag of spilled coffee beans

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this french press cold brew:

  • Ground Coffee - you can use pre-ground coffee or grind your own. Coarsely ground is preferable in cold brew, so I typically grind my own beans. I use a strong bold coffee for cold brew like French roast or another rich coffee but you can use any kind you like.
  • Cold Filtered Water
  • Ice
  • Optional - flavored syrups, cream or cold foam

Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions!

Equipment

  • French Press Coffee Maker - this Bodum Cold Brew Coffee Maker was very inexpensive but you don't need a French press if you have a pitcher or a large mason jar and a way to filter the ground coffee grinds from the water.
  • Liquid Measuring Cup
  • Coffee Bean Grinder - you can also buy pre-ground coarse ground coffee.
  • Cold Foam Frother - this is optional and only needed if you want to top your cold brew with cold foam.
  • Glass Cup with Lid - the perfect 24 oz size, and they're cute too!

What type of coffee beans do I need for cold brew coffee?

You can use any favorite coffee bean for cold brew. It is recommended that you use coffee beans that are coarsely ground, but I can tell you I have made cold brew with regular grind beans before, and it still tasted good.

Can I use pre-ground coffee for cold brew?

Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee for cold brew. Coarse ground coffee is optimal, but in a pinch, you can use a standard ground coffee.

Substitutions and Variations

Believe it or not, there are many variations and ways you can make cold brew!

  • Add a couple of chai tea bags, pumpkin spice, or other favorite tea to steep with the beans for a delicious chai spice-infused taste.
  • Use decaffeinated beans to
  • Use flavored ground coffee beans to impart subtle flavors into the coffee. French vanilla, chocolate, pumpkin spice are great ideas!

How To Make Cold Brew in a French Press

For full instructions please see the printable recipe card below.

Here's how to cold brew coffee in a French press:

Grind Beans

Place coffee beans in a grinder and pulse until coarse ground.

Course ground coffee for making cold brew coffee

Add Coffee and Water

Add coffee grounds and water, then cover the French press and store in a cool dark area or refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.

Adding water the the cold brew french press

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate the coffee for 12 to 24 hours.

Press

Attach the plunger filter lid and slowly press down to filter the coffee grounds and water.

Using a french press to filter cold brew coffee grinds

Serve

Serve the coffee over ice and add water or milk to dilute as needed. Sweeten with sugar, honey, or flavored syrup, and top with cream or cold foam if desired.

Transfer to an air-tight pitcher and store in the refrigerator.

Pouring cold brew coffee over ice in a clear glass

How long should cold brew steep?

Once the coffee grinds are added to the water, the cold brew should steep for a minimum of 12 hours, and up to 24 hours is optimal.

What goes with cold brew?

Cold brew goes well with cream, milk, oat milk, almond milk, sweetened syrups, sugar, cold foam, and whipped cream.

Serving straight up cold brew is a cinch - just pour it over ice, add a little water to dilute if needed, and sip, but there are other delicious ways to serve. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Add a little sweetened syrup to the bottom of the glass, add coffee, ice, then top with cold foam, cream, or whipped cream.
  • Serve hot. Mix with water and heat the coffee in the microwave for a hot cup of joe.
  • Make a cocktail adding Irish Cream.
  • Add a little chocolate syrup, some milk and whipped cream for a very tasty iced mocha.

How long will cold brew coffee keep?

If kept in a well sealed container, cold-brew coffee will keep up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator with no change in flavor.

Top Tips

For the best tasting cold brew I recommend the following:

  • Use filtered cold or room temperature water.
  • Use coarse coffee grounds. Grinding your own beans results in the best taste, but it is not required.
  • Don't have a coffee bean grinder? You can purchase beans already ground or you can grind them at the store where you purchase the beans.
  • If this recipes is too strong for you, adjust by adding more ice, water, or milk to dilute.

FAQs

What's the difference between iced coffee and cold brew coffee?

The simplest explanation is that iced coffee is brewed with hot water. The coffee is then cooled and then served over ice. Hot brewing coffee brings out the acidity in the beans.

Cold brew is made with coffee grounds that have been steeped in cold water and then served over ice. Cold brewed coffee has a longer brewing process therefore it contains more caffeine than regular coffee. Because cold brew coffee is steeped with cold water, the coffee is less acidic and smoother in taste.

Can you heat cold brew coffee?

Yes, cold brew can be heated. The best way to heat is in your microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.

Is cold brew stronger than espresso?

Cold brew is a coffee concentrate so it is quite strong, but the answer to this depends on what type of coffee bean you are using, how long you steeped the beans, and how much cold brew you are using compared to water when you serve.
The bolder and stronger the coffee bean the stronger the coffee. The longer you let the coffee steep the stronger it will be. The less you dilute the coffee with water when you serve, the stronger it will be.

Can I make cold brew without caffeine?

Yes, you can make cold brew by using decaffeinated coffee beans.

What is the best french press for cold brew?

I recommend the Bodum cold brew coffee maker simply because it has worked really well for me and it was less than $15 (when I wrote this it was only $12, actually) so it is very budget-friendly!

Ikea also makes an inexpensive french press that has really good reviews.
If you start making your own cold brew at home, you'll save money in no time at all.

Do I have to use a French press?

No, you do not technically need a french press, it is just easier. You can brew your cold brew in any container, pitcher, or mason jar that can be filtered. You can strain and filter the grinds with a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or a fine-mesh strainer.

What is the right French press cold brew ratio?

The ratio of cold brew concentrate to water when serving is a personal preference. To start I recommend filling your glass with ice then topping with cold brew, leaving room at the top to dilute with water or milk as needed.

I fill my glass with ice then pour coffee over the top, leaving enough room for 1/3 cup or so of cold foam or milk.

Did you try one of my recipes and love it? Let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5-star rating and a comment 🙂

Let's stay connected, please drop a comment or share photos of your creations with me and others on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest! Don't forget to tag #seekinggoodeats

📖 The recipe.

iced cold brew coffee served in a clear glass and topped with cream

Cold Brew French Press Coffee Recipe

French Press Cold Brew is so simple to make at home. The perfect cup of cold brew is bold, smooth, refreshing, and low in acidity. One batch of cold brew will last for days. Let's get brewing!
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 1 day d 5 minutes mins
Course Beverages & Cocktails
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 2 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups coarse ground coffee
  • 6 cups water filtered
  • Ice for serving
  • Optional: flavored syrup sweetener, milk, cream, or cold foam.

Instructions
 

  • Place coffee beans in a grinder and pulse until coarse ground.
  • Cover the French press and store it in a cool dark area or refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
  • Cover and refrigerate the coffee for 12 to 24 hours.
  • Attach the plunger filter lid and slowly press down to filter grinds from coffee.
  • Serve the coffee over ice and add water or milk to dilute as needed.
  • Transfer to an air-tight pitcher and store in the refrigerator.

Video

Kori's Tips

  • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
  • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve cold over ice, with additional water if needed. Also delicious with cream, milk, oat milk, almond milk, or topped with sweet cream cold foam or whipped cream. Sweeten with flavored syrups, sugar, or honey. It can also be served hot.
  • TOP TIPS: Don't have a grinder? Buy your beans pre-ground or grind your beans at the store. Use course ground beans and cold and filtered water.
  • Nutrition

    Calories: 2kcalProtein: 0.6g
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

    © 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

    More Recipes You'll Love

    • Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
    • Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe
    • Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
    • Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew
    • Pumpkin Cold Brew
    • Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Recipe
    • Southern Style Sweet Tea (Sugar Free, Keto)
    • Peach Martini
    • Pineapple Martini
    • Cranberry Mojito Recipe (Make it Skinny!)
    • Cranberry Mojito Recipe
    • Fresh Blueberry Mojito Recipe
    • Passion Fruit Martini Recipe
    • Lemon Mojito
    • Strawberry Martini
    • Irish Mule Cocktail Recipe (Skinny)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Image of Kori Butler Seeking Good Eats FounderPin

    Hey there, I'm Kori.

    I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

    More about me

    Most Popular Recipes

    • A round white bowl of fried rice with shrimp and chicken.
      Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
    • Buffalo chicken wing dip served in a gray baking dish and garnished with celery. A person is dipping a cracker into the dip.
      Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip Recipe
    • A bowl of New Orleans gumbo served over rice with a spoon.
      Louisiana-Style Gumbo Recipe
    • Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe
    • a jar full of premade fajita seasoning mix with a spoon full of seasoning on a cutting board.
      Easy 8-Ingredient Fajita Seasoning Mix
    • Blue cheese wedge salad with dressing, bacon, tomato, and cheese
      Wedge Salad Recipe with Blue Cheese

    Footer

    as featured in:

    Seeking Good Eats as feature in various publication onlinePin
    back to top
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor
    • Accessibility Policy
    Badge of the Internation Association of Culinary ProfessionalsPin

    Copyright © 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.