How to Brew Coffee Using a French Press

What you need:

• 12oz Chicago French Press (whole bean) bag with grinder, OR
• Chicago French Press Coffee in French Press Grind
• Scale
• Wooden Stirrer
• French Press Coffee Maker

Serving size:

Instructions Using Chicago French Press Whole Beans:

1. Measure 2 tbsp of coffee beans. 
2. Using a grinder, grind the coffee beans on the coarsest setting using your grinder. Grind until it takes a flour-like form.

If using Chicago French Press French Press Grind:

1. With a scale, weigh coffee and water. The coffee-to-water ratio should be between 1:16 and 1:18. For proper ratio sizes, click here. 
2. Pour CFP's French Press grind or medium-coarse coffee grounds into the French Press Coffee Maker.
3. Heat the water to below boiling 200-205 °F. Heat the water in a stovetop or kettle to boiling, then remove from heat and allow water to sit for about 1-2 min.
4. Instead of immediately filling up the French press once your water is hot, wet the grinds first and let them stand for 30 seconds. This will allow the coffee to bloom, and give any carbon dioxide that’s in the grinds time to escape so it doesn’t sour your brewed coffee.
5. After the grounds have been damp for 30 seconds, pour the rest of the water.
6. Stir the brew using the wooden stirrer.
7. Steep coffee for 4 minutes. Feel free to use your phone or timer to time 4 minutes from the time  water hits the coffee.
8. Directly after 4 minutes, press down the plunger to the bottom.
9. Enjoy your coffee! Sweeten the coffee to taste. If you won’t be drinking all of it right away, pour the remainder into a thermal carafe to prevent over-extraction. Sip & Enjoy!