French coffee: the method that wins you over with its simplicity

Coffee is a universal language, but every country has its own interpretation. In Italy, we love espresso, concentrated and intense, but beyond our borders there are equally fascinating traditions. One of these is French coffee, a beverage prepared with a particular method that delivers a cup rich in aromas and delicacy. It is not just a different way of extracting coffee, but a true ritual that combines slowness and quality. Understanding how the French preparation works allows you to broaden your horizons, approaching the world of specialty coffee and the unique differences that characterize the taste of a single-origin brew.

Origins and characteristics of French coffee

French coffee is often associated with the French press, the classic plunger pot invented in the 19th century. This extraction method differs from our espresso because it does not use high pressure but a simple infusion. Hot water remains in contact with ground coffee for a few minutes and, afterwards, a metal mesh filter holds back the grounds, separating them from the beverage.

The result is a longer, velvety coffee with an intense body and aromas reminiscent of the American filter method, but with greater roundness. It is perfect for those who enjoy sipping coffee slowly, perhaps in the morning, accompanied by a relaxed breakfast.

Many also consider it a natural step toward specialty coffee, since the preparation allows you to appreciate all the aromatic nuances of the beans, especially when using high-quality blends.

How to prepare French coffee

Making an excellent French coffee requires few tools but a certain attention to detail. In addition to the classic French press, you will need coarsely ground coffee and hot water at about 92–95 degrees Celsius. Here is the step-by-step process:

• Choice of coffee: prefer a single-origin coffee or a quality blend. Even green coffee, once roasted and ground, can reveal unique aromatic notes.
• Grinding: it must be fairly coarse, similar to sea salt. A grind that is too fine would pass through the filter and make the drink cloudy.
• Dosage: for every liter of water, use about 60 grams of coffee. This ratio can vary according to personal taste.
• Infusion: pour the hot water over the ground coffee in the French press and stir gently. Cover with the lid, leaving the plunger raised.
• Extraction time: wait about 4 minutes, then slowly press the plunger all the way down.

At this point, the coffee is ready to be served. The beverage will be more abundant than an espresso and can be poured into a large cup, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon break.

Differences with espresso

Comparing espresso with French coffee means comparing two very different worlds. Espresso is intense, concentrated, and served in a 30 ml cup, obtained thanks to 9 bars of pressure that extract oils, aromas, and crema in just a few seconds. French coffee, on the other hand, comes from a slow infusion and delivers a 120–150 ml cup with a softer and less bitter profile.

Both have their own charm: espresso is perfect for those who love a quick, strong energy boost, while the French press invites you to take your time, savoring the aromatic nuances. It is no coincidence that many coffee lovers use this method to enjoy the finest beans.

French coffee as a daily ritual

Beyond the technical aspect, French coffee is a true ritual. The slow preparation conveys a sense of calm and makes tasting more mindful. It is ideal for those who want to turn coffee into a moment of well-being, away from the rush of daily life.

Making it at home does not require great expertise and, with a good choice of beans, you can achieve surprising results. The French press is also an inexpensive, easy-to-clean, and durable accessory that allows you to approach a different but complementary tradition to the world of espresso.

French coffee is not just a variation of the beverage we love every day, but an experience that brings us closer to a different way of living coffee. If you are used to espresso, trying the French press can open new perspectives, especially if you use specialty coffee or single-origin beans. Just a few minutes and a simple coffee machine are enough to transform your breakfast into a small daily ritual.

If you want to discover the most authentic side of coffee, start here: choose a quality blend, prepare your French press, and let yourself be surprised by the delicacy of French coffee.