How to Make Espresso with a French Press

Want a bold, espresso-style shot but only have a French press? You can get remarkably close. A French press can’t hit the 9 bars of pressure a real espresso machine uses, so this makes a concentrated, full-bodied “faux espresso” rather than a true crema-topped shot — but it’s rich, strong, and perfect as a base for Americanos, lattes, and iced drinks. Here’s exactly how to make espresso with a French press.

Prefer a different tool? See our full guide to how to make espresso without a machine, which covers the moka pot, AeroPress, and more.

What You’ll Need

• Freshly ground dark or espresso-roast coffee, ground fine (like table salt)
• Hot water just below boiling, around 200°F (93°C)
• A French press (any size)
• A ratio of about 1:4 — roughly 2 tablespoons of coffee per 4 oz of water for a concentrated shot

Grind size is the single most important detail. A fine grind extracts quickly and gives you the strong, syrupy body that makes this taste espresso-like. See our coffee grind size chart if you’re unsure.

How to Make Espresso with a French Press: Step by Step

1. Add about 2 tablespoons of fine grounds per 4 oz of water to the press.
2. Pour just enough hot water to wet the grounds and let them bloom for 30 seconds — this releases gas for a cleaner, stronger extraction.
3. Add the rest of the water and stir gently to saturate all the grounds.
4. Place the lid on (plunger up) and steep for 3–4 minutes.
5. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily to avoid a bitter, silty cup.
6. Pour immediately into a warmed cup so it doesn’t keep extracting.

Want a little foam on top? Whisk the surface vigorously for a few seconds, or add a splash of frothed milk. It won’t be true espresso crema, but it adds a pleasant creamy texture.

Tips for a Stronger, Smoother Shot

• Use fresh beans — freshly roasted coffee gives more aroma and a fuller body.
• Go heavier on the coffee — more grounds per ounce of water means a more espresso-like intensity.
• Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
• Warm your cup first so the shot holds temperature and aroma.
• Press slowly — rushing it forces sediment through and adds bitterness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a coarse grind — it makes weak, watery coffee instead of a concentrated shot.
• Water that’s too hot (boiling) — it scorches the grounds and adds bitterness.
• Steeping too long — over-extraction turns the cup harsh.
• Pressing too fast — that’s what causes a muddy, gritty result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a French press make real espresso?

Not technically — true espresso needs about 9 bars of pressure, which a French press can’t produce. But with a fine grind and a concentrated ratio, it makes a strong, full-bodied espresso-style coffee that works great in espresso-based drinks.

What grind should I use?

A fine grind, similar to table salt. It’s finer than the coarse grind used for regular French press coffee, which is what gives you the stronger, espresso-like extraction.

Can I make a latte or Americano with it?

Absolutely. Use the concentrate as your base: add hot water for an Americano, or steamed/frothed milk for a latte or cappuccino.

Start with fresh, well-roasted beans for the best shot — shop our coffee, roasted to order in Concord, CA.