5 French Press Espresso-like Drink Recipes
While a French press isn't traditionally used for making espresso, you can still create espresso-like drinks and classic coffeehouse favorites with a French press. Here are some classic espresso drinks you can make using a French press:
1. French Press Americano:
Brew a strong batch of French press coffee using a fine grind. Dilute the coffee with hot water to your desired strength, typically using a 1:1 ratio of coffee to water. Serve it as an Americano, which is similar to a long black coffee.
2. Mocha with French Press Coffee:
Make a strong French press coffee. In a saucepan, mix equal parts coffee and milk (or your choice of milk substitute). Add cocoa powder and sugar to taste, and heat the mixture until it's hot but not boiling. Pour the mocha mixture into a mug of your choice. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
3. French Press Macchiato:
Brew a strong French press coffee. Froth a small amount of milk until it has a velvety texture. Pour the coffee into a cup and top it with the frothed milk. You can also add flavored syrups or caramel for extra flair.
4. French Press Cortado:
Brew a strong French press coffee. Heat an equal amount of milk until it's steaming hot. Pour equal parts coffee and hot milk into your cup, creating a cortado. It's a small but potent coffee beverage.
5. Iced Coffee with a French Press:
Brew a strong batch of French press coffee. (If you like your iced coffee sweet, pour hot coffee into a canister and mix with desired amount of sugar. When you mix sugar with hot coffee it bonds better in the mix and creates a sweeter beverage.) Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve it over ice cubes in your favorite glass.
While these drinks may not be traditional espresso-based beverages, they allow you to enjoy a variety of coffeehouse-style drinks using a French press. Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, and flavorings to create your own unique twist on these classic coffee concoctions.
