How to Make Espresso With a French Press

A cup of espresso

Espresso coffee is made from coffee beans that are ground very finely and used in a greater proportion of grounds to hot water than regular coffee. It is a common misconception that espresso beans are a particular type of coffee bean: in fact, any coffee bean can be used to make espresso: it is the proportion of grinds and the process that make espresso what it is.
Originating in Italy in the early 20th century, espresso is a concentrated blast of caffeine with a rich taste. It is served in shot form: either a single: "solo" in Italian, or a double: "doppio," and can be combined with warm or steamed milk, liquor, or a simple piece of lemon rind.
While true espresso is made in an espresso machine, utilizing the tampering technique and the powerful shot of steam that produces the coffee, it is possible to make espresso in a French press or coffee plunger --- as long as there aren't any baristas or coffee connoisseurs around to watch. The following instructions make 8 ounces of espresso: 4 doppio or 8 solo shots.

Things You'll Need

• Whole roasted coffee beans
• Coffee grinder or unused spice grinder
• French press
• Boiling water
• Tablespoon

Instructions

Making Espresso in a French Press or Coffee Plunger

1. Set the coffee grinder or unused spice grinder to "fine," "espresso," or the smallest grind possible. Grind three heaping tablespoons of coffee beans in the grinder until a fine grain is produced.

2. Transfer the coffee grinds into the French press or coffee plunger. Boil one cup (8 ounces) of water.

3. Pour just enough water to wet the grinds, and wait a minute. Then pour the remainder of the water into the French press or coffee plunger.

4. Put the lid and press or plunger over the container, and do not press down. Wait 60 seconds, then press down, filtering out the grains from the liquid.

5. Pour the espresso and consume quickly, within two minutes of serving, to preserve temperature and flavor.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish