Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Ibrahim Bat
Preparing coffee with a French press is extremely easy. Using the equipment is not confusing, and delicious filtered coffee is produced after brewing. French press is a coffee brewing method that both beginners and experts enjoy due to these aspects.
On the other hand, there is a problem that French press users frequently complain about “a sludgy and muddy” residue in the cup! Despite all efforts in the French press technique, “a sludgy and muddy” residue can be seen in the cup.
This problem is significant for coffee lovers and those who prefer to drink their coffee smoothly. One of the most effective solutions to this problem, which those who know will not be surprised, comes from James Hoffmann:
In the Best Coffee at Home homemade coffee recipe series, I will share a James Hoffman-style French press coffee recipe with you this time.
James Hoffmann’s French press method allows you to obtain a full-bodied coffee while significantly reducing the sludgy and muddy residue that accumulates at the bottom of your cup.
Before moving on to the recipe, let’s take a quick look at who James Hoffmann is for those who may not know.
Who is James Hoffmann?
James Alexander Hoffmann is a barista, entrepreneur, and YouTuber. He won the World Barista Championship in 2007 and founded his coffee company, Square Mile Coffee Roasters, shortly after.
With his deep knowledge of coffee, meticulous approach, and unique personality, Hoffmann has amassed over 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube. He has also authored two books, World Coffee Atlas and The Best Coffee At Home, where he delves into almost everything about coffee in great detail.
Hoffmann’s French Press Recipe: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose Your Coffee-Water Ratio
For James Hoffmann’s French press recipe, he recommends using 60-70 grams of coffee per liter of water. Adjust this ratio based on the amount of coffee you want to brew. For example, for a 250 ml brew, you can use 15 grams of coffee.
Step 2: Boil Your Water
Use fresh and clean water. If the taste of the water alone is not good, then the coffee you make with that water probably won’t be good either. Bottled or purified water will give you a better coffee experience.
Step 3: Grind Your Coffee
For more aroma and tastier coffee, it is important to grind your coffee beans fresh. James Hoffmann recommends a medium grind for his French press method.
Step 4: Combine Coffee and Water in the French Press
Pour your ground coffee into the French press and add the water immediately.
Step 5: Wait Without Doing Anything
Allow your coffee to steep for 4 minutes. Try not to move your French press during this time.
Step 6: Stir Your Coffee
After 4 minutes, a crust will form on the top of your coffee. Stir the crust with a spoon and ensure it sinks to the bottom. If you are using a glass French press, be gentle while stirring. You don’t want to crack the glass accidentally.
Step 7: Skim the Foam
After stirring, use a spoon to skim the foam off the top of your coffee. You don’t need to get all of it, just the thick parts.
Step 8: Wait for 5-8 More Minutes
This key step sets Hoffmann’s technique apart from standard procedures. Wait 5-8 more minutes for the coffee to settle and brew thoroughly.
Step 9: Plunge the Press
Gently push down the plunger but don’t go all the way down. You don’t want to disturb the settled coffee grounds at the bottom. Lower the plunger just above the surface of the coffee.
Step 10: Serve
Your James Hoffmann-style French press coffee is now ready. Pour the coffee from the French press into a carafe or cup, careful not to disturb the coffee grounds at the bottom.
Expert Opinion on James Hoffmann’s French Press Method
When I first saw this technique, I was scared of waiting an extra 5-8 minutes. I thought I would end up with a cold coffee. I experimented, first by preheating my cup and French press to keep the temperature higher.
As a result, after brewing for 4 minutes, stirring for 30 seconds, and waiting for another 5 minutes, I obtained a cup of coffee at 70°C (158°F) after starting at 22.3°C (72.1°F) room temperature.
Ultimately, this temperature is enough for a hot drink. Hoffmann’s French press method surprised me with its intensity and flavorful coffee. I think it’s worth trying this method.
Related Recipes:
James Hoffmann French Press Recipe
Equipment
- 1 French Press
- 1 Coffee Scale
- 1 Thermometer optional
- 1 Coffee Grinder
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Kettle
Ingredients
- 15 gr Coffee Beans
- 240 ml (8 oz) Hot Water
Instructions
- Choose Your Coffee-Water RatioFor James Hoffmann’s French press recipe, he recommends using 60-70 grams of coffee per liter of water. Adjust this ratio based on the amount of coffee you want to brew. For example, for a 250 ml brew, you can use 15 grams of coffee.
- Boil Your WaterUse fresh and clean water. If the taste of the water alone is not good, then the coffee you make with that water probably won’t be good either. Bottled or purified water will give you a better coffee experience.
- Grind Your CoffeeFor more aroma and tastier coffee, it is important to grind your coffee beans fresh. James Hoffmann recommends a medium grind for his French press method.
- Combine Coffee and Water in the French PressPour your ground coffee into the French press and add the water immediately.
- Wait Without Doing AnythingAllow your coffee to steep for 4 minutes. Try not to move your French press during this time.
- Stir Your CoffeeAfter 4 minutes, a crust will form on the top of your coffee. Stir the crust with a spoon and ensure it sinks to the bottom. If you are using a glass French press, be gentle while stirring. You don’t want to crack the glass accidentally.
- Skim the FoamAfter stirring, use a spoon to skim the foam off the top of your coffee. You don’t need to get all of it, just the thick parts.
- Wait for 5-8 More MinutesThis key step sets Hoffmann’s technique apart from standard procedures. Wait 5-8 more minutes for the coffee to settle and brew thoroughly.
- Plunge the PressGently push down the plunger but don’t go all the way down. You don’t want to disturb the settled coffee grounds at the bottom. Lower the plunger just above the surface of the coffee.
- ServeYour James Hoffmann-style French press coffee is now ready. Pour the coffee from the French press into a carafe or cup, careful not to disturb the coffee grounds at the bottom.
Notes
- Experiment with Coffee Beans: Try different types of coffee beans to discover unique flavor profiles. Single-origin beans or blends can bring out diverse taste notes.
- Adjust Grind Size: Fine-tune your grind size based on your preference. A slightly coarser or finer grind can influence the extraction and flavor.
- Preheat the French Press: Warm up the French Press before starting the brewing process. This ensures a consistent temperature throughout the brewing.
- Use High-Quality French Press: High-quality French Press can make a substantial difference in the taste and overall brewing experience. Look for a press with a durable build, fine mesh filter, and heat-resistant materials.
