The Third Day of Christmas Coffee - Savoring Bold Flavors with Style
Savoring Bold Flavors with Style
When I was in college, I took two semesters of French. In the mid-80s, when I lived in Bamberg, Germany, Paris was only an 8-hour drive, and it was amazing!
So, today, on the 3rd Day of Christmas Coffee, it only seems fitting to introduce you to the French Press.
You know how much I love visiting and hanging out in specialty coffee shops. When at home, though, my favorite brewing method is the French Press. Why? It's simple, it's glass (for sustainability), and it creates a very pure cup of coffee.
Ah! The French Press
If you want to elevate your coffee routine and bring out the best flavors of your favorite beans, French press coffee is bold, full-bodied, and perfect for savoring each sip.
What could be more perfect for the holiday season than embracing a coffee-brewing method that is as elegant as it is accessible?
On the third day of Christmas Coffee, we invite you to elevate your routine with the classic charm of the French press. Its simplicity and ability to create a more pure cup of coffee with your favorite beans make it the ultimate tool for savoring every sip.
Whether you're new to this brewing method or a seasoned French press lover, today's focus is on celebrating the art of slow brewing. Of course, we'll include a festive recipe to match the magic of the season.
Why The French Press?
A Story of Connection and Tradition
The French press has a way of bringing people together. I remember the first time I was introduced to it: my daughter had moved into her place and left her French press behind. The more I was involved in the coffee community, the more I wanted to explore new (at least new to me) ways of brewing. I was interested in something other than the typical drip coffee maker.
The French press, a press pot or cafetière, embodies minimalism in coffee brewing. Unlike drip coffee makers or pod machines, it requires no paper filters or electricity. Instead, it relies on steeping and a built-in plunger to extract maximum flavor. This results in a full-bodied, aromatic cup that retains the coffee's natural oils, giving you a more robust and complex flavor profile.
What makes the French press so unique during the holiday season? Its hands-on process encourages slowing down—a refreshing change from the busyness of this time of year. While I don't typically add any spices to my coffee, the French Press is versatile in that you can.
The Elegance of Slow Brewing
There's a reason the French press has stood the test of time. Originating in the early 20th century, this method allows coffee enthusiasts to enjoy a fuller flavor profile than many other brewing techniques. Over the years, I've learned that quality beans are everything. It truly is about quality over convenience.
Picture this: you're in your kitchen with a soft holiday playlist in the background. The French press is set on the counter. It only takes up a little room on the counter and looks sophisticated.
I keep a glass jar on my counter to store the beans I'm using that week. It's semi-translucent deep green and has a tight seal. Each step—from boiling the water to the gentle press of the plunger—feels intentional, grounding you in the present moment. It's a pause from the holiday rush, a chance to focus on the simple joys.
How to Brew the Perfect French Press Coffee
Let's get into the basics before we dive into the holiday twist.
What You'll Need:
A French press. (I have a small Bodum French press.)
Freshly roasted coffee beans
A coffee grinder
Hot water (around 200°F or just off the boil)
A kettle
A timer
A stirring utensil (non-metal to protect the glass)
Steps:
Grind Your Beans: I grind beans only as I will use them. You'll want to use a coarser grind. This prevents sediment from seeping into the brew. The type of roast will determine how many tablespoons of coffee you'll need. I personally recommend a medium roast. For a small 2-cup French press, you'll need about 4 tablespoons of coffee for 2 cups (16 oz) of water.
Heat Your Water: Boil your water in either a tea kettle or small pot and let it cool slightly to around 200°F.
Preheat the French Press: Pour the hot water into your French press to preheat the glass. I usually let it sit for about a minute. Then, place the hot water back into the kettle or pot.
Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee grounds into the bottom of the French press.
Pour Water: Add just enough water to cover the grounds and let it sit for about a minute. This is called "blooming," and it allows all the grounds to become saturated.
Stir and Add Remaining Water: Gently stir the grounds, then pour the remaining hot water into the press.
Steep: Place the lid on with the plunger and push down about halfway. Let steep for 2 minutes. Next, pull the plunger back to the top and push it down to the bottom. Let steep for another 5 minutes.
Ready to Serve: Now you're ready to pour into your favorite coffee mug. I don't use sugar or sweeteners; I prefer unsweetened almond milk. Oat milk is a great choice, too!
French Press Recipe: Peppermint Mocha Bliss
For the holidays, try a French press brew using this peppermint mocha recipe. It's rich and bold, perfect for cozying up on a cold day.
Ingredients:
1 French press worth of brewed coffee (as per the instructions above)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder. I don't use hot chocolate powder; instead, I use unsweetened Hershey's cocoa powder.
2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of choice such as honey)... IF you want to add some sweetness.
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate shavings for topping the whipped cream
Crushed peppermint candy canes
Directions:
While brewing your coffee in the French press, combine cocoa powder, sweetener, and milk in a small saucepan. Heat on medium, whisking continuously until smooth and hot. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
Once the coffee is ready, pour it into your mug, filling about two-thirds of the way.
Add the peppermint mocha mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings.
Sip, savor, and enjoy!
Tips for Getting the Best From Your French Press
Invest in Quality Beans: You can't go wrong with good-quality beans. Many local specialty coffee shops offer holiday blends with festive flavor notes this time of year.
Pay Attention to the Grind: A consistent coarse grind is crucial for avoiding sediment and achieving an even extraction in the French press.
Experiment with Add-ins: They are not required, but for extra holiday fun, toss in a cinnamon stick, orange peel, or a pinch of nutmeg with your grounds.
Serve in Style: Pair your French press coffee with festive mugs or serve it alongside a platter of holiday cookies for the ultimate cozy experience. One of my favorite mugs is an oversized Santa mug given to me many years ago.
Keep It Warm: Preheat your French press and mug to help your coffee stay hot for extended periods.
Coffee and Connection: Share the Fun
The holidays are about coming together. The third day of Christmas Coffee is all about savoring and sharing.
Have you tried brewing with a French press? Do you have a favorite bean or recipe that makes the holidays brighter?
If you're hosting this year, consider setting up a French press bar with various beans, milk options, and mix-ins so guests can create their own custom brews. You can also ask everyone to bring their favorite beans. If you're not hosting in person, you can even host a virtual coffee chat to exchange brewing ideas and holiday traditions.
So gather your friends, brew something special, and enjoy the magic of the French press. Here's to celebrating the simple joys, rich flavors, and warm memories that make the holidays very special with the people who matter most.
Final Sip
On this third day of Christmas Coffee, let the French press inspire you to slow down and savor life's simple pleasures. Its rich, bold flavors and timeless elegance make it a worthy companion for your holiday mornings. So, grab your favorite beans, gather with loved ones, and brew something truly special.
Have you tried this recipe or have your own holiday French press twist? Let us know in the comments, or tag us on social media! Here's to a season filled with delicious coffee and cherished moments. ☕✨
And connect with the Local Coffee Talk community! Share your favorite French press recipes, tips, or the beans you love this season. We'd love to hear from you!
Drop your tips in the comments, or share your photos on social media and tag us. Let's celebrate coffee, connection, and community this season.
Until next time…
Patty Bonsera is the founder and editor-in-chief of Local Coffee Talk Magazine and host of the Local Coffee Talk Podcast. She combines her love for sharing the stories of specialty coffee and the passionate people behind them with her own love of travel and coffee to foster the connections among coffee enthusiasts, travelers, and local communities. Through her work with the magazine and podcast, she strives to inspire meaningful experiences and celebrate the vibrant culture of specialty coffee, one cup and conversation at a time.
