French Press Cappuccino

Learn how to make a French press cappuccino or latte, without any espresso maker! All you need is a French press, a milk frother, coffee grounds, and milk.

Do you adore cappuccino?

Is your coffee of choice espresso?

If so– you probably know that a full-fledged, pump espresso maker can be a little bit pricey.

Personally, I do own (and adore) not one, but TWO fancy-schmancy espresso machines. BUT sometimes I still prefer something simpler.

The dials and buttons and whatnot can seem complicated before I’ve had coffee.

If you find yourself craving a cappuccino, but you don’t own an espresso machine yet, this is for you!

OR if you DO own an espresso machine, but find it too confusing or time-consuming to use, this French press cappuccino is for you too!

Can you Make Espresso in a French Press?

Technically, no.

That’s right, no, you cannot make authentic espresso in a French Press.

Real espresso can only be made under extreme pressure.

After all, there’s a reason the espresso machines are so pricey!

However, a few months back, I was watching an episode of Good Eats, and Alton Brown recommended French Press coffee as an alternative to real espresso.

I decided to give it a shot with a cappuccino.

After all, if it’s good enough for Alton Brown, it’s definitely worth trying! Right?

Where to Buy a French Press

To make a French press Cappuccino, you will, of course, need a French press.

You can order French press pots online, or anywhere else they sell coffee equipment. I like this Bodum Chambord French Press.

The only other equipment you need for this faux-ppuccino is a handy-dandy milk frother.

You can use a very inexpensive milk frother (like this handheld milk frother). A handheld frother will froth your milk but will not heat it.

Another option (my preference) is an electric milk frother. I own this Bodum milk frother.

And you definitely don’t need them to make a French press cappuccino, but if you want a pair of the tiny coffee cups in the photos, you can snag the Chambord coffee glasses here.

How to Make a French Press Cappuccino

Start by brewing a pot of French press coffee.

If you want a vanilla-flavored cappuccino, add a dash of vanilla extract added to the grounds before brewing.

Alternatively, add a pump or two of flavored coffee syrup to the brewed coffee.

Pour your coffee in a mug (or divide between multiple mugs).

If you’re using a handheld frother, heat your milk first, and then froth.

If you’re using an electric milk-frother, use it now to heat and froth your milk.

Finally, drink up!

Let me know what you think in the comments– was Alton Brown right?  Is French press coffee a good espresso substitute?

Personally, I thought it was delicious!

Could I tell the difference?  Maybe– just slightly.  However, it was pretty close!

And, as I sipped my hot and steamy coffee drink, I decided I didn’t care if it tasted exactly the same or not, because this French Press cappuccino tastes like perfection.

Print Recipe

5 from 10 votes

French Press Cappuccino

Learn how to make a French press cappuccino or latte, without any espresso maker! All you need is a French press, a milk frother, coffee grounds, and milk.

Author: Champagne Tastes

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time5 mins

Total Time10 mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: French, Italian

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 35kcal

Equipment

• French Press
• Milk Frother

Ingredients

• 2 TB coarsely ground coffee beans
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) Or use desired amount of flavored coffee syrup + add after brewing
• 1/2 cup milk for frothing Dairy or Non-Dairy

Instructions

• Bring water to a boil, and then let it sit for 1 minute off-heat.
• Add coffee grounds to French press, add vanilla extract (if using), and then hot water. Add French press lid, but don't lower the plunger. Let sit 4 minutes. Lower plunger.
• While coffee is steeping, froth milk.  If your milk frother cannot heat the milk– bring the milk to a simmer before frothing.
• Divide coffee between 2 mugs.  Top coffee with frothed milk, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 35kcal (2%) | Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Cholesterol: 4mg (1%) | Sodium: 34mg (1%) | Potassium: 82mg (2%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 60IU (1%) | Calcium: 71mg (7%)

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