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.

Vanilla French Press Cappuccino in see-through mugs

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!

Want more coffee in your life? Check out our picks for the best small espresso machines!

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 very high 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 try with a cappuccino.

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

Cappuccino Equipment

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.

Vanilla French Press Cappuccino in see-through mugs with a French Press pot

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