13 French Press Recipes From Coffee to Tea

Skip the line at your local coffee shop and try these sensational French press recipes instead.

They’re quick, easy, and go way beyond plain old coffee.

As a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic, I adore my French press. It’s ideal for when you want just one or two cups of really good coffee at home.

But while it makes super smooth black coffee, that’s not all this simple machine can do.

From seasonal pumpkin spice lattes to Vietnamese iced coffee and even tea, these French press recipes are to die for.

So forget that fancy espresso machine and give these recipes a try. They’ll quickly become your new faves!

How To Use a French Press

1. French Press Latte 

If you’ve never used one before, you might be wondering how to use a French press.

Also known as a cafetière, this simple but effective little device uses hot water and coffee grounds like any other machine.

The big difference is that there’s no filter on a coffee press, so as you press it, more of the coffee’s natural oils make it into your drink, giving it more flavor.

And the best place to start is with a simple cup of coffee.

I know this recipe looks straightforward, but the preparation of the beans makes all of the difference. 

Using roughly chopped whole beans yields richer coffee. So don’t just use whatever old grounds you have in the cupboard.

To create the foam on top, heat milk in the microwave and froth with a milk frother.

If you don’t have one, get one! They’re super affordable and a must-have for coffee lovers. 

2. Homemade Chai Tea (with French Press Version)

The chai served at local coffee shops doesn’t typically have coffee in the mix.

Instead, it’s a tasty blend of spices and tea that’ll calm your nerves but won’t give you that jolt to jumpstart your day. 

Cue this chai latte!

The tasty tea pairs wonderfully with freshly ground coffee beans, giving you a caffeine boost with tons of fragrant spices. 

It’s rich and slightly sweet from maple syrup. Try it once, and it might take over as your favorite fall drink.

Sorry, pumpkin spice!

3. Matcha Latte 

Matcha: you either love it, or you try hard to like it because it’s pretty and a nutritional powerhouse. 

Depending on how you have matcha, it can be grassy, sweet, nutty, or vanilla-forward.

It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but this latte recipe might change your mind.

It’s creamy, frothy, slightly sweet, and such a decadent drink to ease you into the day. 

And using a French press creates a light foam that helps mute the grassy flavors of matcha. Yum!

4. French Press Breakfast Chocolate 

Hot chocolate for breakfast? Yes, please!

This European-style breakfast chocolate is more than just sugar-loaded powder in a mug.

It has a rich foamy texture that’s silky smooth as if it’s full of heavy cream (it’s not).

All you need is to vigorously froth the chocolate milk mixture until it resembles a thick cream. How easy is that?

It’s brimming with antioxidants from dark chocolate and calcium from milk. And it tastes incredible too!

5. French Press Cold Brew 

I love cold brew coffee all year, but it’s extra tasty in the summer. I mean, what’s better than waking up to a pitcher of cool, smooth coffee?

Cold brew is mellower than regular coffee and less acidic. That allows you to taste the beans in all their glory.

And this French press version is a terrific option for those who just need one or two cups in the morning.

Just prep the coffee before bed, then press and enjoy when you wake up.

6. Spiced Chamomile Tea Latte 

Chamomile tea is a flowery, earthy drink that can help calm your nerves at the end of a long coffee-fueled day. 

This latte incorporates cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and a sweetener of choice to lift the very subtle notes of chamomile. 

Using looseleaf chamomile in a French press works much better than bagged to release the flavors.

Better yet, you can use almond milk and still have a crazy creamy, dairy-free drink that tastes like it came from a coffee house. 

7. French Press Cappuccino 

If you want dreamy cappuccinos at home, you don’t need to invest in a fancy (and expensive) espresso machine. 

All you need are some coarsely ground coffee beans and your coffee press.

After all, a cappuccino is just black coffee with milk and foam. So grab that frother and get to work!

8. Ayurvedic Detox Tea 

Sometimes I need a detox drink after an evening of overindulging with food and cocktails. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone, right?

Ayurvedic detox tea is a collection of medicinal herbs with potent flavors that help detox the liver, flush out toxins, and speed up the metabolism.

It incorporates turmeric, cloves, fennel seeds, coriander, chamomile, and fresh ginger for an aromatic punch. 

So, whether you partied too hard on fancy mixed drinks or fried foods, this tea is like pressing the reset button on your body. 

9. 5-Minute Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese coffee utilizes a special kind of filter known as a phin. But if you don’t have one, a French press works similarly.

To make this authentic, swap out the milk for a few spoonfuls of sweetened condensed milk.

It makes the coffee insanely rich and indulgent!

10. Caramel Iced Coffee Latte

Forget those overpriced dessert-like caramel iced coffee lattes. This one is delicious, easy, and way more budget-friendly.

Just brew a fresh pot in your French press, then pour it over ice.

Next, add the caramel and stir it well, so it doesn’t just settle on the bottom of the glass.

Finally, top it off with cream and another drizzle of caramel for an extra special treat.

11. Cinnamon Coconut Latte 

Are you looking for something a little different? Good! Because this cinnamon coconut latte isn’t your average cup of Joe.

Thanks to the coconut milk, it’s ridiculously creamy with a sweet, nutty flavor. Plus, you’ll add a dash of ghee (or unsalted butter) for an even richer finish.

The cinnamon and vanilla help to draw out the flavors of the coffee, leaving you with something wonderfully warm, sweet, and flavorful.

12. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat 

My heart does a little happy dance when I discover the PSL is back on the menu.

I don’t care if it’s still hot outside – I need my fix asap! And the moment I have my first sip, it’s officially fall in my mind.

This copycat recipe captures the bright spices of the classic drink, and it’s so easy to make at home. 

It infuses pumpkin spice, heavy cream, and milk with vanilla syrup that brews right inside your handy-dandy French press. 

13. Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte 

Starbucks knows that not everyone is a fan of pumpkin, which is why they also offer the cinnamon dolce latte. 

It’s a super fall drink that’s ideal for anyone looking for a PSL alternative. Though, as the name suggests, it can be too sweet for some.

They use two pumps of cinnamon syrup, which overpowers the coffee. So, this recipe dials it back, making something more balanced.

It hits that sweater-weather vibe with notes of sweet cinnamon syrup and steamed milk. And the creamy finish is just what you need.