If you’re looking to enjoy perfectly frothed milk at home for lattes and cappuccinos without an espresso machine or milk frother, our French Press technique is a great way to enjoy a velvety, frothed milk finish to your cafe-quality drinks at home.
While we strongly advise using the right equipment for the job, it’s always good fun to experiment with what you may already have at home to discover what’s possible with professional equipment like our Jura Milk Frother.
What you will need for this is a French Press as this process works by pumping air into the milk by using the plunger which has a strainer attached. Move the plunger up and down, and in a few seconds, the milk will double in volume.
To get the thickest and creamiest thick froth, we always advise using whole milk as the fat content helps bring out the most froth. However, can use any milk you prefer including almond or oat milks.
The Process
- Heat your milk on the stovetop or if you’re in a real hurry your microwave, though we don’t recommend it… Just make sure milk doesn’t come to the boil!
- Pour your heated milk into your French press.
- Place the lid onto the French press and move the plunger up and down. Just make sure to hold down the lid as you could spill hot milk onto yourself.
- Continue the process until the milk doubles in volume, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Pour frothed milk into a cup of espresso or coffee.
- You’re done. Just sit back and enjoy your drink!
Best Practice
While this process is quick & easy, we do have some tips we recommend when using this trick.
- First of all do not to overfill your French press with milk since you want to have room for the milk to double in volume. We recommend filling your French press no more than half way.
- The milk must go past the strainer by at least half an inch once the lid is placed. The milk won’t froth properly if the strainer is only touching the top of the milk in the French press.
- The best milk froth is created when there aren’t a lot of big bubbles, just tiny ones which create a microfoam. A steam wand on an espresso machine creates by far the best froth since you have the most control over creating your milk foam.
- An electric milk frother is next best since it heats and froths milk at the same time.
- The ideal milk temperature to froth is 160°F. Don’t let milk simmer on the stovetop for long. As soon as you see bubbles forming along the sides of the pan, you can take it off the heat.
If you’re interested in purchasing a French Press, Milk Frother or a professional Coffee Machine for the best home coffee experience, all three are available in our online store here.