Starbucks CEO Says Best Coffee Is Made at Home

Most coffee drinkers have asked themselves the same thing: why does my morning cup never taste as good as it should? We’ve all stood in our kitchens, staring at the coffee maker or French press, wondering why that perfect cup—the one we remember or imagine—seems just out of reach. If even the CEO of Starbucks says the best coffee he’s ever had wasn’t made in a shop, then maybe the secret is simpler than we think.

The simplest way to make the best coffee you’ll ever drink? According to the Starbucks CEO, it’s a French press brewed with coarse-ground Sumatra coffee—no milk, no filters, just water, coffee, and three to four minutes of steeping. That’s it.

What the Starbucks CEO Actually Does Every Morning

Every day at 4:30 a.m., the Starbucks CEO wakes up, walks his three dogs, exercises, and by 5:45 a.m., he’s making coffee with his wife. Their go-to method? An 8-cup Bodum French press. No espresso machine. No pour-over setup. Just a classic French press, coarse-ground beans, and a straightforward ritual that highlights the coffee’s inherent flavours rather than masking them.

Why a French Press Makes a Stronger, Fuller Cup

Unlike pour-over or espresso methods that prioritise clarity and intensity through precise extractions, a French press uses immersion brewing. This means the coffee grounds steep directly in hot water, extracting a broader range of compounds—including natural oils and sediments—that contribute to a fuller, often “muddier” body. The result? A richer, heavier cup that many find more satisfying than a cleaner but lighter extraction.

How to Brew Like the CEO: Step-by-Step

To replicate the CEO’s routine, follow these exact steps:

• Use a Bodum 8-cup French press (or equivalent).
• Grind your coffee coarse—like sea salt—not medium or fine. The CEO uses a coarse grind for Sumatra.
• Never use pre-ground coffee. Buy whole beans and grind them yourself. Once opened, whole bean coffee is best used within a week.
• Store your beans in an airtight container, away from heat, sunlight, and moisture—ideally right on your countertop, not in the fridge or freezer.
• Use two tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per glass or ceramic cup (about 8 cups total for the press).
• Heat filtered water until it boils, then let it sit for a few seconds to cool slightly. You want it just off the boil—around 93–96°C is ideal but not critical.
• Pour the hot water over the grounds, ensuring all are saturated. Stir gently to make sure all the coffee is wet and underwater.
• Let it steep for three to four minutes.
• After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and steadily.
• Do not add milk. The CEO drinks it black.
• Pour the brewed coffee into a thermos if you’re not drinking it immediately. Drink it within one to two hours for the best flavour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several things can ruin a French press brew—even if you’re using great beans:

• Using pre-ground coffee: Once ground, coffee loses freshness fast. Always grind just before brewing.
• Incorrect grind size: A medium or fine grind will pass through the French press filter, making your cup gritty and over-extracted.
• Over-steeping or under-steeping: Stick to the 3–4 minute window for optimal balance.
• Using boiling water: Water that’s too hot (above 100°C) can scorch the grounds and create bitterness.
• Leaving coffee in the press too long after pressing: The coffee continues to extract while sitting on the grounds, leading to over-extraction and bitterness.

Why Fresh Whole Bean Coffee Matters More Than You Think

Freshness dramatically impacts flavour. Pre-ground coffee starts losing its aromatic compounds the moment it’s exposed to air. Whole beans, stored properly, retain their volatile oils and aromas much longer. That’s why the CEO insists on buying whole beans and grinding them fresh every morning. It’s not just about ritual—it’s about chemistry.

What About the Coffee Beans? The CEO Doesn’t Specify, But Here’s What Works

The article doesn’t name the exact beans the CEO uses, but he does mention Sumatra. At FrontStreet Coffee, we’ve found that bold, full-bodied beans with low acidity work best for French press. If you’re aiming for a similar rich, no-nonsense cup, consider using a dark, rich single origin or a classic blend designed for immersion brewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coffee brewing method according to the Starbucks CEO?

The Starbucks CEO says the best coffee he’s ever had was made at home using a French press. He uses an 8-cup Bodum French press with coarse-ground Sumatra coffee, no milk, and a simple three-to-four-minute steeping method.

What grind size should I use for French press coffee?

Use a coarse grind—similar to sea salt—for French press. A medium or fine grind will result in over-extraction and a gritty cup because fine particles can pass through the press filter.

How much coffee should I use per cup in a French press?

The CEO uses two tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per cup. For an 8-cup French press, that means roughly 16 tablespoons or about one cup of coffee grounds total.

Can I use pre-ground coffee in a French press?

No, you should avoid pre-ground coffee. Once coffee is ground, it loses freshness quickly. For the best flavour, use whole beans and grind them just before brewing.

How long should I let French press coffee steep?

Steep your French press coffee for three to four minutes. This time frame extracts the optimal balance of flavours without over-extracting and making the coffee bitter.

How do I store coffee beans for French press brewing?

Store whole coffee beans in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep them at room temperature on your counter, and use them within one week of opening for the freshest flavour.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for French Press

For a French press, choose bold, full-bodied beans that shine in immersion brewing. Try the FrontStreet PWN Golden Mandheling for deep, earthy flavours with low acidity—its heavy body and chocolatey notes pair perfectly with the French press method. Alternatively, the Brazil Queen Manor offers nutty and caramel sweetness with a smooth profile, ideal for a balanced cup. Both beans work well with a coarse grind and longer steep times, giving you that rich, satisfying brew the Starbucks CEO swears by. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.