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While I have been an automatic drip coffee drinker most of my life, and still do drink it most of the time(due to a busy life), I have discovered a new personal favorite. This method is old tried and true and just recently coming back into style. It does take a little more time and effort that using an automatic drip machine. But if you have the time and truly want to enjoy the full flavor your coffee has to offer then this method is well worth it. The method is the French Press method. At first I was a little intimidated by this method, but after purchasing a French Press for my girlfriend this past Christmas I quickly tackled the fear of getting it wrong head on as I had heard rave reviews of this method.

First and foremost you need to purchase a good quality press which can be found in just about any cookware store or department store (I purchased ours at Target for under $20). The next important detail is to make sure you have the correct grind for a French Press. Trust me on this important detail as I learned from trial and error (regular automatic drip grind does not work well). Most in-store grinders have a setting for French Press, or if you go to a local roaster like we do they should have a special grind for press coffee. The grind is somewhere between auto drip and espresso grind. If you don't mind a few grounds in your cup then a grind for espresso will do in a pinch.
Now that you have the essentials next is preparation. First you add the appropriate amount of coffee to the press (this will vary according to your taste but there should be a guideline included with the press). Then you heat the water (can be done while scooping the coffee), we use the microwave but if you have a pan or tea pot that will also work. Just remember you don't want the water to boil, take it off the heat just before the boiling point and promptly pour into the press. Remember not to fill all the way to the top! When you place the plunger in the press some of the water will be displaced and you will have a mess if you fill to the top. But before you put the plunger in you must stir very well, this is an important step and will change the out come if you skip it (again trial and error). Once you have stirred then you may place the plunger into the press, just about an inch or so, enough that it does not fall out and the lid seals the press. Then you wait about 4 minutes, now it is finally time to press. This step should take about a minute or so. You want to move the press downward very slow to get the best results and not have a mess on your hands. Once you have pressed all the way down it is time to pour and enjoy possibly one of the best cups of coffee you have ever had!
I know that this all sounds a little complicated and time consuming. All told this method takes just a little longer than an automatic drip and a little more effort, but there is a big difference in taste and is well worth the extra time and effort!

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