1.The beans. Use a dark roast if you can find it as French press coffee benefits from the use of fuller flavored roasts. If you have a coffee grinder, buy the beans whole and grind them yourself just before making the coffee. The shorter the amount of time between grinding the beans and brewing the coffee, the better. If you don't have a grinder, buy whole beans at a retailer that can grind them for you, then store the pre-ground coffee in an airtight container. This will ensure freshness.
2.Prep the press. Take the plunger, or the press part of the French press out and put the coffee in. Use 4 tablespoons per 1.5 cups of water, so decide how much coffee you want beforehand.
3.Boil the water. Take the desired amount of filtered or bottled water (for best taste) and bring it to a boil in a small, clean pot. Once it boils, take it off the heat for a moment until it has stopped its rolling boil, then pour it over the grounds in the press.
4.Brew, then press. Let the coffee steep in the hot water for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to agitate the grounds. Then replace the lid of the press and lower the plunger.
5.Pour and enjoy. You now have the perfect cup of full-flavored coffee to enjoy at your leisure.
