GRIND AND MEASURE
Measure out 1/2 cup coffee beans. (Or, if you’re making less than 32 ounces, refer to our coffee proportions chart above.)
Grind the beans on the coarsest setting in a burr grinder. If you don’t have a burr grinder, grind in brief, sharp pulses in a blade grinder, stopping every couple seconds to invert the grinder and give it a sharp shake while holding the lid on.
Heat the water to boiling, then cool for 1 minute. Measure 4 cups water.
ADD HOT WATER
Add the full 4 cups of hot water to the French press.
Stir vigorously, using an up and down motion.
PLACE THE PLUNGER AND INFUSE
Four minutes will produce a robust brew. If you want to tweak your French press as you learn its nuances, you may find that different roasts of coffee do better with slightly longer or shorter steeping times.
SQUEEZE AND POUR
When the timer goes off, immediately press the plunger all the way to the bottom. Drink the coffee immediately.