How to Make Coffee the Old Fashioned Way

1. Gather your materials:

- Coffee beans (whole beans, not ground)

- Coffee grinder

- Kettle for boiling water

- Fresh cold water

- Gooseneck kettle or teapot (optional, for a more precise pour)

- Coffee filter (paper or cloth)

- Coffee maker (such as a French press, pour-over, or drip coffee maker)

- Cup or mug for serving

2. Grind the coffee beans:

Freshly ground coffee beans produce the most flavorful coffee. If you don't have a coffee grinder, you can purchase pre-ground coffee.

3. Boil water:

Bring cold, filtered water to a boil in the kettle. Ideally, the temperature should be around 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit (91-96 degrees Celsius).

4. Prepare your coffee maker:

- French Press: Place the plunger into the carafe but don't press down yet.

- Pour-Over: Place a coffee filter in the pour-over cone and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste.

- Drip Coffee Maker: Place a coffee filter in the filter basket and add the desired amount of ground coffee.

5. Brewing:

- French Press: Add the ground coffee to the carafe, then pour the hot water over the grounds. Stir gently and place the lid on without pressing down. Let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes.

- Pour-Over: Slowly pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds, allowing it to bloom and release gases. After about 30 seconds, continue pouring the hot water in a circular motion until you have brewed the desired amount of coffee.

- Drip Coffee Maker: Turn on the coffee maker and let it brew according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Serve and enjoy:

Once the brewing is complete:

- For French press, slowly press the plunger down to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.

- For pour-over, remove the cone from the cup once all the water has drained through.

Pour your freshly brewed coffee into a cup and savor its aroma and taste. You can add milk, sugar, or cream according to your preference.

Making coffee the old-fashioned way takes a little more time and effort, but it allows you to control the brewing process and enjoy the authentic taste of freshly ground coffee.