Yields: Varies based on coffee maker size (this recipe is for a standard 8-12 cup pot)

Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Brew time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients & Equipment:

Drip Coffee Maker: A standard electric coffee pot

Coffee Filters: Paper or permanent/gold-mesh

Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans: Whole beans, to be freshly ground

A Coffee Grinder: A burr grinder is best for a consistent grind

Water: Filtered water is highly recommended

Measuring Scoop or Kitchen Scale: For accurate coffee and water measurements

Key Parameters:

Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A great starting point is a 1:16 ratio by weight (coffee to water). A simpler method is to use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. For a standard 12-cup pot (72 ounces of water), you would use about 24 tablespoons (or 130-140 grams) of coffee.

Grind Size: Use a medium grind, similar to coarse sand or granulated sugar. A grind that is too fine will result in a bitter brew; a grind that is too coarse will result in a weak, sour taste.

Water Temperature: Your drip coffee maker will handle this for you! It's designed to heat the water to the optimal brewing temperature of 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C).

Water Quality: Using fresh, filtered water will significantly improve the taste of your coffee and prevent mineral buildup in your machine.

Instructions:

Measure Your Coffee: Weigh or measure your whole beans according to your chosen ratio. A good rule of thumb is about 10-12 tablespoons for a full 12-cup pot.

Grind the Coffee: Grind your beans to a medium consistency.

Prepare the Machine: Place a new filter in the basket. If using a paper filter, you can rinse it with hot water first to remove any papery taste, then discard the water.

Add Coffee and Water: Pour the ground coffee into the filter, gently shaking the basket to level the grounds. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold, filtered water.

Brew: Turn on your coffee maker. It will automatically heat the water and start the brewing process.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the machine is done, pour yourself a fresh cup. For the best flavor, enjoy it immediately. If you want to keep the coffee warm, it's best to transfer it to a thermal carafe rather than leaving it on a hot plate, which can "cook" the coffee and create a burnt, bitter taste.

Tips for Success:

Freshness Matters: Always use freshly roasted coffee beans.

Cleanliness: Regularly clean your coffee maker to remove mineral buildup and old coffee oils, which can negatively affect the taste of your brew.

Don't Overfill: Never fill the water reservoir past its maximum fill line to avoid overflows and a weaker brew.

Experiment: Don't be afraid to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to find the perfect strength for your taste.