I use a French press whenever possible to enhance and inspire my personal caffeinating process.

Coffee isn’t just about consumption; it should be an elegant experience. The first sip of bitter and sweet, just off the boil, should transport your racing mind to the countryside or the beach or the mountains. It’s worth adjusting your routine to make your mini morning vacation as fulfilling as possible.

A French press utilizes pressure to force coffee to the base of glass cylinder after brewing, exposing and illuminating the layers of flavor. Quite simply, this is coffee in its purest form.

Assuming you make coffee at home with a traditional machine, you’re likely losing some of coffee’s natural oils that protect its brightest, boldest flavors. These oils are left lining the paper filters and plastics that are inevitably part of your device.

From Jeremiah’s Pick:

After time, they stick to the inner workings of the machine and create a nasty residue that stale and ruins your coffee with a “leftover” flavor. This never happens in the French Press. Here, oils wash away easily, leaving no residue. And unlike a coffee pot, your coffee doesn’t burn while it is being kept hot!

Okay, I can tell you’re in and I’m pleased. This is the brand in my home, but you can find both fancier and simpler models.

Once you’ve taken the leap and have your new French press, here are your instructions for brewing your delightfully invigorating cup:

1. For each 4 oz cup of coffee desired, toss 1 rounded tablespoon of coarse ground coffee into the pot. Pour water just off the boil over your selection. Leave an inch of space at the top. Stir the brew with a spoon.
2. Place the plunger unit on top of the pot. Turn lid to close off the pour spout opening. Do not press down. Relax and read, listen to jazz or play with your dog while the coffee brews (4 minutes).
3. Press the plunger straight down into the glass cylinder. Turn the lid to open the pour spout and then pour coffee.
4. Don’t just toss out the soaked grounds left at the bottom of the press. Add a little water and pour the mixture into your garden for added soil nutrients. Your plants will be bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Bottom line, brewing your coffee in a French press will please your taste buds exponentially more than your traditional method. And you’ll look so damn cool at your dining room table in your beret as you sip.