Measure one tablespoon per six-ounce cup (adjust based on your taste preference)

Use fresh, cold tap water, bottled water or, preferably, distilled water

Make sure your coffeemaker and pot are as clean as possible - if you use an automatic drip machine, clean it with a weak vinegar

solution, followed by a fresh water rinse

Follow brewing instructions for your particular coffeemaker

Once your brew is finished, remove it from heat immediately - coffee sitting on a burner can start to degrade in 20 minutes

Keep your brew fresh in a thermal container

Never reheat coffee, which can destroy its flavor and leave you with a burnt, bitter taste

***Source: http://www.millstone.com/pages/artofcoffee/Process.jsp?Step=Brewing