Place a filter in the holder. Add 2 level tbsp. Wait a few seconds for the grounds to expand. Pour the rest of the water over the grounds. Let the water drip through the grounds, but be sure to remove the grounds before the last of the water has drained into the pot or cup.
Coffee grounds can overextract and get a bitter taste.
Use a slightly coarser grind for a flat-bottomed filter. When using a paper filter, rinse it with water before adding the coffee to avoid getting a papery taste. Gold-tone permanent filters avoid this problem and are environmentally friendly. Stir the coffee before serving, because the drip process produces stronger coffee at the beginning than at the end. Keep the coffee warm on a burner or hot plate for no more than 20 minutes.