Put water in a kettle and plug it in. If you do not have a
kettle, then put water in a pot and put it on the stove. Or use an
immersion heater and warm up the water in a separate heat-proof
mug. The easiest method is to use a microwave.
Take the instant coffee and put about one slightly rounded
teaspoon (this may vary based upon how strong one likes their
coffee) in a mug.
Pour just a teaspoon of the very hot (nearly boiling) water
into the mug; only enough to dampen the instant coffee. If you use
sugar, put in your sugar granules. Now, with a metal spoon, crush
the slurry against the side of the mug. (This technique is called a
"Fagan Transform").
Stir in the rest of the hot water.
Add fresh whole milk, fresh half-and-half, or non-dairy creamer
to the coffee if desired. Evaporated milk from a can (undiluted)
may also be used.
Flavorings such as vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or ground
cinnamon may be added at this time. If the coffee has been
modified, then stir thoroughly until the extra ingredients have
been dissolved.