For some reason I think of it as an older concept. Now Starbucks and coffee chains are popular.
Seinfeld on instant coffee https://youtu.be/uDrh5pujB9I?si=VdlVEREjMTNd2Bs7
Highlighting carlcook’s advice:
dissolve in cold water, ONLY THEN add hot water. The rationale behind it is that aromatics evaporate too quickly when the instant powder is infused with too/boiling hot water.
Elaborate
When you dissolve instant coffee directly into hot water, the amylum contained in the granules hardens, creating a powdery taste and consistency. By mixing the granules with cold water first, they dissolve more gently once introduced to hot water.
I found this technique makes for a richer and more flavourful coffee experience. Allegedly also because aromatics evaporate slower.