How to Make the Perfect Cup of Campfire Coffee

Many of us rely on caffeine to kickstart our day, and there's no reason to forgo your morning cup while on vacation. With this guide, you'll learn how to make the perfect cup of campfire coffee, whether you're an experienced camper or just getting started. This post primarily focuses on the traditional style of "cowboy coffee," while also covering modern methods like French press and pour-over.

Tips for Brewing Campfire Coffee

• Use Clean, Filtered Water: Coffee is 99% water, so using clean, filtered water is crucial for great flavor. Bring your own if necessary.
• Grind Coffee Coarser: For the best results, grind your coffee coarser than usual—similar to a coarse French press grind.
• Know Your Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A standard measurement is 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 8 ounces of water. Bring a scoop or scale for accurate measuring.
• Choose the Right Pot: Always use a pot designed for open flames, such as a granite or enamel coffee pot.
• Handle with Care: Use hot pads when touching your hot coffee pot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Campfire Coffee

1. Start with a Small, Hot Fire

Create a concentrated bed of hot coals in the center of your campfire. This will help boil your water quickly.

2. Measure Your Water

Determine how many people will be drinking coffee and fill your pot with the appropriate amount of water. For larger groups, you may need to boil multiple batches.

3. Boil Your Water

Place your pot over the campfire and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, remove the pot from the fire and let it cool for 30 seconds to one minute.

4. Add Your Coffee

Add your desired amount of coarsely ground coffee directly to the pot and stir well.

5. Steep the Coffee

Let your coffee steep for about four minutes, stirring once halfway through.

6. Sprinkle Cold Water on Top

Add a small amount of cold water to help the coffee grounds settle to the bottom of the pot.

7. Pour Slowly

Pour the coffee slowly into your mug, leaving behind some in the pot to avoid grounds in your cup. If desired, you can use a filter basket and paper filters for a smoother brew.

Other Ways to Make Campfire Coffee

French Press

Brewing coffee in a French press is a popular choice for many campers. This method provides a bold taste and only requires your French press and a pot to boil water. It also does a better job of trapping coffee grounds.

Pour-Over

The pour-over method is gaining popularity and can be done while camping. You'll need your pour-over brewer (like a Hario V60), cone-shaped paper filters, and a kettle suitable for heating over the campfire. While a gooseneck kettle is ideal, a standard spout will suffice.

Enjoy Cold Coffee on the Go

If you prefer cold coffee, bring a container of brewed coffee from home or pack ready-to-drink coffee beverages in your cooler for a quick caffeine fix.

Next time you're camping, don't skip your coffee fix! Brew up some perfect campfire coffee and savor a warm drink in the great outdoors.

Are you a coffee enthusiast? Share this post and spread the joy of campfire coffee!

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