How to Make Campfire Coffee in 5 Easy Steps

Spending a weekend in the great outdoors is always great. The only downfall? You can’t bring your electric coffee maker with you. 

Luckily, you don’t have to go without java while gathering with family and friends by the campfire. It’s quite simple making coffee on a campfire as long as you have the right tools. It won’t be as easy as making a cup at home, but you’re camping, so it shouldn’t be, right? 

Keep reading to learn how to make coffee over a fire in just a few steps! 

What is Campfire/Cowboy Coffee? 

Campfire coffee is java made over a fire. It’s also referred to as cowboy coffee because it was a popular drink made by cowboys on the trail. It’s made by heating up water and adding coarse ground coffee. Once the grounds have settled to the bottom of the pot, it was poured into cups. It’s likely cowboys got the gritty feeling from any loose grounds making their way into the cup, which is why many people choose to filter it today.

How to Make Cowboy Coffee

There are two main methods to making coffee on a campfire. Both require the same tools, them being: 

• A Moka pot
• 6 oz water
• 2 tbsp coffee grounds

• Measuring cup (if needed)
• Sugar (optional)

1. Add Water to the Pot

Pour 6 ounces of water into a pot. It’s likely you’ll have friends or family who would also like a cup; therefore, you’ll want to adjust accordingly. Remember that the standard ratio when making java is 6 ounces of water for every 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. 

2. Place Pot Over an Open Flame 

What’s the correct way to place your Moka pot over an open flame? There are a few ways. The most popular way used is propping a stick and having the pot hang off the stick over the fire. You could also use a grill gate but unless there’s one at your campsite it’s probably not a tool you’d bring along with you. 

3. Add Coffee Grounds

Once the water is at a warm temperature, place the grounds in the pot and stir well. Once the water is at a boil, let it sit over the fire for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Remove the Pot From the Fire

Remove the pot from the fire and let it sit for a minute. Letting it sit for a few will allow the coffee grounds to settle to the bottom of the pot. 

5. Pour and Enjoy!

Once the coffee grounds have settled to the bottom, all that’s left to do is pour and enjoy! Some people like to strain the coffee to avoid any grounds from sneaking into their cup.  

Remember that we mentioned there are two main methods for making campfire coffee? Here is the second option, which is fairly similar: 

1. Instead of boiling the water and grounds over the fire like the first option, you bring the water to a boil and remove the pot from the flame.
2. Let the Moka pot sit for 30 seconds before pouring the grounds in. Place two tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water.
3. Stir the grounds in the water and then let sit for two minutes. (You also have the option of pouring the hot water into cups and allowing each individual to add the coffee grounds to their liking).
4. Sprinkle a little cold water over the top to allow the grounds to sink to the bottom of the pot. If you do not want to add cold water, you can also let it sit for a bit and let the grounds sink to the bottom of the pot on their own.
5. Slowly pour into your mug to avoid pouring the grounds in. Once there is no more brew left in the pot, dispose of the grounds and enjoy your campfire coffee! 

Final Thoughts

We can’t think of anything more rewarding than enjoying the cup of joe you just made, all while sitting next to the fire you used to make it! And, with any of the methods listed above, you’ll be well on your way to a great cup of java. 

Let us also add that you should add a little more coffee grounds to your Moka pot if you enjoy a stronger cup. Or, if you want to sweeten it up, add some sugar, honey, or one of our personal favorites – cinnamon. This ingredient packs flavor, energy, and even some health benefits! 

Give campfire coffee a try today!