How to Make Cowboy Coffee: A Guide to Authentic and Classic Campfire Brewing

Many people think that cowboy coffee is limited to a specific type of coffee or brewing method, but this is just a misconception. Find out more about the truth behind cowboy coffee and how you can make delicious campfire coffee using any brand of coffee you prefer.

Can You Use Any Kind of Coffee to Make Cowboy Coffee?

The short answer is yes, but with a caveat. You can use any brand of coffee for cowboy coffee as long as it's made with coffee grounds, not instant coffee. Instant coffee is more about convenience and fast brewing, whereas cowboy coffee is about the experience and technique involved in the brewing process on a campfire or with a portable stove.

Coarse Ground Coffee for Cowboy Coffee

Cowboy coffee is all about technique, and using a coarse ground coffee is highly recommended. Coarse ground coffee retains its strength and flavor much better during the brewing process and burns less easily, making it ideal for campfire or portable stove brewing. However, you can still successfully make cowboy coffee with any roasted and ground bean, provided it's not instant.

Why Use Coarse Ground Coffee?

Coarse ground coffee is less likely to burn and over-extract during the long brewing process. It also allows for better flavor retention and a smoother mouthfeel. When using coarse ground coffee, you don't have to worry about over-extracting the bitterness or the sediment settling at the bottom of your pot, which is a problem often encountered with finer grounds.

Camping Cowboy Coffee: The Perfect Press Recipe

When camping, cowboy coffee can be a delightful way to start your day. I often make what I call Cowboy Press Coffee using my Bio-Lite stove. Here’s how you can try it yourself:

Ingredients and Equipment

Water (filtered or boiled) Coarse ground coffee (preferably freshly ground) Bio-Lite stove (or any portable stove) Camping pot Camping press or plunger (not the traditional coffee press)

Procedure

Fill your camping pot with water. You can use filtered water for a better taste, or boil the water for an extra level of purification, especially if you’re in a forest or wilderness area.

After the water has come to a boil, carefully add the coarse ground coffee to the pot. One basic guideline is to use a ratio of about 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per cup of water.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Now comes the crucial part: use your camping press to extract the coffee. Place the press over the pot and slowly press down to extract the rich, full-bodied flavors. Be patient, as pressing too quickly can result in a less ideal extraction.

Once you've finished pressing, carefully lift the press off the pot. You should now have a mouthful of delicious Cowboy Press Coffee!

Benefits of Making Cowboy Coffee

Making coffee on a campfire or with a portable stove adds a unique aroma and flavor to your camping experience. It's often a social activity that brings people together. Cowboy coffee is known for its simple, satisfying taste and the rewarding process of brewing it over a flame.

Conclusion

Whether you use coarse ground coffee or experiment with different roasts, cowboy coffee can be a delightful addition to your camping trips. The key is to focus on the technique, whether you’re using a Bio-Lite stove or a simple pot over an open fire. It's a timeless tradition that can provide a comforting and flavorful start to any outdoor adventure.