How to Make Coffee While You're Camping This Summer
Coffee is life, and camping is great, right? Right. But how do you combine the two? Let’s grind out the best ways to brew while you’re partaking in your adventures under the stars and sun this summer. With a few simple methods, you can enjoy your favorite brew. In this guide, we'll explore three ways to make coffee while camping, along with tips on Leave No Trace principles to ensure we're respecting the environment as we enjoy our java.
French Press
What you'll need:
- French press
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Hot water
- Camp stove or portable heat source
- Your best french accent
How to make it:
- Heat water in a pot or kettle over your camp stove until boiling
- Let water rest for 30 seconds after boiling
- Add coarsely ground coffee to the French press. Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water.
- Once the water is heated, pour it over the coffee grounds in the French press.
- Let bloom for 30 seconds
- Stir the mixture gently, then place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up.
- Allow the coffee to steep for ~4 minutes.
- Slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
- Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy!
- Optional: Make obnoxious jokes in an accent you're terrible at.
Cowgirl Coffee
What you'll need:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Water
- Pot or kettle
- Heat source (campfire or stove)
- Pure grit for drinking it straight like a cowgirl
How to make it:
- Heat water in a pot or kettle over your campfire or stove until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Add coarsely ground coffee directly to the boiling water. Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then remove it from the heat.
- Allow the grounds to settle to the bottom of the pot.
- Carefully pour the coffee into your mug, trying to leave the grounds behind.
- Let it cool slightly and enjoy your rustic cup of cowgirl coffee!
Espresso Martini
What you'll need:
- Espresso maker or Moka pot
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Vodka or coffee liqueur
- Ice
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- A designated hiker
How to make it:
- Brew espresso using an espresso maker or Moka pot according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Allow the espresso to cool slightly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the freshly brewed espresso and a shot of vodka or coffee liqueur.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.
- Optional: Garnish with coffee beans or a twist of orange peel.
- Sip and savor your wilderness-inspired Espresso Martini!
- Be safe and drink responsibly though.
Let us know which coffee ritual you choose! Remember to always follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact and leave it better than you found it. Whether you prefer the simplicity of cowboy coffee or the sophistication of an Espresso Martini, there's a camping coffee ritual for everyone to enjoy.
