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Cowboy Coffee

Bold, full-bodied coffee brewed over an open flame with no filters or fancy equipment.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American, Outdoor
Calories: 5

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 cups 32 ounces or about 950 milliliters water
  • 1/2 cup about 2 ounces or 60 grams coarsely ground coffee
  • Pinch of salt optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Metal or enamel pot (4 cups capacity)
  • Heat source (stove, campfire, or portable burner)
  • Measuring cup or kitchen scale
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Coffee mug or cup for pouring
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pour 4 cups of fresh, cold water into the pot.
  2. Place the pot over high heat and bring water to a rolling boil, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove the pot from heat.
  4. Add 1/2 cup coarsely ground coffee to the hot water and stir quickly to saturate all grounds.
  5. Let the coffee grounds settle without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Gently rinse the inside rim of the pot with a small amount of cold water to collect stray grounds.
  7. Tilt the pot slowly and pour coffee into cups at a 45-degree angle to avoid disturbing grounds.
  8. Drink the coffee immediately while hot; if brewing more, allow grounds to resettle for another minute before pouring a second cup.

Notes

The cold water rinse in the rim prevents stray grounds from ending up in your cup.