A dear friend of mine set himself up a little makeshift “camp” behind his art studio, and he contacted me asking how to make camp coffee. Camp coffee is just plain ol’ coffee heated over an open fire — nothing fancy, no gadgets, no steamed milk, nada.
The best coffee I’ve ever had was due to its locations and company, and if you’re cold, that first sip will sure help (after it takes the skin off the roof of your mouth).
It’s really not hard at all to make. I generally make a small fire and set my coffee pot right at the edge of the flame on a smooth area or stone with the handle facing out. You can use a grate, or even hang your coffee pot with a hood if you’ve got it handy. Fill it about three-quarters full of fresh water and pour your coffee into the water. I generally use two tablespoons of grounds (I prefer coarse-ground coffee) per cup of water.
Once it boils, remove it from the direct heat. This is where those leather gloves come in handy. Splash a half-cup of cold water on the top of the boiling coffee; the cold water will make the grounds settle to the bottom. Pour and enjoy.
You can set the pot near the fire — or even directly on top of a few coals from the fire — to keep it warm.
This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue of Western Horseman.
