How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker: Simple Solutions from a Coffee Roaster

The Classic: Boiling Water & Coffee Grounds

If your coffee maker broke down this morning, don’t panic. You can still make a solid cup using just water, grounds, and a stovetop.

What You’ll Need:

• Ground coffee
• Boiling water
• A pot or saucepan
• A spoon
• A strainer or a steady hand

How It Works:

1. Heat some water on the stove. You’ll want it to get nice and hot, but just shy of boiling.
2. Once the water’s ready, toss in your coffee grounds. Aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per cup of water.
3. Stir the coffee in the water and let it steep for about 4 minutes.
4. When it’s done, slowly pour your brew into a mug, trying to leave the grounds behind. If you have a strainer, use it. If not, just pour carefully!

The Cowboy Method: Coffee Over an Open Fire

Heading out into the great outdoors? No problem! The cowboy method is as rugged as it sounds and perfect for camping.

What You’ll Need:

• Ground coffee
• A campfire or stovetop
• A metal pot (if you’re camping, a tin pot is ideal)
• Cold water for settling grounds (optional)

How It Works:

1. Fill your pot with water and bring it to a boil over your campfire or stove.
2. Once boiling, take the pot off the heat and add your coffee grounds (roughly 1 tablespoon per cup of water).
3. Let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes.
4. To settle the grounds at the bottom, try adding a splash of cold water. It works wonders in sinking those pesky grounds.
5. Pour slowly and enjoy that classic cowboy coffee!

Improvised French Press: A Jar and a Strainer

Miss your French press? No worries—you can improvise one with a jar and a strainer.

What You’ll Need:

• Ground coffee
• Boiling water
• A large jar (Mason jars work great)
• A spoon
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

How It Works:

1. Heat water until it’s just under boiling, like we talked about earlier.
2. In your jar, add 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds per cup of water.
3. Pour the hot water over the grounds, stir, and let it steep for about 4 minutes.
4. Now, strain the mixture into your mug using your fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

Coffee Bag Method: DIY Tea Bags, but for Coffee

This is a great hack if you’re low on equipment but happen to have some paper filters or cheesecloth lying around.

What You’ll Need:

• Ground coffee
• Coffee filters or cheesecloth
• String
• Boiling water
• A mug

How It Works:

1. Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee into the center of a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
2. Tie it up tightly with a string, creating a DIY coffee “tea bag.”
3. Place your homemade coffee bag in a mug and pour hot water over it.
4. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your coffee.
5. Remove the bag and enjoy!

Cold Brew in a Pinch: Let Time Do the Work

If you’re not in a rush and love cold brew, making coffee without a maker becomes even easier.

What You’ll Need:

• Coarsely ground coffee
• Cold water
• A large jar or pitcher
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

How It Works:

1. Add about 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to your jar.
2. Fill the jar with cold water, making sure the grounds are fully saturated.
3. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 12 hours (overnight is ideal).
4. After it’s steeped, strain the mixture into a clean jar or directly into your cup.

Mason Jar Shake: A Quick and Fun Fix

Need coffee in a hurry but don’t have the patience for cold brew? The Mason jar shake is a surprisingly effective way to brew coffee quickly.

What You’ll Need:

• Ground coffee
• Cold or room temperature water
• A Mason jar or any jar with a tight lid
• Ice (optional)

How It Works:

1. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds into your jar and fill it with water.
2. Screw on the lid and give it a good shake for about 30 seconds.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the grounds to settle.
4. Carefully pour your coffee into a glass, using a strainer if needed.
5. Add ice for a quick iced coffee option, and enjoy!

Travel-Friendly Methods: Always Be Prepared

If you’re someone who loves travel but hates missing out on a good brew, portable coffee gear is your best friend.

Top Picks for Coffee on the Go:

• AeroPress: Compact, easy to use, and perfect for a great cup of coffee anywhere.
• Bodum Travel Press: This portable French press lets you brew and drink from the same container.
• Minipresso: A handheld espresso machine that delivers surprisingly rich espresso with minimal effort.

With one of these in your bag, you’ll never be at the mercy of bad hotel coffee or questionable gas station brews again!