Decluttering, tidying up, tiny homes, and capsule wardrobes — adopting a less-is-more approach to everyday living is now a part of modern culture. But if you’re not part of the minimalist movement, maybe you travel a lot, camp often woke up to a broken coffee maker, or want to know how to make coffee without a filter.
Perhaps you no longer want a coffee maker on the counter and are looking for a less encumbered way to fix your caffeine! Whatever the situation, we’ll show you the easiest way to make coffee without a coffee maker.
How to Make Coffee on the Stove
The most basic coffee brewing method involves boiling coffee grounds in water. Often referred to as cowboy coffee, this version doesn’t require a campfire, but you need a stovetop.
Note: For each 8-ounce cup, you’ll need 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons of coffee. If you want to make more coffee, stick to this ratio. Water will evaporate due to boiling, so use more water than the amount of coffee you want.
1. Boil the water.
Heat the water and salt in a pot over medium heat until bubbles start forming around the edges.
2. Add the coffee to the water.
Give the mixture a good stir to make sure your grounds aren’t clumped together.
3. Boil the coffee.
Uncovered, boil the mixture for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally so the grounds don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
4. Allow the coffee to steep.
Once the coffee has boiled for a few minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the mixture to steep for about 5 minutes, giving the ground time to settle to the bottom of the pot.
5. Serve and enjoy!
Serve your coffee with a ladle or pour it gently into a cup to keep the grounds in the pot. Some grounds will likely become your cup, so you may not want to drink the last sip.
Since you’re making this in your kitchen and not on a cattle drive, you can also use a strainer. We won’t tell!
Other Coffee Brewing Methods
The cowboy method is the easiest way to brew coffee without special equipment. But if you prefer a cleaner, less silty cup of coffee, you may want to try a different method. Below, you’ll find two coffee brewing variations that don’t require a coffee maker.
The Mason Jar Method
If you prefer not to involve a campfire or stovetop, try the Mason jar variation, which only requires hot water, coffee, and a Mason jar or other heat-proof container.
To brew your coffee, combine coarsely ground coffee with boiling water. Ensure your container is made of tempered glass or any other material that won’t crack with sudden temperature changes. Let your coffee steep for five minutes, then pour it carefully into a coffee mug, using a filter if you’d like.
