Long before pour-overs and pod machines, ranch hands and trail riders made their morning brew the same way: a pot, some water, fire, and a handful of ground coffee. Cowboy coffee is bold, simple, and built for the outdoors. Here's how to do it right.
What You'll Need
- A pot or kettle (no filter required)
- Fresh-ground coffee — a coarse grind works best
- Water
- A campfire or camp stove
- A splash of cold water (the cowboy's secret)
Step 1: Measure Your Coffee
Use about 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per 8 ounces of water. A bold blend like our Cowpuncher or six-bean Roughstock stands up beautifully to this rugged method.
Step 2: Heat the Water
Bring your water to a near-boil over the fire, then pull it back from the hottest flames. You want it hot, not violently boiling — boiling scorches the grounds and turns the cup bitter.
Step 3: Add the Grounds
Stir the coffee directly into the hot water. Let it steep for about 2 minutes, give it a stir, then let it brew another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Settle the Grounds
Here's the trick that separates a smooth cup from a mouthful of grit: pour in a small splash of cold water. The cold water pulls most of the grounds down to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Pour Slow and Enjoy
Pour slowly and steadily so the grounds stay put at the bottom. That's it — a strong, honest cup of coffee, made the way the West intended.
Brew It With the Good Stuff
Great cowboy coffee starts with great beans. Explore our small-batch, western-roasted blends and find your trail companion. Shop Saddleback Brew →