The first taste of coffee over a campfire as the morning mist clears over the bushveld has a certain enchantment. No barista can match the experience of the rich flavour, the smell, and the way it warms your hands against the cool morning air. Learning how to make coffee over an open fire will improve your mornings in the outdoors, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or organising your first camping vacation.
How to Make a Campfire for Brewing Coffee
Creating the perfect fire for coffee brewing requires more thought than simply throwing logs together. You want a steady, controlled heat source rather than a roaring bonfire. Start by selecting a safe, flat spot away from dry grass and overhanging branches. At Mbizi Game Lodge & Spa, using the lodge’s designated fire pits offers safety and convenience. Begin with dry kindling and small sticks to establish a solid base before adding larger logs. The secret lies in patience. Allow your fire to burn until you have a bed of glowing coals rather than active flames. These hot coals provide a consistent, even heat to brew coffee without scorching it.
How to Make Campfire Coffee
Brewing coffee over a campfire can be as simple or sophisticated as you choose to make it. For those who prefer a more refined approach, bringing along a portable French press or pour-over setup works. However, the traditional method requires only a sturdy pot and quality, coarsely ground coffee. Start by heating fresh water over your prepared coals until it reaches that perfect near-boil stage. You’ll see small bubbles forming but want to avoid a full, rolling boil. Remove the pot from the heat before adding your coffee grounds, using about two tablespoons per cup of water. Give it a gentle stir and let the mixture sit for four to five minutes, allowing the flavours to blend thoroughly. The final step requires a steady hand. Pour slowly, letting the grounds settle naturally at the bottom of the pot. If you find too many grounds making their way into your cup, a clever trick is to add a splash of cold water, which helps the remaining particles sink. The result? A strong, full-bodied coffee.
How to Make Cowboy Coffee
For those who want to embrace the true spirit of bushveld brewing, learning how to make cowboy coffee is an essential skill. This no-frills method has kept outdoorsmen caffeinated for generations and requires absolutely no special equipment. Just your trusty coffee pot and some quality grounds. The process begins by filling your pot with fresh water and bringing it to a full boil over your campfire. Once the water is bubbling vigorously, remove it from the heat and add your coffee grounds. Three tablespoons per litre of water works well for a strong brew. Let the mixture boil for about two minutes before taking it off the heat. Here’s where the cowboy wisdom comes into play. After removing the pot from the fire, let it sit for another minute to allow the grounds to settle. When pouring, do so carefully, tilting the pot gradually to keep most of the grounds at the bottom. Some outdoorsmen swear by adding a splash of cold water to help settle the grounds, while others prefer the authentic experience of occasionally getting a mouthful of coffee particles.
Making Instant Campfire Coffee
Sometimes you just need caffeine without the ceremony, especially when you’re eager to start your morning game walk or hiking adventure. That’s where instant campfire coffee comes to the rescue. Modern instant coffee has evolved beyond yesteryear’s bitter, stale powders, with premium options now rivalling freshly brewed cups in flavour. The key to decent instant coffee lies in water temperature. Heat your water until it’s steaming hot but not boiling. Too hot water can make a good instant coffee taste harsh and bitter. Stir in your preferred amount of coffee crystals, starting with about a teaspoon per cup and adjusting to your taste. Many campers like to bring along powdered milk or small creamer packets to create a richer drink, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add a special touch to your breakfast. While it might not have the artisanal credentials of other brewing methods, a well-made instant coffee can be satisfying when you’re short on time or energy. It’s the perfect solution for those mornings when you just need a quick caffeine fix before heading out to explore the stunning surroundings of Mbizi Game Lodge & Spa.
From the careful preparation of your fire to the satisfying first sip, brewing campfire coffee is a ritual that connects us to nature and more straightforward ways of living. Whether you prefer the rugged simplicity of cowboy coffee, the controlled precision of traditional brewing, or the quick convenience of instant, each method has its place in the outdoor experience.
Our lodge facilities at Mbizi Game Lodge & Spa provide the ideal setting to enjoy your coffee while taking in breathtaking bushveld views. Contact us today to plan your stay and start your mornings with the perfect cup of campfire coffee in hand.
