How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or just moved and haven’t unpacked yet, sometimes you find yourself without a coffee maker but still in need of a caffeine fix. Fear not—we have the solution. Explore three simple ways to brew a delicious cup of coffee without a coffee maker.

Method 1: Homemade Filter Coffee

What You’ll Need

A paper coffee filter, or in a pinch, a paper towel or a clean cloth.
A mug, thermos, Mason jar, or any other suitable container to catch the brewed coffee.
Hot, nearly boiling water.
Preferably, a medium or light roast coffee.

How to Prepare

Position your coffee filter or clean cloth over your cup. If you have one, use a funnel to stabilize the filter; otherwise, hold it steady with your hand. Ensure the setup is secure to prevent any mishaps.
Add about two tablespoons of ground coffee to the filter, adjusting the amount depending on how strong you like your coffee.
Heat your water to around 90-95 °C (194-203°F)—just short of boiling.
Slowly pour the water over the coffee grounds, starting in the middle and moving outward in a spiral motion. Ensure the water evenly saturates the coffee.
Allow a few minutes for the coffee to drip into your cup. Enjoy the moment and savour the fresh coffee aromas as they release.
Once all the water has filtered through, remove your filter or cloth. Your freshly brewed coffee is ready to be enjoyed.

Pro Tips from Café William

Water heated to 90-95°C (194-203°F) extracts coffee aromas optimally without burning the grounds. If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for a minute before using.

Pour the water slowly and evenly over the coffee grounds. Start by moistening the grounds slightly, allow them to “bloom” for 30 seconds—this helps release gases and enhances flavour extraction—then continue pouring in a slow, circular motion.

Method 2: Turkish or Greek Coffee

What You’ll Need

A small saucepan, ideally made of copper, but any material will suffice.
Very finely ground coffee, similar to powdered sugar, to allow for partial dissolution.
Cold water.

How to Prepare

Combine one tablespoon of very fine coffee for each cup of cold water in the saucepan. Adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences.
Place the saucepan on low heat. It’s crucial to avoid letting the water reach a boil. Keep a watchful eye on it and stir occasionally.
Monitor the coffee closely; as soon as you see foam starting to form and rise, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. This step prevents the coffee from boiling over and helps maintain the delicate aromas.
Serve the coffee immediately. Pour it slowly into a coffee cup, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom of the pan. Sip gently to enjoy the rich flavours without ingesting the grounds.

Pro Tips from Café William

The coffee should be ground as finely as powdered sugar to enhance dissolution and flavour extraction. Opt for an organic, fair-trade coffee that’s freshly ground to achieve the best taste.

Never allow the water to boil; keep a close eye and remove it from the heat as soon as you see the foam forming. This technique preserves the coffee’s aromatic qualities and prevents bitterness.

Method 3: Cold Brew Coffee

What You’ll Need

Coarsely ground coffee, similar to what you would use for a French press.
Cold water.
A large Mason jar or a pitcher.
A coffee filter or a fine sieve.
A bit of patience.

How to Prepare

In your Mason jar or pitcher, add a proportion of ground coffee. A good starting point is about 1 cup of ground coffee (100 grams) to 4 cups of water. Adjust this ratio based on your preferred strength.
Pour cold water directly onto the coffee grounds. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the grounds are evenly moistened.
Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. Let it steep for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours if you like your coffee strong.
After the steeping period, filter the brew through a coffee filter or fine sieve to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Take care to do this slowly to ensure all sediments are captured and the coffee remains smooth.

Pro Tips from Café William

Select a coffee with a light roast for the best results. Coffees with fruity notes, such as the AWAKE coffee, are particularly well-suited to cold brewing.

The longer the coffee steeps, the more it develops in complexity and depth. Feel free to extend the steeping time up to 24 hours to explore different intensities and nuances of flavour.

Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee over several days.

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