Brewing Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

Are you stuck in an Airbnb, a hotel, a remote island or some other purgatory without means to make your sweet nectar of the gods? Been there too - we’ve got you covered.

The absence of a fancy coffee maker doesn't have to mean a compromise in flavor. Brewing a delicious cup of coffee without a coffee maker is not only possible but can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here, we'll explore a few simple methods that anyone can use to make a cup of coffee using basic kitchen tools.

Method 1: The Cowboy Method (Boiling)

Items needed:

Pot and a mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Start by coarsely grinding your favorite coffee beans.
In a pot, bring water to a boil.
Add the coarsely ground coffee to the boiling water.
Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the coffee grounds as you pour the brewed coffee into your mug. Cheers y’all.

Method 2: The Cold Brew Method

Items needed:

Large jar or bottle and a mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Coarsely grind your coffee beans.
In a jar or pitcher, combine the coffee grounds with cold water at a ratio of 1:4 (one part coffee to four parts water).
Stir well and refrigerate the mixture for 12-24 hours.
After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Dilute the concentrated cold brew with water or milk, depending on your preference.
Add ice cubes and reward yourself with that fresh cup of cold brew coffee.

Method 3: The French Press Hack

Items needed:

Thermos or insulated cup and a mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Coarsely grind your coffee beans.
Heat water to just below boiling.
In a heatproof container, combine the coffee grounds and hot water.
Stir well and let it steep for around four minutes.
Plunge a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into the container to separate the grounds from the coffee.
Pour the filtered coffee into your mug and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Brewing coffee without a coffee maker is not only possible but opens the door to creative and diverse brewing methods. Whether you opt for the simplicity of the cowboy method, the patience of cold brew, or the French press hack, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee using basic kitchen tools. Best of luck out there!