How to make Cowboy/Campfire coffee

We will show you how to make cowboy or campfire coffee from start to finish. We will even share some helpful tips along the way!
1. Fill coffee pot with water to just below the spout
2. Heat water, add coffee (about a 1/4 cup of coffee to every quart of water)
3. Once it boils let it boil for about 4 min
4. Remove from heat and add about a cup of cold water to the pot and enjoy!
www.amazon.com/GSI-GSI-15150-...

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Making coffee with an old school all steel percolator watching the snow fall near the Old West Owyhee Mountains in Idaho and watching these cowboy coffee videos. Love it.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks for watching!

[@pattycake8272]

that cold water pushing the grounds down was worth all the silver in my bag. thank you.

[@HorsePenRanch]

You are welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@rogerironhide4220]

True about finding em pots..... Hard. I lucked out, my good ol buddy who passed left it for me as he knew I live coffee, ever since I've been drinking coffee like this...... May the gods bless his soul. Good friend & greatly missed. I sit out by our usual spot & drink coffee in his honor.❤

[@adamledbetter8253]

I made my first cup of cowboy coffee about 2 weeks ago and I have to say that it is amazing, thank you.

[@HorsePenRanch]

That’s great to hear!! It’s the best. Thanks for sharing.

[@southerncooker6475]

Wow, I'm sold! Pulling out my enamel percolator!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Good deal. Thanks for watching!

[@CDaisy-tp7hw]

Cowboy coffee. . . Campfire coffee. . . My dad made this exact coffee and called it Hobo coffee

[@HorsePenRanch]

It’s called a lot of things. But at the end of the day it’s just good stuff. Thanks for watching.

[@Unwrapasmile]

Awesome video on making cowboy coffee, absolutely love the video. Hurt my heart seeing you pour that coffee out lol. Thanks for sharing have a blessed day.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Hey thank you for watching!! I hear you, I don’t like pouring coffee out!

[@DizzyIzzyMom]

I have a glass top stove and I make my coffee on that. When it starts to boil I just move it off the heat and I get fabulous coffee. I make 12 cups at a time drink two, and put the rest into a mason jar for the next few days. I used to make cold brew and it took three times the amount of coffee to get a decent taste. So you can enjoy the coffee on any heat source.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes you can! Glad to hear you drink coffee the best way. Thanks for watching.

[@user1233002]

Great video. My late wife was a country girl. She taught me right. Thanks for the lesson, Bless You & Your Family. 😊

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet. Thank you so much for watching.

[@francodelrio7989]

thx from 🇩🇪👍 The hint of using some cold water to drop the ground was very helpful.

[@HorsePenRanch]

You’re welcome Franco. Enjoy some good coffee and thank you for your comment and for watching!

[@gregdark5203]

Watching Gunsmoke brought me here. Always wondered about the coffee grounds. Great video. Thank you so much.

[@HorsePenRanch]

I love me some gun smoke. Thank you so much for dropping by and watching and commenting. Enjoy some good cowboy coffee!

[@edyagger8779]

Thank you Sir ! very informative and even throwing a bit of history into it !~~~ fellow coffee connoisseur !

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ramynovver4071]

This great video, makes me happy, loves his accent and vibes n music.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@randal3122]

that does look fantastic. thanks!

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@mikecanniff3873]

Good job brother. Kent Rollins been doing videos for years on this. Glad the word getting out! Really is the best coffee and so easy. Thank you.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Mike canniff thank you sir!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes Kent is a good guy. I’ve cooked along side him before in Missouri at Wagons for Warriors a few years back.

[@therockstar17]

Man I had watched Kent Rollins video but thanks to you I realize it’s not just cowboy coffee, it’s campfire coffee! I needed to know how to have some coffee when I go camping with my daughter and her American Heritage Girls church troop! I already had an enameled/speckled coffee pot, it was funny when you said take out the percolator thing and toss it cause you don’t need it! And you’re right, just made some tonight and I’m like where has this been all my life? The electric coffee maker might be out of a job! Then I realized all the old cowboy shows and movies I grew up on always had a metal coffee pot like this next to the campfire! I knew there had to be an easy way to make coffee at the campsite without all these modern gadgets! I love the supply list, fire, water, coffee, and a pot! I’ll just do this! Thanks!! (Btw I like Kent but your video was much quicker and straight forward!)

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m really glad you are making it and are loving it. It is by FAR the best way to make coffee. Thank you so much for watching!

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

Cool, I don’t mind a few grounds anyway…☕️👌

[@HorsePenRanch]

I hear ya. Thanks for watching!

[@JO86666]

Im definitely gonna try this on my next camping trip!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Good deal. I promise It’s the best way to drink coffee! Thanks for watching.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

That’s the only way I drink coffee, getting a 20 cup kettle even though is just me to prevent boil overs by filling it less. Lol I’m crazy about cowboy coffee. Great video Sir.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thats great to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@robertthegamer28]

I’m gonna make some right now 🤠

[@juliemanville-camp2866]

Wow...thank you...this was really helpful!

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet. Thanks for watching commenting!

[@FloridaRadioMan]

I have been drinking coffee since it was put in my bottle! I learned something new today and when I go clean the grounds out of the stove top pot where I just made coffee the next pot will have the percolator insides are coming out! Thank you for this! Over the past year I’ve come to really like a pour over because of the seemingly richer flavor and I have no doubt this will be so much better! Thank you for not pouring out the second cup. Watching the first one get poured out hurt a little.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you for your kind words and thank you so much for watching and commenting. It is no doubt the best way to make coffee. Pour over is a good one as well. I am with you though it’s hurtful to watch someone pour out a good cup of coffee lol. Have a great day and God bless.

[@fadingmargins]

Here's a tip I just learned if your buying a pot. Make sure the spout is high up level with the top of the pot, otherwise you ain't going to get a full measure when it boils. Like the channel, love the content - subbed!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Fading Margins yes sir that’s correct. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@amoreperduto1682]

Fantastic! I always wondered about that. Never would have thought about the cold water. Thank you!

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet. Thank you so much for watching!

[@sliver-will-ranger5714]

Thanks a lot , I am going to try it at home

[@HorsePenRanch]

Snake King good deal! Let me know how it turns out. You will love it. It’s super smooth.

[@ONE_GEN_X]

Hey, we are all adults here. You can’t be afraid of a few grounds. It will put hair on your chest

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Maybe that’s why I’m starting to see some hair on my chest…….and I’m a woman!! Just kidding, I love cowboy coffee and so far no hair than goodness.

[@genegarren833]

Best coffee that I have ever drank!🙂👍🇺🇸

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks and thanks for watching!!

[@BigNateKFR]

I just made some of this today. And it is really good and smooth coffee. No bitterness at all. And pouring in the cold water does help with getting no grounds. I used putting the cold water in it and I had absolutely not one single ground in my coffee.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes sir it works every time. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I’m glad it worked for you. The best way to make coffee for sure. Thanks again!

[@savagewolf1966]

I about crying when you poured that coffee out! Good info enjoyed your coffee making skills 😁👍👊

[@HorsePenRanch]

I hear you! Thanks and enjoy some good coffee.

[@savagewolf1966]

@@HorsePenRanch ,Thank you am having a cup right now👍👊,just found your channel think it's due to watching Dutch oven cooking 🍳 videos love the chuck wagon you have a new sub👊❣️

[@erickmartinez8700]

😊 thanks

[@MadameM.]

This was a great video - best I've seen. Thank you so much! Going to buy a granite wear type of pot and try this! New subscriber!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you so much! And thanks for subscribing and commenting.

[@MadameM.]

@@HorsePenRanch Thank you, good sir!

[@Dutcharmytent]

Great video, just what I wanted to know.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@dotcatcatalog5116]

thank u

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet. Thanks for watching!

[@flon57]

Boiling for 3 minutes is what takes the acidity out, so it's the best cup of ☕ you'll ever have

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@anthonygomez446]

Great video on coffee.being a spoiled City boy. Maybe have to try this without my coffee pot or without my Expresso machine lol.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Give it a try Anthony. You will not regret it! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@samial-khashan617]

Great coffee ☕😋👌

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@monroedoctrine3296]

Great job! Felt like simpler times just watching!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks for watching! Yes it’s a great way to make coffee.

[@uhavemooface]

Serioulsy did. Like watching a western

[@burningdaylightfarmsnc1329]

That’s the way to make the best coffee you’ll ever drink there. 😂🤠💚☕️

[@HorsePenRanch]

Burning Daylight Farms NC yes it is. Thanks for watching!

[@margemoore6634]

Thanks!!!

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet. Thanks for watching!!

[@brianwofford3831]

Thanks for the good video.

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet. Thank you for commenting and watching!

[@andrewjackson3278]

Here it is almost midnight, now I want coffee 😂 Subscribed!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Andrew Jackson thanks for subscribing! It’s always a good time for cowboy coffee!

[@emmel4fun]

You'll sleep really well. Seriously, I do.

[@kacpernowak6156]

Thanhs! [Europ, Poland]

[@HorsePenRanch]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Codenbaugh]

Tried this coffee at silver dollar city. Now I'm making it myself

[@HorsePenRanch]

That’s great to hear! It’s the best way to make coffee. Thanks for coming by cowboy camp at SDC.

[@joshknight6145]

If I ever had some money I would go and buy Chuck Wagon I think Chuck Wagons are really cool

[@HorsePenRanch]

Well I hope you get you one soon! Thank you so much for watching Josh.

[@MrJarhett]

I love coffee

[@HorsePenRanch]

It’s good stuff. Thanks so much for watching!

[@emmel4fun]

I made some for myself today after watching a few videos. Very hot and very tasty.

[@HorsePenRanch]

That’s awesome. Glad it turned out good. Thanks for watching ours!

[@villc2423]

Still helping newbies 🤠👍

[@HorsePenRanch]

Trying my best. Thanks for watching!

[@M.......A]

Good stuff bro. God bless

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you. And thanks so much for watching!

[@gypsy380]

Arbuckle coffee is the best and you even get a peppermint stick yee haw

[@HorsePenRanch]

That’s right. Yes it’s pretty good stuff. Thanks for watching!

[@boogierandy7547]

Good video!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertthegamer28]

Justin Jackson! You sir have a great name!

[@MK-zg2yy]

👍

[@MrGlandeux]

Try cofee brand cofee. I like it, and Jeremy didn't pay me to write that here. But since were on the subject of good roasted cofee...

[@HorsePenRanch]

Will do thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@matthewgabbard6415]

I’m gonna try that. It’s basically French press without the piston strainer. Those old boys knew a thing or two, and as much coffee as they drank they knew what was good. It gives the coffee a chance to fully extract all those aromatic oils and flavors with full immersion like that. I still think fresh ground beans is the way to go though. Even better would be roasting your own beans but Ive never done that. Take care

[@HorsePenRanch]

You’re exactly right. Thank you for watching!

[@genegarren833]

Better than French Press due to much longer boiling time.

[@matthewgabbard6415]

@@genegarren833 Doesn't it over cook the coffee? I've never tried it so i don't know

[@genegarren833]

@@matthewgabbard6415 No! I boil the coffee for 3 minutes! It’s great!🙂👍

[@genegarren833]

For sure the only way to make coffee.

[@HorsePenRanch]

I agree!

[@joekuder]

i don't even worry about grounds drink it down to the grounds and dump the last few mouthfuls out and get ya another cupful

[@hlanjewar]

Thanks for this lovely tutorial. Can you advice where I can buy coffee mugs like the one in your video?

[@HorsePenRanch]

You bet, thanks for watching! You have to find mugs like that one at antique stores. They still do make enamel mugs though. You may check Amazon.

[@husafel]

Great video! Thanks for the info! Was wondering in the 1800’s out in the field did the cook just use tepid water instead of cold?

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you. They normally use water from a 30 gallon wooden water barrel to fill up the coffee pot and then boil it on the fire. So it was just an ambient temperature water. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@uhavemooface]

New subscriber here to.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Well thanks so much. We’ve got a lot of new videos planned in the near future. Thanks for watching!

[@MAKECANADAGREATAGAIN205]

as for the grounds ..they will settle without making the coffee colder with cold water...Just let it sit for a few minutes .

[@HorsePenRanch]

Well yes they can. But they do for sure settle much better with room temp water in my experience. I never use cold water unless it’s cold outside. Thanks for watching!

[@jpcatapano]

My Mr. Coffee auto drip just bit the dust. Looking forward to trying this method out.

[@HorsePenRanch]

You can beat this way. I promise! Thanks for watching!

[@jpcatapano]

@@HorsePenRanch worked like a charm! Perfect for this 10 degree New York morning.

[@maverickf13]

Whoa what

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes mam. It’s that easy. Thanks for watching!

[@timhobbs5883]

I use drip filters. Double them up. Done right and there will be no sediment. Oh a pinch of salt.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Do what works for you. This is the way my grandma did it and it works like a charm. Give it a try sometime. That way you do have to carry filters around. Thanks for watching!

[@sonnysteele2616]

Make sure u leave it upside down when drying

[@HorsePenRanch]

That’s right. Another important tip. Not doing that is how rust and holes start forming. Thanks for watching.

[@germanbini]

"These type of coffee pots are hard to find - I've got about four or five of them" (maybe because you and other people are hoarding them is one of the reasons that they are hard to find). :p

[@HorsePenRanch]

Lol no sir not me. I have around 3 large ones and use all 3 during big events. You are right they are hard to find. Thanks for watching.

[@christopherbennett4559]

Just like God morals and values this is the way to make coffee and should never be change or be forgotten. This is the way my Confederate ancestors did it in the Civil war its been taught through the generations. Think about it no electricity or filters back then. This will also be easy on your stomach no heart burn or upset stomach because you boil the acid out it has to get real hot to do that.Great video thanks God bless.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes sir you’re spot on. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@libertarianman69]

What I don't understand is why does it take dang near twice the coffee if you grind it then it does if you buy it already ground? I've been doing this for years and I don't understand why. I can take the ground coffee I just ground and put it in our coffee pot and it will come out weak if I use already ground coffee in the same exact amount it will come out pretty strong.

[@HorsePenRanch]

I agree. It seems to take more fresh grounds than pre ground. Maybe because they coat the ground coffee? I’m not sure. Thanks for commenting.

[@ackamack101]

It’s fantastic! The smoothest coffee ever! But how do you keep it from boiling over? 🤔

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks! Right before the rolling boil you will need to turn burner down a little. The more you do it the easier it is. Thanks for watching!!

[@ackamack101]

@@HorsePenRanch Thank you! I’m sure I will get a handle on it soon lol. Definitely the most delicious and smoothest cup of coffee ever!

[@ackamack101]

@@HorsePenRanch My second attempt was much better! No boiling over and still delicious! 😁 🤠 🇺🇸 👍🏻

[@HorsePenRanch]

That’s good to hear. Making campfire coffee is a lost art. And you’re right it’s the best way to drink coffee!

[@ackamack101]

@@HorsePenRanch I’m pretty sure I have it down now. No boiling over lol. Best coffee ever!

[@erikhansen7766]

Can I ask what grind of arbuckles you use?

[@HorsePenRanch]

I’m not sure buddy I think it was just a regular auto drip grind. I don’t normally use Arbuckles. I actually had some for the video and decided to use it for that video. It’s hard to get here in Oklahoma and super expensive to have it shipped in.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

If I understand correctly, the larger the pot, the longer you let it boil. How long to boil it using a "standard" size pot ? Great video. TY !

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thank you. Great question! Four minutes is a good time to let it boil regardless of the size of pot. Enjoy!

[@steveolsen4874]

If you pour whiskey in it instead of the water you don’t care if you get grounds….😊

[@HorsePenRanch]

Good point! Thanks for watching.

[@rogerironhide4220]

Most certainly NO grounds once the cold water hits..... ONE HELLUVA CUP!!!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes sir! Thanks for watching.

[@JoelyPera]

I just heard about Cowboy coffee, so I’m a newbie to all of this. What would you say distinguishes cowboy coffee from pour over coffee? Thank you for making this tutorial, I learned a lot!! 🤠

[@HorsePenRanch]

I like pour over as well. It has a clean crisp flavor. I would say you can make a lot of this at a time and pour over you are usually doing a cup at a time. And it’s just a different way to make coffee. You’re really boiling the coffee and in doing so a lot of the acid comes out of the coffee. So it makes a good cup of flavorful coffee. This is somewhat similar to French press but it’s not as strong and to me makes a better cup than French press makes. I’m not sure if I answered your question or just rambling on. But thank you so much for watching this video. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

[@HorsePenRanch]

I will also add this is a pretty early method in making coffee. Before roasters started roasting coffee, cookie would brown and roast the beans in iron skillet over the campfire.

[@JoelyPera]

@@HorsePenRanch You definitely answered my question. And thank you! Since the time I posted this comment, I have made two batches of Campfire Coffee, based off of your tutorial. I don't think I'll make it any other way! Absolutely delicious. This is a game changer for me! Thanks again! 🙏

[@HorsePenRanch]

So great to hear! Thanks again!

[@ginodc5944]

@@JoelyPera How is it different from say regular drip coffee? I'd be curious to try this with espresso dark roasted coffee since that can have quite a bit of acid.

[@Codenbaugh]

How do you prevent the coffee from foaming right before it boils

[@HorsePenRanch]

You really can’t. Before I put the grounds in, I take the boiling water off of the stove or turn the burner way down. Then I put the grounds in and when I introduce it back to heat is when it will rise up. Once it starts to rise I take it off the heat or turn the burner way down and the foam rise will go back down before it overflows. Once you do that one time it usually will roll a boil the next time you put the heat on it and you’re good to go. Hope this helps

[@TechnologyRescue]

Great coffee but you forgot to mention the biggest secret which is to use good fresh water. Also, I cried when you poured good coffee on the ground. How many people does a big pot serve?

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks for watching. Yes fresh water is important. I have been in some pickles were the best water I could get was water coming down a semi running Mountain stream. I hear ya I hate pouring out good coffee. That pot will make about 2 gallons of coffee. Thank you so much for your comment!

[@sethrakes1991]

Use distilled water

[@ysn_rick4751]

How many cups of water to cups of coffee or it it a trial and error process

[@HorsePenRanch]

The conversion is approximately 1/4 cup of ground coffee to 1 quart of water. But you can adjust that to your liking. Thanks for watching!

[@uhavemooface]

I was wondering what the heck you doing man wasting coffee like that. lol. We believe that there isn't any grounds of coffee in there lol. I want to find me a kettle like that big one. But we don't live on a ranch or a camp site so. I got to say I just boiled water in my tea kettle and poured the water into a cup with coffee grounds in the cup and let it sit for a few minutes and man the flavor is really much better then the coffee pots or the Keruigs. Its just a decent cup of coffee.

[@HorsePenRanch]

That will work. I hope you’re able to find you some kind of a coffee pot. Sometimes you can find them at camping stores or Walmart and sometimes antique stores. Thanks so much for watching and good luck!

[@rdzvtslo]

Where did you get that kettle?

[@HorsePenRanch]

I got it in an antique store locally here in Oklahoma. That’s where you pretty much got a find the big ones. They don’t make them anymore so you have to find them in antique stores. Just make sure they don’t have any holes in them or rusted out real bad. The small one like I said in the video you can buy on Amazon or Walmart. Thanks for watching!!

[@rdzvtslo]

Thanks! I didnt realize you already mentioned it in the video. My bad.

[@shanegrisham179]

Can it be done in a Colletti Bozeman without the guts in it? How much coffee?

[@HorsePenRanch]

Yes you can. It’s about a 1/4 cup of coffee per quart of water.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks a bunch for watching!

[@thewaywardwind548]

When adding the cold water to settle the grounds, do you water from the cold tap or really colf from the ice box?

[@HorsePenRanch]

Tap water will work. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ramynovver4071]

The same water I use to make coffeee, duh . Just make sure it’s cold. I like to put some water in the freezer fir about 5 mins to get cold.

[@billhager8636]

Nope. Don't see no grounds. Gonna go get one of em smaller pots becuz its just me pretty much. Thank you!

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks for watching Bill!

[@brucenenke-vk5nk]

That's it, a cup of cold water. In Australia we talk about billy tea and the trick is to swing the billy to sink the leaves but there is certainly a lot less technical jargon involved. Now back to the main question, why does cowboy culture seem to lack any adoption of indigenous knowlege unlike Australian bushcraft. Maybe you guys just had it too easy, it is a more fertile country.

[@HorsePenRanch]

Thanks for watching. Well I believe we have indigenous culture as well as Hispanic culture in bedded in cowboy culture today. From our diet to horsemanship, among other ways. Thanks for commenting!

[@brucenenke-vk5nk]

That's good to know, got more diversity than us. @@HorsePenRanch

[@eequezada]

What's it taste like? Is it sweet?

[@HorsePenRanch]

No sir, just taste like clean pure coffee. It’s great. Thanks for watching!

[@davidcordatos-marcotte8144]

Today my coffee looks like molasses

[@ramynovver4071]

I heard that boiling the coffee looses the caffeine?. I don’t think it’s true tho. I boil it like this.

[@HealthHorror]

Ever tried flavored coffee? I am guessing it would strip away the flavor. Most flavored coffee tastes like chemicals anyway but Blackout Coffee makes the best.

[@HorsePenRanch]

I have not tried flavored coffee. It may work fine. I like good ole black coffee the best as well. Thanks for commenting!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Sometimes I add pure organic cocoa, sometimes cinnamon, or not it all depends on my mood. This is the only way I drink coffee, at home or camping cowboy coffee is my morning routine. I hate paper filters and not crazy about dripped coffee or percolator.

[@HealthHorror]

@@carmenmartinez2882 Do you ever get annoyed at the process though? I even somedays am sick of setting up even drip coffee. Just gets so mundane.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

@@HealthHorror actually not because I’m not the nicest person before I have my coffee in the morning lol. Is the time when I can relax, I’m retired and now I can enjoy a couple of cups with serenity and I can take the extra time to make it, sit on the deck and relax listening to the birds, enjoying nature (I’m in the mountains) kind of a ritual nowadays, even though I’m very active, I solo tent camp a lot but no more rat race for me. Perhaps that’s why.

[@HealthHorror]

@@carmenmartinez2882 Me too. I always have the morning coffee and food planned the night before. So I have to wake up and make it in quiet. When my wife is off work she wakes up already pumped to go somewhere and she wonders why I get moody as she rushes my routine. She likes to wake up and then go hunt for food at a store. No forethought.

[@douggiepodewils9548]

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