Cowboy coffee is coffee brewed in a pot with no filter—just grounds, water, and heat. It’s the old campfire method: bring water and grounds to a boil (or near it), let them sit, then pour carefully so the grounds stay in the pot. You can add a pinch of eggshells to help grounds settle and cut bitterness. This guide covers how to make cowboy coffee and how it fits with other no-filter methods. For grind and equipment, see our coarse ground coffee and best coffee makers guides.

How to Make Cowboy Coffee

You need: A pot (campfire-safe or stovetop), water, coarse or medium ground coffee (about 1–2 tbsp per 6 oz water). Optional: a pinch of clean crushed eggshells to help settle grounds and mellow bitterness. Steps: Add water and coffee (and eggshells if using) to the pot. Heat until it just comes to a boil or nearly boils. Remove from heat and let sit 2–4 minutes so the grounds settle. Pour slowly so the sediment stays in the pot; the first cup may still have some sludge. For more on eggshells, see eggshells in coffee; for grind, see coarse ground coffee.

Grind and Ratio

Coarse or medium grind works—coarse gives a cleaner cup and less sludge. Ratio: 1–2 tablespoons per 6 oz water (adjust to taste). Don’t use fine grind or you’ll get mud and bitterness. A burr grinder set to coarse is ideal; pre-ground “camping” or “cowboy” coffee is an option. See coarse ground coffee and best French press for other manual methods.

Cowboy Coffee vs. Other Methods

Percolator cycles water through grounds; cowboy is a one-time boil and steep. French press uses a mesh filter; cowboy uses settling and careful pouring. Cowboy is the simplest—no extra gear. For percolator, see how to percolate coffee; for French press, see best French press and best coffee makers.

Conclusion

Cowboy coffee: water + coarse grounds (and optional eggshells) in a pot, heat to near boil, let settle, pour carefully. Simple and effective with no filter. For more methods, see how to percolate coffee, best French press, and best coffee makers.

See Also