How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker?
Some of us are only “crunch time” coffee drinkers- while others have a coffee (or two, or three!) a day, there’s a certain brand of person who doesn’t drink coffee just cause they love it, but because they need the boost.
Maybe you’re from this group, or maybe you’ve just moved, or you’re living on the go, or on a budget. Either way, you’ve found yourself here because you’re in a predicament- you need coffee, but you haven’t got a coffee maker.
Fear not! We’ve covered several methods you can use to make coffee without a coffee maker. Read on to get brewing!
Method 1: Without a Filter
We’ll start off with the most basic method, for those who are seriously ill-equipped. All you need is a pot and stovetop for this one.
Start by boiling your coffee grounds into your water in the pan, and stirring. Use slightly more water than you would normally need to account for the water you’ll use in the boiling process.
Next, boil the water and coffee on the stove, on medium-high heat. Stir constantly and let the mixture boil for two minutes. Then, turn off the heat to let the coffee ground settle in the bottom of the pan.
When the grounds have settled, use a spoon or a ladle to carefully spoon the liquid into your cup, leaving the grounds on the bottom. You may end up getting some in your cup, but that’s ok. Just be careful to avoid the sludge in your last few sips.
Method 2: With a Filter
If the coffee sludge texture really turns you off, you’ll want to brew your coffee with some sort of filter. Lucky for you, there are several things you can use as a coffee filter that you might have laying around the house.
If you do have a coffee filter, you can make a makeshift tea bag with your filter and a piece of string. First, place a serving of coffee grounds in the middle of a coffee filter laid flat on your counter. Then, pull the sides of the filter up and around the coffee to gather in the middle. Secure them with a string.
Heat your water to a boil, and place your coffee pouch in the cup. Pour the water slowly over the pouch, and let steep for around 4 minutes. Boom! Teabag coffee.
If you don’t have a coffee filter, you can use a strainer or handkerchief as a makeshift filter.
The method is essentially the same for either one. Boil your water, then place your strainer or handkerchief on top of your mug. If you’re using a handkerchief, secure it to the side of your cup with elastic bands or clothespins so it doesn’t drop in from the weight of the coffee. You’ll want it to be tight, but loose enough that you can form a pouch in the middle as a strainer has.
Put your serving of coffee grounds in the strainer or pouch made by the handkerchief, and slowly pour your boiling water over it. It may take time to strain through, so you may have to do several pours to fill your cup. The key is patience here!
When you’re done, remove your strainer or handkerchief to find your DIY coffee below. Magic!
Method 3: With a Kettle
Maybe you’re on a camping trip, and you don’t have any of the above supplies, but at least you’ve got a kettle. No fear! You can make coffee work in this situation too.
Place on serving of coffee and about 8 ounces of water in your kettle and bring it to a boil. Boil for two minutes, then remove from the heat and let the coffee grounds settle in the bottom of the pan.
Gingerly pour the coffee from the kettle into your mug. If they’ve been left to settle, then grounds should stay at the bottom of your kettle. Rinse the kettle and repeat for as many batches as you want!
Method 4: In the Microwave
For our final method, we’re here to tell you that in even the most meager of office kitchens, you can still find a way to make coffee, with only a microwave and a mug!
Grab a mug, and fill it with water. Pop it in the microwave for about two minutes, until it is nearly boiling. Then, drop a serving of coffee grounds in the water and wait for them to settle on the bottom.
While it won’t be the most delicious cup you’ll ever drink, it’ll do in a pinch! Just take those last few sips slowly to avoid the coffee sludge at the bottom.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in a need of a caffeine boost but without a coffee maker, any of these methods is sure to work for you. You can rest assured there isn’t a coffee-less morning in your future.
We hope you enjoyed this article! If you have any more questions about any of the methods listed above, let us know in the comments below. We’ll help with all your coffee concerns as best we can.