A Brief History of Cowboy Coffee:

Cowboy coffee, also known as campfire coffee, is a simple but strong brew that has been a staple of the American West for over a century. But where did this rustic and robust drink come from? Believe it or not, the origins of cowboy coffee, and the general popularity of coffee in the United States, can be traced back to the 1700s. Let's take a quick look at the history of cowboy coffee.

As the heavily indebted British Empire began to impose heftier taxes on colonial Americans (via the Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, and Tea Act) and discontent over the lack of equitable representation in parliament grew, tea became a symbol of British oppression and resulted in coffee becoming the preferred drink among colonists.

Come the 1800s, Cowboys and ranch hands needed a way to quickly and easily make coffee while on the trail, often brewing it in a metal can over an open flame. This method of brewing coffee is known as "cowboy style," and it involves simmering the course coffee grounds in water.

Because the coffee grounds are not filtered out, cowboy coffee can become quite strong and bitter if left to sit for too long. To counteract this, cowboys often added a pinch of salt or eggshells to the pot, which would help to reduce the bitterness.

As the American West became more settled and coffee became more widely available, the popularity of cowboy coffee waned. However, it has remained a favorite of cowboys and even campers, who appreciated its simplicity and ruggedness.

Today, cowboy coffee has experienced a bit of a revival, with many coffee aficionados seeking out this rustic and authentic brew. There are even cowboy coffee competitions held across the United States, where participants compete to brew the best pot of cowboy coffee over a campfire.

So the next time you're out in the wilderness or just feeling adventurous, why not try making a pot of cowboy coffee? With a little bit of practice and a pinch of salt, you might just discover a newfound appreciation for this rugged and traditional brew with us at WCC.

How to Make Cowboy Coffee:

If you're out on the range or camping in the wilderness, you might not have access to your modern coffee-brewing equipment. But fear not, cowboy coffee can be brewed just about anywhere with just a few simple tools and ingredients. Better yet, we'll walk through how to make a smooth cup of cowboy coffee that avoids bitterness and maximizes the cocoa, caramel, and vanilla flavors of our Quarter Horse Cowboy Blend.

Materials:

  • A heat source (campfire, stove, etc.)
  • A pot or kettle (stainless steel or well-seasoned cast iron will work best)
  • Coffee grounds (preferably our Quarter Horse Cowboy Blend)
  • Water
  • A metal or cloth strainer (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Warm up the water: Fill your pot with the desired amount of water and place it on your heat source. Let the water heat up until it's warm.
  2. Add fresh coffee grounds: Remove the pot from the heat source and add the desired amount of coffee grounds to the water. A general rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of coffee grounds for every six ounces of water, but you can adjust to your personal preference. For best results, use a course ground coffee (which will take longer to brew).
  3. Bring to a boil: Leave the coffee pot alone and let the coffee come to a boil. Being patient and letting your cowboy coffee heat up to a boil will help remove bitterness and the acids that typically cause indigestion or heartburn.
  4. Reduce heat and let roll: Stir the coffee grounds in the rolling water (not fully boiling, just rolling) until they're evenly distributed, then let the mixture churn for about four minutes on its own. This allows the coffee to smoothly infuse with the water and develop the deep, rich flavor we're looking for.
  5. Remove from heat and cool with water: Take your coffee pot off the heat source, let sit for about 2 minutes, and pour between a half cup to one cup of cold water into the pot. This will help settle the coffee grounds to the bottom of the pot and balance the ratio of coffee to water.
  6. Strain out grounds: If you used coarsely ground coffee or you prefer not to have grounds in your cup, you can strain the mixture through a metal or cloth strainer. If you're using a cloth strainer, make sure it's tightly woven so that the grounds don't slip through.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Pour your cowboy coffee into your Enameled Steel Campfire Mug and enjoy it hot. You can add sugar, cream, or other flavorings to taste, but keep in mind that cowboy coffee is typically brewed strong and may not need much doctoring up.

Additional Tips:

  • Use freshly ground coffee if possible, as it will have more flavor than pre-ground coffee that has been sitting around awhile.
  • Don't let the coffee boil the entire time, bring it to a boil and then let it roll and churn (just below a boil).


There you have it, a simple recipe for brewing cowboy coffee. Give it a try on your next camping trip or outdoor adventure, and have a taste of the west.

Cowboy Coffee FAQs:

What is cowboy coffee?

Cowboy coffee is a traditional way of brewing coffee over an open fire—no fancy machines, just water, grounds, and grit. It’s bold, unfiltered, and full of flavor.

How did cowboys brew coffee on the trail?

Cowboys boiled coffee grounds in a pot of water over the campfire. Once brewed, they'd splash cold water on top to settle the grounds before pouring.

Does cowboy coffee taste different than regular coffee?

Yes—cowboy coffee is often stronger and richer, with a bolder kick since it’s unfiltered.

Is your coffee roasted the same way cowboys did it?

Our beans are roasted with that same rugged spirit—just with a bit more precision and to order. We aim for bold, smooth, full-bodied flavors worthy of any trail mug.

What’s the best way to brew your coffee at home like a cowboy?

Use a kettle or pot, bring water to a boil, toss in coarsely ground coffee, let it steep a few minutes, then settle the grounds with a dash of cold water. Pour slow. Sip slower.

Can I make cowboy coffee without a campfire?

Absolutely. A stovetop kettle or saucepan works just fine. It’s the method and the attitude that count—not just the fire.

Do I need any special equipment to make cowboy coffee?

Nope. Just water, a pot, and your favorite mug.

What roast do you recommend for a traditional cowboy-style brew?

Our medium-dark and dark roasts are perfect for that deep, roasted flavor trail coffee lovers crave. For more, take a look at our cowboy coffee collection below.

Are your beans single origin or blends?

We offer both, as well as a line of natural flavored beans. Our cowboy-inspired blends are crafted for boldness and balance.

What makes Wrangler Coffee Company's different from store-bought coffee?

We roast to order small-batch, specialty-grade beans with an Old West attitude. Fast, fresh, and flavorful—our coffee tells a story with every cup. We're here for those who want to start their days right with a fresh, flavorful coffee that embodies the spirit of the Old West and a more intentional way of life that savors every moment.

Featured Cowboy Coffee Collection:

Have Any Cowboy Coffee Questions?