How to Make Coffee Without a Machine

If you're like us, you're always chasing your next cup of coffee. However, not everyone has 24/7 access to a coffee machine. So in this blog post, you will learn how to make coffee without using a machine.

Coffee drinkers everywhere look forward to relaxing at the table with a good cup of hot coffee each morning. But what’s a person to do if they don’t have a coffee machine on hand? Not having a machine may seem like all hope is lost, but what if we said there were alternative ways to fix your morning coffee without relying on a machine?

When a machine isn’t available, you can utilize your stovetop by making a mock-Turkish coffee or creating a coffee bag out of filters. Beyond that, you can make a makeshift french press using only a mug and a spoon. You can also create a faux coffee machine if you have a handkerchief and a mason jar. If all else fails, instant coffee is always there for you.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to make a good cup of coffee when you don’t have access to a coffee machine.

Brewing Coffee With a Stovetop

To get a hot cup of coffee, you need to have a heat source to boil your water. With most alternative coffee recipes, heating on the stove is typically the primary method. While you could heat the water in the microwave, this method can create air pockets and uneven heat distribution.

Using a stovetop is the best way to ensure you get an even temperature for your coffee. There are several ways you can utilize your stovetop to create unique beverages. 

Cowboy Coffee

Heat your water using a tea kettle or a saucepan to make cowboy coffee on your stove. Depending on how many cups you plan to drink, you’ll need to add 8-10 ounces of water for each cup.

Bring the water to a boil, and then add 1-2 teaspoons of coffee grounds per 8 ounces of water. For example, if you’re using 16 ounces of water, you’ll want to use 2-4 teaspoons of your choice grounds.

After adding in your desired amount of coffee, remove it from the heat source and allow it to cool for a few minutes. After that, you’ll want to stir the coffee and let it sit again for the same amount of time. Once you’ve waited, you can pour your cup and enjoy. While some people pour right into their cup, others may use a tea strainer to avoid rogue grounds getting into their drink.

Make Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is very similar to stovetop coffee. However, its key differences lie in its thick and frothy texture and its strong taste. Here’s how to make your own cup of Turkish coffee: 

1. Prepare your water. You should add 6 ounces of cold water into a pan on a low heat setting for every serving you intend to have.
2. Add in your coffee. One heaping tablespoon of coffee should be added for every serving. This is also the time to add in sugar if you choose.
3. Skim the foam. Before the water begins to boil, remove it from the heat source and skim the foam into your coffee cup.
4. Return it to the heat. As soon as it nearly reaches its boiling point again, remove the pan from the stove.
5. Pour into your cup. Take care to only pour half into your cup before returning it to the heat source. 
6. Boil the rest. Once it reaches boiling point, allow it to boil for an extra 15 seconds before taking it off and pouring the rest into your cup.

Before drinking your Turkish coffee, let the drink settle for a few minutes to allow the coffee to settle to the bottom of your cup.

Coffee Bag Brew

This method of stovetop coffee is great for anyone who is turned off by the bitterness most coffee drinks come with. All you need to make a coffee bag is unbleached coffee filters and some twine. 

Begin by laying a coffee filter flat on your table or counter. Add two heaping tablespoons of your choice of coffee grounds and tie the filter closed with your twine. Set your coffee bag into your mug, and then boil your water on the stove.

You’ll want to pour just enough water into your mug to allow the coffee grounds to soak for around 30 seconds. Once that step is complete, pour the rest of your water into the cup and allow the coffee to steep for 3-5 minutes.

After that, remove and dispose of the coffee bag before adding cream or sugar.

Get Creative For French Press

All you need for this makeshift french press is a mug, spoon, and bowl. Begin by boiling your water via stovetop and add a heaping tablespoon of coffee into your bowl for every serving you’re planning to consume.

Once the water has come to a boil, pour just enough into the bowl to saturate the coffee grounds. After they’ve saturated for 30 seconds or so, pour the rest of your water. There should be 6 ounces of water per serving. 

Next, use your spoon to push the coffee grounds against the bottom of the bowl. Continue pressing the grounds with the spoon while simultaneously pouring the liquid into your coffee cup. In the end, you can add sugar, cream, and any other ingredients to flavor to your liking.

How to Make Instant Coffee

When all else fails, instant coffee comes to the rescue. Making a cup of instant coffee is incredibly simple and only requires water and your desired instant coffee mix. To make a cup of basic instant coffee, you’ll need to heat your water somehow. This can be done either by stovetop or in your microwave.

Once your water is at the desired temperature, add in 1-2 tablespoons of your instant coffee mix. Unlike brewed coffee, it’s best to go weaker with instant coffee as it’s easy to add another scoop if the flavor isn’t strong enough.

Parting Thoughts

Coffee machines aren’t the end all be all for coffee preparation. All you need to brew up your favorite morning pick-me-up is a heat source, water, and coffee grounds or instant coffee. Oh, and don’t forget your favorite mug to enjoy your drink from!

Making coffee without a coffee machine has never been easier. Use instant coffee to cut down on the time it takes to brew a cup. Get Waka's quality instant coffee here.