Let’s face it—sometimes, you want a great cup of coffee but don’t have access to your usual setup. Whether you're traveling, camping, or just in between brewers, you don’t need fancy equipment to make a satisfying cup. In fact, learning how to brew coffee without a machine can open the door to new techniques that bring out surprising flavor and simplicity.

At Goldberry Roasting Company, we believe that brewing coffee is about more than gear—it’s about intention, quality beans, and a little creativity. In this guide, we’ll share the best ways to brew coffee without a machine, using items you likely already have in your kitchen.

Why Brew Without a Machine?

Brewing coffee manually gives you full control over the process—no buttons, no presets, just you and the brew. It’s also a great way to connect with the ritual of making coffee, whether you're in your kitchen or on the trail.

Plus, methods that brew coffee without a machine often result in cleaner, more flavorful cups when done right. Ready to get started?

1. The Classic Pour Over (Without a Dripper)

Even without a formal pour over cone, you can recreate this method with a funnel, a coffee filter, and your favorite mug.

What You’ll Need:

• A funnel or fine mesh strainer

• Paper coffee filter

• Fresh ground coffee (medium-fine grind)

• Hot water (195–205°F)

• Mug or carafe

How to Do It:

1. Place the filter in your funnel or strainer and set it over your mug.

2. Add about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee.

3. Slowly pour hot water in a circular motion, saturating the grounds evenly.

4. Let it drip through, then enjoy!

This method brings out bright, clean flavors—perfect for lighter roasts like our Ethiopian or Guatemalan single origins.

2. Coffee in a Saucepan (Stovetop Method)

No filters? No funnel? No problem. This back-to-basics method works especially well with medium or dark roasts.

What You’ll Need:

• Saucepan

• Fresh ground coffee (medium grind)

• Water

• Spoon

• Mug

How to Do It:

1. Add water and ground coffee to the pan (use 1–2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water).

2. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat.

3. Let sit for 3–4 minutes to steep.

4. Slowly pour into your mug, using a spoon to hold back the grounds.

This method produces a rich, robust cup—great for camping or cozy mornings.

3. The "Cowboy Coffee" Method

Popular with campers and backpackers, cowboy coffee is rugged, simple, and effective. It’s not as clean as a filtered brew, but it’ll do the job.

What You’ll Need:

• Pot or kettle

• Ground coffee (coarse grind works best)

• Water

• Mug

How to Do It:

1. Boil water and remove from heat.

2. Add your coffee grounds and stir.

3. Let sit for 4–5 minutes. As the grounds settle, most will sink.

4. Carefully pour the top portion into your mug, avoiding the sludge.

This is a great way to brew coffee without a machine when roughing it outdoors.

4. The Coffee Bag Hack (DIY Tea Bag Style)

This one’s great when you’re in a pinch or want a more hands-off brew.

What You’ll Need:

• Coffee filter or clean cheesecloth

• Ground coffee (medium grind)

• String or twist tie

• Mug

• Hot water

How to Do It:

1. Spoon 2 tablespoons of coffee into the center of the filter or cloth.

2. Tie it up into a pouch using string.

3. Place it in your mug like a tea bag.

4. Pour hot water over it and let steep for 3–5 minutes.

It’s low-mess, easy, and surprisingly effective—plus, you can make a few ahead of time for travel.

5. The Cold Brew Workaround

If you have no heat source, cold brew is your friend. It’s smooth, low-acid, and easy to make anywhere.

What You’ll Need:

• Coarse ground coffee

• Jar or pitcher

• Cold or room-temp water

• Strainer or cheesecloth

How to Do It:

1. Combine 1 cup of coarse ground coffee with 4 cups of water.

2. Stir and cover. Let it steep for 12–24 hours.

3. Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.

4. Serve over ice or dilute with milk/water to taste.

This method is perfect for hot summer mornings or road trips.

Pro Tips for Brewing Without a Machine

• Use freshly ground beans for the best flavor (we can grind them for your preferred method if you order from Goldberry).

• Pay attention to water temperature. Don’t boil the life out of your coffee—aim for just below boiling.

• Measure your ratios. A general guideline is 1–2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water.

• Use filtered water. It makes a noticeable difference in taste.

You Don’t Need Fancy Gear—Just Great Beans

No matter which method you choose, brewing without a machine reminds us of something important: the quality of your coffee beans matters more than the gadgets you use. At Goldberry Roasting Company, we roast in small batches to ensure you get the freshest, most flavorful beans—perfect for any brewing style, anywhere.

Ready to brew something special—no machine required? Explore our full collection of single origin and signature blends at goldberryroasting.com.