How to Make Great Campfire Coffee – Swedish Kokkaffe

There is something special about drinking coffee outdoors. Perhaps it is the fresh air, the smell of the fire or the short wait while the water heats up. The photographs for this guide were taken on a sunny autumn day in Skellefteå – and the coffee certainly tasted a little better there.

Swedish campfire coffee, known as kokkaffe, is easy to prepare and requires very little equipment. With the right amount of coarsely ground coffee and a few minutes of patience, you can make a rich and flavourful brew.

This is how we prepare kokkaffe outdoors at TADAH kafferosteri.

At a glance: Use 65 grams of coarsely ground coffee per litre of water. Bring the water to the boil, move the pot away from the fire, stir in the coffee and leave it to steep for about four minutes. Allow the grounds to settle before pouring the coffee gently.

What you will need

• 65 grams of coffee

• 1 litre of fresh water

• A coffee pot with a lid

• A scale or coffee scoop

• Coarsely ground coffee

• A safe fire pit or another heat source

How much coffee do you need for kokkaffe?

We use 65 grams of coffee per litre of water. This produces a rich and balanced cup and is a good starting point regardless of the roast level you choose.

For a smaller amount, use approximately 32 grams of coffee for half a litre of water.

How coarse should the coffee be ground?

Kokkaffe requires a coarse grind, ideally one intended specifically for this brewing method. The coarser grind allows the coffee to extract more slowly and makes it easier for the grounds to settle at the bottom of the pot.

If you do not have your own grinder, we are happy to grind the coffee for you when you place your order.

Should kokkaffe actually boil?

Despite its name, the coffee itself should not boil together with the water. Begin by filling the coffee pot with water and bringing it to the boil over the fire.

Move the pot away from the direct heat before adding the coffee. Allowing the coffee to boil can make it unnecessarily bitter and cause some of its delicate aromas to disappear.

How do you add the coffee?

Add the coarsely ground coffee to the hot water and stir gently, making sure that all the grounds are thoroughly wet.

Put the lid back on the pot to help it retain its heat while the coffee steeps.

How long should kokkaffe steep?

Leave the coffee to steep for approximately four minutes. During this time, the water extracts the coffee’s aromas, sweetness and body.

Then allow the pot to stand undisturbed for a short while so that the grounds can settle at the bottom.

How do you keep coffee grounds out of the cup?

Pour the coffee slowly and carefully without shaking the pot. This will keep most of the grounds at the bottom.

A small amount of coffee grounds in the cup is, however, almost part of the experience when enjoying traditional kokkaffe outdoors.

Which coffee is best for kokkaffe?

There is no single coffee that must be used for kokkaffe. Different origins and roast levels create very different flavour experiences, even when the brewing method remains the same.

Here are two of our recommendations:

Karl-Oskar – dark and classic

If you prefer a strong and classic campfire coffee, we recommend Karl-Oskar. This dark-roasted coffee has a rich flavour with notes of chocolate and nuts – a dependable choice for a traditional coffee break beside the fire.

Discover Karl-Oskar →

Rwanda Gitoki – fruity and intense

If you would like to discover a different side of kokkaffe, Rwanda Gitoki is a great choice. This medium-roasted coffee has an intense and fruity character. Brewing it directly in the water creates a full mouthfeel while allowing its fruity flavours to shine.

Discover Rwanda Gitoki →

Can you make kokkaffe without an open fire?

Absolutely. The same method works on a camping stove, on a barbecue or at home on the kitchen stove. The important thing is to remove the pot from the direct heat before adding the coffee and to give it enough time to steep.

Coffee certainly tastes especially good outdoors, but sometimes it is enough to fill a thermos and take it to the veranda, on a walk through the forest or to a peaceful spot beside a lake.

Always use fire safely

Always check the local regulations before lighting a fire. Use a designated fire pit whenever possible, keep water close at hand and extinguish the fire completely before leaving.

Then only the best part remains: sit down, pour the coffee and enjoy the moment.