No power? No problem.
Well, maybe it is a problem. A huge problem. But at least you don't have to go without your coffee—and isn't that really the most important thing? (Just say "yes" so we can move on. I'm getting caffeine withdrawal just typing this.)
A Dilemma of Electric Proportions
When the power goes out, coffee is often one of the first things true coffee lovers think about.
It's understandable—coffee is a source of energy, after all. And even if you're not a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, if you're like most Americans, coffee is still an essential part of your morning routine.
But what do you do when the power goes out and you can't brew your usual cup?
Brewing coffee without electricity can seem tricky. In theory, all you need is some water, ground coffee, and a way to filter the coffee. And a lot of popular coffee brewers, like the AeroPress, don't need to be plugged in anyway.
But here's the issue: How do you heat the water without power?
It can be shocking to realize just how much we rely on electricity to make our coffee. After all, it's not exactly a high-tech process.
For the purposes of this guide, we'll assume you don't have a gas burner, you have enough common sense not to screw around with the fireplace, and your Elon Musk flamethrower is at the dealership getting serviced. ($258 for a new HEPA filter? I must be in the wrong business!)
Here are 3 solid ways to brew a cup of java without power—so you can get your extreme caffeine fix even when the grid is down:
#1 - Make cold brew.
The simplest solution is also probably the best tasting: make cold brew coffee. All you need is ground coffee, water, and a container to mix it all together.
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time. This method doesn't require any heat, so it's perfect for when the power is out.
"What about the refrigerator?" you might be thinking.
Nope, you don't need it. Sure, it won't be as chilly, but the flavor will be there. (And if you have ice cubes that haven't melted yet, now's a good time to use them.)
Now, the downside: Cold brew takes a while—usually 12 hours or more, but a minimum of 6 hours is needed. So, if you want coffee NOW, this isn't the method for you. But if you're willing to wait, cold brew is an excellent way to make coffee without power. And if the power comes back on, you can always pop it in the fridge.
To make cold brew, simply:
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Combine coffee grounds and water in a jar or other container
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Steep the mixture for a minimum of 6 hours
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Strain the coffee and enjoy!
Oh, and remember: Cold brew concentrate has a higher caffeine content than your average “hot brew.” Now if that’s not a silver lining to the power situation, I don’t know what is.
#2 - Use a solar kettle.
If you have a solar kettle, you can use it to make coffee even when the power is out. Simply fill the kettle with water and place it in direct sunlight. The solar kettle will use the power of the sun to heat the water, which you can then use to make coffee in your pour over brewer, AeroPress, or French Press. Coffee made with the power of The Sun—pretty cool, huh?
But let's be real—most of us don't already have a solar kettle just sitting around. And if you do, you probably don't need to be reading this guide to figure out how to make coffee without power.
So, onto the next method...
#3 - Make cowboy coffee.
Cowboy coffee is a classic camping method for making coffee without any electricity.
To make cowboy coffee, you simply bring a pot of water to a boil over a campfire, camp stove, or other safe heat source. Then, add coffee grounds and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes before removing from the heat and allowing it to steep. Finally, pour the coffee through a strainer to remove the grounds and enjoy.
The downside of cowboy coffee is—besides the fact that it's usually done over a campfire—it can be pretty easy to screw up.
Coffee made with boiling water tastes bitter, so you'll want to make sure you remove the coffee from the heat before it comes to a full boil, or let it cool down for a minute before you add the grounds.
Remember: If you don't remove the grounds from your cowboy coffee before drinking, you'll end up with a mouthful of true grit. So be sure to strain the coffee before you enjoy it.
Luckily for you our pre-packaged single use pour over bags are perfect for coffee on the go as they sit on the rim of your mug and only need hot water.
Conclusion
With these methods, you can easily make coffee even when the power is out. So next time there's a blackout, you can still enjoy a damn good cup of joe. Maybe you'll even enjoy it more than your usual cup.
After all, there's nothing like a little adversity to make us appreciate the simple things in life—for a few minutes, before the power comes back on.
