There’s something special about gathering around a campfire, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The warmth of the flames, the smell of s’mores, and the company of friends and family all combine to create an unforgettable experience. But what about the drinks? What do you drink at a campfire to make the experience even more enjoyable? In this article, we’ll explore the best campfire drinks, from classic cocktails to warm and comforting beverages.
The Classics: Campfire Cocktails
When it comes to campfire drinks, there are a few classics that stand out from the rest. These cocktails are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The Campfire Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that’s perfect for sipping around the campfire. Made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, this drink is sure to warm you up on a chilly night.
To make a Campfire Old Fashioned, you’ll need:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (optional)
Simply combine the whiskey, sugar, and bitters in a rocks glass, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add a twist of orange peel, if desired, and serve.
The S’mores Martini
Who says s’mores are just for kids? This decadent martini is made with chocolate liqueur, marshmallow fluff, and graham cracker crumbs, and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
To make a S’mores Martini, you’ll need:
- 2 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz marshmallow fluff
- 1/2 oz heavy cream
- 1/4 oz graham cracker syrup (see below)
- Graham cracker crumbs (optional)
Combine the chocolate liqueur, marshmallow fluff, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker, and shake until well combined. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with graham cracker crumbs, if desired.
Graham Cracker Syrup
To make graham cracker syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, and let cool.
Warm and Comforting Drinks
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a warm and comforting drink to enjoy around the campfire. These beverages are sure to hit the spot on a chilly night.
Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa is a classic campfire drink that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Made with rich chocolate, creamy milk, and a touch of sugar, this drink is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
To make hot cocoa, you’ll need:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a saucepan, and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and add the vanilla extract. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced apple cider is a delicious and comforting drink that’s perfect for sipping around the campfire. Made with apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and a touch of sugar, this drink is sure to warm you up on a chilly night.
To make spiced apple cider, you’ll need:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and sugar in a saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and add the nutmeg. Serve hot, topped with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Other Campfire Drinks
In addition to the classics and warm and comforting drinks, there are many other delicious beverages you can enjoy around the campfire. Here are a few ideas:
Campfire Coffee
Coffee is a staple of many camping trips, and for good reason. There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee to start your day off right. To make campfire coffee, simply combine coffee grounds and water in a French press or pour-over, and brew according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Campfire Tea
Tea is another popular campfire drink that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. To make campfire tea, simply combine tea bags and hot water in a pot, and steep according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tips and Tricks
When it comes to making drinks around the campfire, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. Here are a few:
Use a Cooler
If you’re planning to bring perishable ingredients like milk or cream, be sure to pack them in a cooler to keep them fresh.
Bring a Water Filter
If you’re camping in an area with questionable water quality, be sure to bring a water filter to ensure your drinks are safe to drink.
Use Reusable Cups
To reduce waste and make cleanup easier, consider using reusable cups instead of disposable ones.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or warm and comforting drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy around the campfire. With a little creativity and some basic ingredients, you can create delicious drinks that are sure to make your camping trip even more enjoyable. So next time you’re planning a camping trip, be sure to pack your favorite ingredients and get ready to enjoy some delicious campfire drinks.
What are some popular campfire drinks?
Some popular campfire drinks include hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. These beverages are perfect for warming up on a chilly night around the campsite. You can also try some specialty drinks like s’mores latte or campfire mocha. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you could try making a campfire cocktail using ingredients like bourbon or rum.
When it comes to making campfire drinks, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique concoctions that are sure to impress your fellow campers. Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and storing your drinks.
How do I make a campfire cocktail?
To make a campfire cocktail, you’ll need a few basic ingredients like a spirit of your choice, a mixer, and some garnishes. You can use a portable bar or a cooler to store your ingredients and keep them cold. When it comes to mixing your cocktail, you can use a shaker or a mason jar to combine your ingredients. Just be sure to follow proper safety precautions when handling fire and flammable liquids.
Some popular campfire cocktails include the campfire old fashioned, the s’mores martini, and the trailblazer. You can also experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique cocktails. Just be sure to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
What are some kid-friendly campfire drinks?
Some kid-friendly campfire drinks include hot chocolate, apple cider, and sparkling juice. You can also try making some fun and creative drinks like a “dirt cup” using chocolate milk, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you could try making a campfire smoothie using ingredients like yogurt, fruit, and honey.
When it comes to making kid-friendly campfire drinks, the key is to keep things simple and fun. You can use fun and colorful cups and garnishes to make your drinks more appealing to kids. Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and storing your drinks.
How do I keep my drinks cold while camping?
To keep your drinks cold while camping, you’ll need a cooler with ice packs or ice. You can also use a portable refrigerator or a thermally insulated container to keep your drinks cold. If you don’t have access to a cooler, you can try using frozen gel packs or even frozen water bottles to keep your drinks cold.
It’s also a good idea to pack your drinks in a shaded area or to use a reflective cooler cover to keep them out of direct sunlight. You can also try using a cold drink dispenser or a thermos to keep your drinks cold for several hours.
What are some campfire drink safety tips?
Some campfire drink safety tips include always handling fire and flammable liquids with care, never leaving a campfire unattended, and keeping a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby. You should also be careful when handling hot drinks and never leave them unattended around children or pets.
It’s also a good idea to follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and storing your drinks. This includes washing your hands frequently, keeping your drinks at a safe temperature, and discarding any drinks that have been left out for too long.
Can I make campfire drinks in a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can make campfire drinks in a Dutch oven. A Dutch oven is a great way to make hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You can also use a Dutch oven to make specialty drinks like a campfire latte or a s’mores mocha. Just be sure to follow proper safety precautions when handling hot liquids and never leave a Dutch oven unattended.
When making campfire drinks in a Dutch oven, it’s a good idea to use a thermometer to ensure that your drinks are at a safe temperature. You should also be careful when handling the Dutch oven and never touch the handle or lid without using oven mitts or a towel.
How do I clean up after making campfire drinks?
To clean up after making campfire drinks, you’ll need to wash your dishes and utensils in hot soapy water. You should also dispose of any trash or recyclables properly and wipe down any surfaces that may have come into contact with food or drinks. If you’re using a Dutch oven or a portable stove, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
It’s also a good idea to pack out any trash or leftovers and to leave the campsite in the same condition as you found it. This includes disposing of any food waste properly and not leaving any dirty dishes or utensils behind.