There’s something magical about early mornings at camp—the soft crackle of the fire, the mist clinging to the trees, and the quiet rhythm of the world waking up around you. While coffee often steals the camping spotlight, a perfectly brewed cup of loose leaf tea can be just as soul-warming and even more versatile.
Whether you’re nestled in the Smoky Mountains or relaxing by a local lake, brewing tea outdoors is simple, cozy, and connects you to the ritual of slow mornings. Here’s how to turn your campfire into the ultimate tea station.
The Gear: French Press or Percolator
When camping, simple tools work best—and you might already have them in your gear:
Camp French Press
Lightweight and easy to pack, a French press is perfect for loose leaf tea. Add your leaves, pour hot water, steep, and press gently for a smooth, grit-free cup.
Percolator Pot
This old-school classic isn’t just for coffee. A percolator lets you steep a large batch of tea over the fire, ideal for group camping or extra-long mornings.
Pro tip: Heat water until it’s steaming, not aggressively boiling. Rolling water can scorch delicate leaves and make the brew bitter.
The Perfect Camp Tea: Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai
When you’re surrounded by nature, flavor should match the mood—and nothing says cozy camp morning like our Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai.
Why it’s perfect outdoors:
- Its warm spices and subtle smokiness pair beautifully with the scent of a campfire.
- Black tea offers a gentle caffeine boost to wake you up without the coffee jitters.
- Notes of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom feel like wrapping yourself in a flannel blanket.
Brew a cup in your French press as the sun rises, take a deep breath of pine and spice, and sip slowly. It’s the ultimate camping comfort ritual.
How to Brew Outdoors
- Heat your water over the fire or camp stove until steaming.
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per cup to your French press or percolator.
- Pour water and steep for 4–5 minutes (a little longer if you like your chai bold).
- Press or strain the leaves, then pour into your favorite camp mug.
Optional: Add a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey for extra campfire coziness.
Sip, Savor, Repeat
Brewing tea in the wild is more than just a drink—it’s a mindful ritual that grounds you in the beauty of your surroundings. Next time you pack for the outdoors, skip the instant packets and bring a small tin of Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai.
Your mornings will never taste the same.
