Top 6 Drinks to Have Around a Campfire

When you’re sitting around a crackling campfire, the right drink can transform your outdoor experience from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly hike or winding down under a starlit sky, your beverage choice sets the mood for the entire evening. You’ll want something that complements the rustic atmosphere while satisfying your taste buds. From steaming hot classics to invigorating cold options, these six campfire drinks will elevate your next adventure.

Key Points

• Classic hot chocolate with marshmallows creates the quintessential campfire experience, especially when marshmallows are toasted over flames for smoky flavor.
• Mulled wine or cider with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel provides aromatic warmth and enhances the cozy fireside atmosphere.
• Fire-brewed coffee using a percolator or pour-over method over hot coals delivers rich flavor and enhances morning camping rituals.
• S’mores-inspired hot drinks combine hot chocolate, graham cracker-rimmed mugs, and toasted marshmallows for liquid dessert indulgence around the fire.
• Cold beer after hiking offers refreshing recovery, with lighter options helping maintain hydration while providing satisfying post-adventure relaxation.

Classic Hot Chocolate With Marshmallows

When the temperature drops and you’re gathered around a crackling campfire, nothing beats the comfort of classic hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows.

You’ll want to pack quality cocoa powder or instant hot chocolate mix for convenience. Heat water or milk in a camping pot over the fire, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Add your cocoa mix gradually, whisking until smooth and creamy.

The real magic happens when you add marshmallows. Drop them directly into your mug or toast them over the flames first for extra flavor. Roasted marshmallows create a smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

Pack extra marshmallows since they’re irresistible around campfires. This timeless combination warms you from inside out while creating memorable moments.

Mulled Wine or Cider

As the evening chill settles in around your campsite, mulled wine or cider offers the perfect way to elevate your fireside experience beyond ordinary hot drinks. You’ll want to bring pre-mixed spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel in a small container.

Heat your wine or cider in a camp pot over the fire, but don’t let it boil—you’ll cook off the alcohol and lose subtle flavors. Add your spice blend and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Keep the heat gentle and steady—simmering preserves both the alcohol content and the delicate flavors that make mulled drinks special.

The aromatic steam creates an inviting atmosphere that draws everyone closer to the fire. Strain out the spices before serving in insulated mugs.

This warming drink pairs perfectly with campfire stories and stargazing. Check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure you pack appropriate ingredients for changing conditions that might affect your outdoor cooking plans.

Coffee Brewed Over the Fire

While mulled beverages create magical evening moments, nothing beats the ritual of brewing fresh coffee over an open flame to start your camping day right. You’ll experience coffee’s most authentic flavors when brewed over crackling coals or steady flames.

Use a percolator or pour-over method for best results. Place your pot on stable grates or rocks, maintaining consistent heat. The slow brewing process lets you savor morning tranquility while aromas fill the crisp air.

• Pack coarsely ground coffee – finer grinds create bitter, over-extracted flavors over open flames
• Control your heat source – hot coals work better than active flames for even temperature
• Bring a sturdy camp kettle – lightweight aluminum heats quickly while cast iron retains heat longer

After enjoying your morning brew, consider setting up camping showers to maintain personal hygiene throughout your outdoor adventure. Fresh coffee enhances every camping morning ritual.

S’mores-Inspired Hot Drinks

Though coffee kickstarts your mornings, evenings call for something sweeter that captures campfire magic in liquid form. S’mores-inspired hot drinks transform your favorite campfire treat into warming beverages that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth.

Start with hot chocolate as your base, then add marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows for that gooey texture. Crush graham crackers and rim your mug with the crumbs mixed with sugar.

For extra indulgence, melt chocolate bars directly into your drink or add chocolate syrup.

You can prepare these drinks in camping kettles or percolators over the fire. Pre-mix dry ingredients at home in sealed bags for convenience.

Top with toasted marshmallows using campfire skewers, and you’ve got liquid s’mores without the sticky fingers. Just like deciding whether to rent or buy outdoor equipment, consider if you’ll make these drinks regularly enough to invest in specialized camping cookware.

Cold Beer After a Long Hike

After satisfying your sweet cravings with warm drinks, you’ll want something invigorating to celebrate completing those challenging trail miles. Nothing beats the revitalizing taste of an ice-cold beer when you’re sitting around the campfire, muscles tired from the day’s adventure. The crisp, cool sensation provides the perfect contrast to your heated body and the fire’s warmth.

Pack your beer in a cooler with plenty of ice, or if you’re near a stream, submerge cans in the cold water for natural chilling. Choose lighter beers that won’t weigh you down after physical exertion. For extended camping trips, consider investing in solar powered accessories to keep your beverages cold without constantly replenishing ice supplies.

Essential beer considerations for camping:

• Pack aluminum cans instead of glass bottles for safety and lighter weight
• Bring a portable bottle opener or choose twist-off caps
• Consider low-alcohol options to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration

Herbal Tea Under the Stars

Why not wind down your evening with a soothing cup of herbal tea as you gaze up at the star-filled sky? Herbal teas are perfect for campfire moments when you want something warm and comforting without caffeine keeping you awake. Pack lightweight tea bags like chamomile, peppermint, or lavender that won’t take up precious space in your pack.

Simply heat water in your camping pot over the fire and steep your chosen blend for 3-5 minutes. The gentle flavors complement the peaceful atmosphere while helping your body relax after an active day outdoors.

Many herbal teas also aid digestion if you’ve enjoyed a hearty campfire meal.

If you’re looking for something to pair with your tea, consider preparing some easiest camping recipes that require minimal preparation and cleanup.

Sip slowly while stargazing – it’s the perfect changeover from day’s adventures to restful sleep in your tent.

Sum Up

You’ve got six fantastic options to elevate your campfire experience. Whether you’re craving the nostalgic sweetness of hot chocolate, the warming spices of mulled drinks, or the invigorating bite of cold beer, there’s something for every moment around the flames. These beverages transform simple outdoor gatherings into memorable experiences, creating connections like threads weaving through shared stories. Pick your favorites, pack accordingly, and let these drinks fuel your next adventure under the open sky.