Warm, comforting, and steeped in tradition, Café de Olla is a Mexican spiced coffee that blends bold coffee, cinnamon, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) for a uniquely sweet, earthy, and aromatic experience. Traditionally brewed in a clay pot (“olla”), this coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a taste of history and culture, often enjoyed in rural villages and during celebrations.
Unlike espresso-based coffee drinks, Café de Olla is slowly simmered rather than brewed quickly, allowing the spices and coffee to fully infuse for a deep, complex flavor.
What Makes Café de Olla Different?
🔹 Brewed with Spices for a Distinctive Flavor – Unlike regular brewed coffee, Café de Olla is infused with cinnamon, cloves, and piloncillo, creating a sweet and spiced taste.
🔹 Traditionally Made in Clay Pots – The “olla de barro” (clay pot) used for brewing enhances the flavor, adding a subtle earthiness to the coffee.
🔹 Rich, Aromatic, & Naturally Sweet – The combination of cinnamon, unrefined sugar, and coffee results in a warming, flavorful drink that requires no extra sweeteners.
How to Make Café de Olla
☕ Ingredients
- 4 cups (32 oz / 950ml) cold, filtered water
- 4 tbsp (20g) coarsely ground coffee
- 1 small piece of piloncillo (or 3 tbsp brown sugar)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- (Optional: 1 clove, star anise, or orange peel for added depth)
🌡 Brewing Guide
- Water temperature: Simmer, not boiling
- Steeping time: 5–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Heat Water & Spices in a Pot
- In a clay pot or saucepan, bring 4 cups (32 oz / 950ml) of water to a gentle simmer.
- Add cinnamon stick, piloncillo (or brown sugar), and optional spices, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2️⃣ Add Coffee & Let It Steep
- Stir in 4 tbsp (20g) of coarsely ground coffee, then remove from heat and let it steep for 5–10 minutes.
3️⃣ Breathe It In
- ☕ Breathe it in. The warm, spiced aroma of cinnamon and coffee is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
4️⃣ Strain & Serve
- Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the coffee grounds and spices.
5️⃣ Enjoy in a Traditional Clay Mug (or Any Cup!)
- Pour into a small mug and sip slowly, savoring the deep, spiced flavors.
Café de Olla vs. Other Coffee Drinks
✔ Café de Olla vs. Regular Coffee: Regular coffee is brewed simply, while Café de Olla is simmered with spices and sugar for added complexity.
✔ Café de Olla vs. Chai Latte: Chai lattes use tea as a base, while Café de Olla uses coffee infused with cinnamon and sweetener.
✔ Café de Olla vs. Cold Brew: Cold brew is steeped in cold water for smoothness, while Café de Olla is simmered for deep, warming flavors.
Why Choose Café de Olla?
- For a Warm, Spiced Coffee Experience – If you enjoy cozy, aromatic flavors, Café de Olla is a perfect choice.
- A Traditional, Cultural Coffee Ritual – This drink carries centuries of Mexican tradition, making each sip a connection to history.
- Naturally Sweet & Flavorful – Thanks to piloncillo and cinnamon, there’s no need for extra sugar or syrups.
☕ Next Up: Eiskaffee – Germany’s Ice Cream & Coffee Delight 🇩🇪🍦
