Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), and spices, giving it a rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor. This rustic coffee is traditionally prepared in a clay pot (olla de barro), which enhances the earthy taste.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make authentic Café de Olla at home, including variations and expert tips for the best flavor.
1. What Is Café de Olla?
✔️ A spiced coffee made with piloncillo, cinnamon, and cloves.
✔️ Traditionally brewed in a clay pot, which adds an earthy flavor.
✔️ Served hot and enjoyed throughout Mexico, especially in colder regions.
✔️ Often paired with pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) or tamales.
💡 Fun Fact: Café de Olla was originally brewed by Mexican revolutionaries for warmth and energy! 🇲🇽
2. Ingredients for Café de Olla
✔️ 4 cups water
✔️ 3 tablespoons ground coffee (medium-dark roast)
✔️ 1 small piece of piloncillo (or 3 tbsp brown sugar)
✔️ 1 cinnamon stick
✔️ 1-2 cloves (optional, for extra spice)
✔️ Orange peel (optional, for citrusy aroma)
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have piloncillo, substitute with brown sugar or molasses.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Café de Olla
Step 1: Boil the Water with Spices
- In a clay pot (or regular saucepan), bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add cinnamon, piloncillo, cloves, and orange peel (if using).
- Stir occasionally until the piloncillo fully dissolves.
Step 2: Add the Coffee & Simmer
1️⃣ Reduce heat to low and add ground coffee.
2️⃣ Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Remove from heat and let it steep for another 5 minutes.
💡 Pro Tip: Do not boil after adding coffee, as it can make it bitter.
Step 3: Strain & Serve
- Strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Pour into small cups and enjoy!
💡 Traditional Serving: Serve in clay mugs for an authentic experience.
4. Café de Olla Variations to Try
🔥 Iced Café de Olla – Let the coffee cool, then serve over ice.
🔥 Café de Olla con Leche – Add warm milk for a creamier taste.
🔥 Chocolate Café de Olla – Stir in Mexican chocolate (abuelita) for a mocha twist.
🔥 Spiced Café de Olla – Add a pinch of anise or nutmeg for extra warmth.
5. Best Coffee Beans for Café de Olla
✔️ Mexican Chiapas or Veracruz beans – Traditional choices with natural sweetness.
✔️ Medium-dark roast – Best for a balanced, full-bodied taste.
✔️ Single-origin Latin American coffee – Enhances the spiced flavors.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overly dark roasts, as the spices already add boldness.
6. Tips for the Best Café de Olla Experience
✔️ Use a clay pot for an authentic, earthy flavor.
✔️ Adjust sweetness—if you like it less sweet, use half the piloncillo.
✔️ Experiment with spices like vanilla, anise, or cocoa for unique flavors.
✔️ Pair with traditional Mexican pastries for a complete café experience.
Final Thoughts
Café de Olla is warm, spiced, and comforting, making it a perfect coffee for cold mornings or cozy evenings. Whether you enjoy it hot, iced, or with milk, making this traditional Mexican coffee at home is a delicious way to experience authentic Latin flavors. ☕✨