Authentic Café de Olla: Your Guide to Making Traditional Mexican Spiced Coffee

Embark on a culinary journey with this authentic Café de Olla recipe, a delightful Mexican spiced coffee that beautifully marries the bold richness of ground coffee with the unrefined sweetness of piloncillo and the warming embrace of cinnamon and cloves. This traditional drink is not just a beverage; it’s a comforting ritual, incredibly easy to prepare, and the perfect aromatic start to any day. Beyond the classic preparation, we’ll explore various ideas to customize this beloved cafecito, ensuring there’s a perfect version for every palate.

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In a world brimming with coffee choices – lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, Americanos, espressos, café con leche, café cubano, and cortados – there’s one exceptional brew that stands out with its unique blend of history and flavor: Café de Olla. Have you ever experienced its rich, spiced warmth?

This exquisite coffee, deeply rooted in Mexican heritage, offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice. It’s a truly special addition to any coffee lover’s collection, promising a comforting and invigorating experience that transports you straight to the heart of Mexico with every sip.

What is Café de Olla? Understanding its Rich History and Flavor

Café de Olla, which literally translates to “coffee from the pot,” derives its name from the traditional method of preparation: boiling the coffee in a special clay pot known as an olla de barro. These distinctive clay pots are integral to Mexican culinary traditions, lending an unmistakable earthy depth and nuanced flavor profile to the coffee that’s difficult to replicate with conventional cookware.

The origins of this spiced drink trace back to the tumultuous era of the Mexican Revolution. During this time, the courageous women soldiers, known as soldaderas or adelitas, took on the vital roles of cooking and caring for the wounded. It was these women who developed Café de Olla. Brewed in clay pots, often over open fires, and infused with ingredients like cinnamon sticks, cloves, chocolate, and piloncillo, this coffee served a dual purpose. It provided essential warmth and comfort to the soldiers amidst hardship, while also offering a much-needed boost of energy and calories to sustain them through their demanding days.

Today, the recipe for Café de Olla has evolved, with variations passed down through generations within families. While the traditional olla de barro is still preferred for its authentic flavor contribution, a regular saucepan can be used effectively without compromising the essence of the drink. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability: you can keep it simple with a few key spices or enrich it with a wider array of flavors, as explored in the customizable options detailed further in this post. This versatility ensures that everyone can enjoy a cup of this historic and delicious Mexican coffee.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Mexican Spiced Coffee

• Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: Making Café de Olla is surprisingly straightforward, akin to boiling water. While some basic measuring is required, as with any recipe, the primary process involves simmering all the ingredients together in a single pot. This ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for both seasoned coffee aficionados and those new to brewing specialty drinks.
• Steeped in Rich Tradition: More than just a beverage, this comforting drink is a cornerstone of Mexican culture. Its humble beginnings with the empowered soldaderas of the Mexican Revolution imbue each cup with a sense of history and resilience. Enjoying Café de Olla connects you directly to a powerful narrative of strength, comfort, and heritage.
• A Perfectly Balanced Basic Recipe: Our foundational recipe utilizes a minimal yet potent selection of ingredients, culminating in a wonderfully smooth cup of coffee. The spices and sweetness are harmoniously balanced, creating a warming, inviting flavor that is neither overwhelming nor bland. It’s an ideal starting point before exploring more complex variations.
• Incredibly Customizable for Every Taste: While the initial recipe is delightfully simple, it serves as a fantastic canvas for customization. Whether you prefer your coffee sweeter, bolder, or with additional spice, Café de Olla can be easily adapted. We’ve experimented with serving it iced for a refreshing twist or transforming it into a luxurious latte, and each method yields an incredibly delicious and unique experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Café de Olla

• Filtered Water: The foundation of any great coffee is its water. Using filtered water is crucial for achieving a clean, smooth, and superior finish that allows the coffee and spices to truly shine without any off-flavors.
• Piloncillo: This unrefined, raw sugar is a signature ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Piloncillo is made by boiling and evaporating sugarcane juice, then pouring it into molds to harden, often forming distinctive cones. It boasts a rich, complex caramel-like flavor that is much more nuanced than regular brown sugar. Widely used in Mexico and other parts of Latin America (where it’s also known as panela, rapadura, or chancaca), piloncillo can be found at Mexican and Latin American markets or conveniently ordered online.
• Cinnamon Sticks: While common cassia cinnamon, readily available in most Western supermarkets, can be used, we highly recommend Ceylon cinnamon. Often referred to as “Mexican cinnamon” or canela in Spanish, Ceylon cinnamon, actually imported from Sri Lanka, offers a milder, sweeter, and more delicate flavor with subtle citrus notes. Its complexity beautifully complements the other spices in Café de Olla. You can typically find Ceylon cinnamon in the Latin American aisle of major supermarkets or purchase it online here.
• Whole Cloves: These small, dried flower buds are packed with an intense, warm, and aromatic flavor. Cloves are an absolute must-have in this recipe, as their potent spiciness perfectly harmonizes with the sweet notes of piloncillo and the intricate profile of cinnamon, adding significant depth to the coffee.
• Ground Coffee: Selecting a high-quality, dark roast ground coffee is essential for an authentic Café de Olla experience. Dark roast coffee inherently yields a more full-bodied, robust drink with lower acidity, making it the ideal choice to stand up to and complement the rich flavors of piloncillo, cinnamon, and cloves. If possible, opt for a Mexican or Latin American coffee blend to further enhance the traditional essence of the beverage.

Special Tip: Café de Olla and the Paleo Diet

The classification of coffee within the Paleo Diet can spark debate, but for those who consider it compatible, this Café de Olla recipe is an excellent choice. The Paleo Diet generally permits unrefined, natural sugars that retain their inherent fibers, enzymes, and other beneficial components. Since piloncillo is an unrefined sugar, directly derived from sugarcane juice and preserving its natural vitamins and minerals, it aligns well with paleo principles. Thus, this delightful Mexican spiced coffee can be confidently enjoyed as a paleo-friendly beverage.

How to Make Traditional Mexican Coffee: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Simmer the Spices for Infusion

• Pour 1 quart (equivalent to 4 cups) of filtered water into a medium-sized pot or, for an authentic touch, an olla de barro.
• Add 2 whole cloves, 1 medium stick of Ceylon cinnamon (or half of a larger stick for similar potency), and 2 ounces of piloncillo. For reference, smaller piloncillo cones typically weigh about 1 ounce each. If you have a larger cone or loaf, you can grate approximately ¼ cup to achieve the correct amount.
• Gently bring the mixture to a low simmer. Allow the water, piloncillo, and spices to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the piloncillo fully dissolves and its rich, caramel-like sweetness permeates the liquid.

2. Steep the Coffee for Optimal Flavor

• Once the spices have simmered, stir in ½ cup of your chosen ground coffee. Immediately remove the pot from the heat. It is crucial not to boil the coffee itself, as this can extract undesirable bitter compounds, diminishing the smooth, nuanced flavor of your Café de Olla.
• Cover the pot and allow the coffee to steep for precisely 5 minutes. This steeping period is essential for the coffee to infuse its robust flavor into the spiced water without becoming over-extracted.

3. Strain and Serve Immediately

• To achieve a clear, sediment-free cup, carefully strain the coffee mixture using a fine mesh strainer. For an even finer filtration, consider lining your strainer with a piece of cheesecloth. This extra step will prevent any lingering coffee grounds or spice fragments from entering your mug.
• Serve your freshly brewed Café de Olla immediately, enjoying its warmth and aromatic fragrance.

How to Serve and Savor Your Mexican Spiced Coffee

Traditionally, Café de Olla is enjoyed black, served in beautiful Mexican clay mugs known as jarritos, which further enhance the authentic experience. However, feel free to personalize your cup. A splash of milk or a dairy-free creamer can add a creamy texture, or you can explore the exciting variations mentioned below for a different taste experience.

Like any fine coffee, Café de Olla is an exquisite companion to breakfast, especially with traditional Mexican sweet breads (pan dulce). However, its rich, spiced profile also makes it an ideal after-dinner treat, particularly when paired with decadent desserts. Consider serving it alongside:

• Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake
• Gluten-Free Lemon Berry Dump Cake
• Light and Fluffy Gluten-Free Powdered Donuts
• Egg-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
• Gluten-Free Apple Oat Muffins

For an extra touch, I personally love adding a little Nutpods to my Café de Olla. Nutpods is a fantastic dairy-free coffee creamer available in a range of delicious flavors, and it froths beautifully for a latte-like finish. Use my exclusive code EVERYDAYLATINA at checkout on nutpods.com to enjoy 15% off your very first order.

Storing and Reheating Your Café de Olla

While Café de Olla is undeniably best when enjoyed fresh, any leftover portions can be stored for later. Simply transfer the cooled coffee to a jar with a tight-fitting lid or another airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for approximately one minute, ensuring it is heated through but never brought to a boil, which can compromise its flavor.

More Tips and Delightful Variations to Explore

• Iced Café de Olla: Transform your chilled leftovers into a wonderfully refreshing iced coffee. Simply pour the refrigerated spiced coffee over ice for a delightful cool beverage, perfect for warmer days.
• Café de Olla Latte: Elevate your hot coffee by frothing some half-and-half or your favorite creamer (like Nutpods!) and pouring it over your warm Café de Olla. This creates a luxurious, creamy latte with a unique Mexican twist.
• Piloncillo Substitutes: If authentic piloncillo is unavailable, you can substitute ¼ cup of dark brown sugar for a similar depth of sweetness. For a paleo-friendly alternative, coconut sugar works wonderfully. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still yield a delicious spiced coffee.
• Add Chocolate for Richness: Echoing the original recipes prepared by the adelitas, adding chocolate is a traditional and delicious variation. Include 2 ounces of semi-sweet or Mexican chocolate along with the spices during the simmering stage for an extra layer of rich, comforting flavor.
• A Hint of Star Anise: For a distinct sweet and licorice-like note, some enthusiasts enjoy adding one whole star anise pod to the pot along with the other spices during the simmering process. This imparts a subtle yet intriguing aroma and taste.
• Brighten with Citrus Notes: Introduce a zesty brightness by adding a 2-inch piece of orange peel (ensuring it’s free of any bitter white pith) to the boiling water with the spices. Alternatively, a tiny pinch of fresh orange zest can be added to each mug when serving for a delicate citrus aroma.
• Utilize a French Press: For a modern and convenient brewing method that still honors the steeping tradition, consider using a French press. This handy kitchen gadget allows you to steep your spiced coffee mixture and then easily press and pour, eliminating the need for a separate strainer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Café de Olla

What if I prefer my coffee sweeter?

For a sweeter cup, I recommend initially adding an extra ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of piloncillo to the simmering water. Taste and then adjust further if you desire even more sweetness, adding small amounts until it perfectly suits your preference.

What can I do if I don’t like my coffee too strong?

If you prefer a milder coffee, simply increase the water content. Using 5 to 6 cups of filtered water instead of 4 will result in a less intense, smoother brew without diluting the spice flavors.

What if I like a stronger coffee?

To achieve a bolder, more robust coffee, you have a couple of options. You can allow your coffee to steep for an additional minute or two beyond the recommended 5 minutes. Alternatively, use an espresso-blend coffee, such as Café Bustelo, known for its strong flavor profile.

Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?

Absolutely! I frequently use a dark-roast decaf coffee in my Café de Olla, and I find that the rich flavors of the piloncillo and spices completely mask any noticeable difference in taste. It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy this delicious drink at any time of day.

Does using brown sugar or coconut sugar change the taste significantly?

While brown sugar or coconut sugar will impart a slightly different flavor compared to piloncillo, the robust coffee and prominent spices in Café de Olla mean that the difference is usually quite subtle and not overly noticeable. The drink will still be wonderfully spiced and sweet.

Can I add all the spices mentioned under the variations at once?

Based on my personal experience, adding too many variations (like chocolate, star anise, and orange peel) all at once can lead to an overpowering and muddled flavor profile that detracts from the classic taste. I highly recommend experimenting by adding just one or two new variations at a time. This allows you to discover which combinations you prefer and truly appreciate the unique contribution of each additional spice.

Can I make the coffee with only piloncillo and cinnamon?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most basic and common forms of the Café de Olla recipe, and it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of piloncillo and cinnamon alone creates a wonderfully aromatic and comforting spiced coffee.

I sincerely hope you enjoy making and savoring this traditional Mexican spiced coffee!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW IF YOU MAKE THIS OR TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM @EVERYDAYLATINA.

More Delicious Drink Recipes to Try

• Super Frothy Mocha Latte (Dairy-Free)
• Rich and Creamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Vegan)
• Healthy Homemade Almond Milk (Paleo & Whole30)
• Cinnamon Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)

Recipe

Arambula, Anita L., “Your next iced coffee obsession: Mexican Café de Olla with Kahlúa.” The San Diego Union Tribune, 22 July 2020, https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/food-and-cooking/story/2020-07-22/your-next-ice-coffee-obsession-mexican-cafe-de-olla-with-kahlua

Threadgould, Michelle. “The Revolutionary Origins of Café De Olla and the Mexican Americans Keeping the Tradition Alive.” Latino USA, 24 May 2018, https://www.latinousa.org/2017/05/30/revolutionary-origins-cafe-de-olla-mexican-americans-keeping-tradition-alive/