Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee infused with spices like cinnamon and sweetened with piloncillo, an unrefined cane sugar.
It’s not just a drink—it’s a reflection of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
Known for its warm, earthy flavors and hint of spice, this coffee has been cherished for generations.
Whether served at festivals, family gatherings, or roadside diners, Café de Olla offers a comforting taste of tradition in every sip.
Here’s how to easily make this delicious coffee at home!
How to Make Café de Olla: At A Glance
- Boil 4 cups of water with piloncillo (3 oz) and ½ stick of cinnamon until dissolved.
- Add 4 tablespoons of ground coffee and optional spices (cloves, star anise).
- Turn off the heat, cover, and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and serve hot.
- Adjust sweetness or add milk, if desired.
History and Cultural Significance
Café de Olla originated during the Mexican Revolution as a way to energize soldiers, particularly the soldaderas—women who supported troops on the battlefield.
They brewed the coffee in clay pots, or ollas de barro, using readily available ingredients like cinnamon and piloncillo to enhance its flavor and provide warmth during cold nights.
The use of these clay pots wasn’t just practical; it added a distinct earthy taste to the coffee, making it uniquely comforting.
Over time, Café de Olla became a beloved staple in Mexican households and is now deeply tied to traditions and celebrations.
It is often prepared during winter festivities like Las Posadas and Christmas, where its spiced aroma fills homes with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
This drink’s cultural significance is undeniable, serving as both a historical symbol and a cherished part of Mexico’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the essential ingredients for making an authentic Café de Olla:
- Water: 4 cups – The base for brewing the coffee. Use filtered water for the best flavor.
- Ground Coffee: 4 tablespoons – Preferably dark roast and freshly ground, with Mexican varieties like Oaxaca or Veracruz offering an authentic taste.
- Piloncillo (or substitute): 3 ounces (about ⅓ cup) – A raw Mexican cane sugar that provides a deep caramel flavor. Substitute with dark brown sugar or jaggery if unavailable.
- Mexican Cinnamon Sticks (Canela): ½ stick – Adds a soft, aromatic spice to balance the coffee. Regular cinnamon can work if Mexican cinnamon is not available.
- Optional Spices:
- Cloves: 2 whole cloves – For a hint of warming spice.
- Star Anise: 1 pod – Contributes a sweet, licorice-like note to the coffee.
Sourcing Tips
- Piloncillo: Available in cone or block form at Latin American grocery stores or online.
- Mexican Cinnamon (Canela): Found in specialty spice shops or international markets.
- Coffee: Always choose freshly roasted, high-quality beans.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making Café de Olla is simple and requires just a few steps to achieve its rich, spiced flavor.
Follow these instructions to brew an authentic pot:
Step 1: Boil Water with Piloncillo and Spices
- In a medium saucepan or clay pot (olla de barro), bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 3 ounces of piloncillo (or ⅓ cup dark brown sugar), ½ stick of Mexican cinnamon, and any optional spices like 2 cloves or 1 star anise pod.
- Stir the mixture until the piloncillo fully dissolves, which should take about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Ground Coffee
- Once the water is boiling and the sugar has dissolved, add 4 tablespoons of freshly ground dark roast coffee.
- Stir well, then immediately turn off the heat.
Step 3: Steep
- Cover the pot and let the coffee steep for 5 minutes.
- For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 8 minutes.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
- Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove coffee grounds and spices as you pour the coffee into cups.
- Serve hot and enjoy as is, or add a splash of milk if preferred (though this is not traditional).
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use freshly ground coffee beans for a richer aroma and better taste. Mexican coffee beans like those from Oaxaca or Veracruz are ideal for their bold and chocolaty notes.
- Mexican cinnamon (canela) offers a softer, more aromatic flavor than cassia cinnamon, enhancing the coffee’s balance.
- If using a clay pot (olla de barro), ensure it is lead-free and gradually heat it to avoid cracking. The pot imparts a subtle earthy flavor unique to Café de Olla.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less piloncillo.
Variations and Customizations
Café de Olla offers plenty of room for creativity and regional flair.
In some areas of Mexico, orange peel is added during brewing to give the coffee a bright, citrusy aroma that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
Others include a small piece of Mexican chocolate, which melts into the coffee and adds a rich, velvety sweetness.
For those who enjoy experimenting, a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg can provide a subtle but distinct twist.
While Café de Olla is traditionally served hot, it can also be enjoyed iced, making it a refreshing option for warm days.
Simply brew as usual, chill, and serve over ice.
For a creamier texture, some people add milk or create a latte-style version, though this isn’t part of the traditional recipe.
Pairing Suggestions
Café de Olla pairs beautifully with a variety of traditional Mexican pastries and dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
One of the most popular choices is conchas, the iconic sweet bread with a crumbly, sugar-coated topping that balances the coffee’s spiced and earthy flavors.
Churros, with their crispy exterior and soft, doughy center, are another favorite, especially when dipped into the warm, spiced coffee.
For a heartier option, tamales provide a savory and comforting complement, particularly those filled with sweetened masa or fruit.
Other excellent pairings include polvorones (Mexican shortbread cookies) and gorditas de azúcar, a sweet and dense griddle cake.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Café de Olla not only offers a delicious and aromatic coffee experience but also provides some potential health benefits, thanks to its ingredients.
Cinnamon, a key spice in the recipe, is rich in antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for supporting heart health.
Cloves, if included, are another source of antioxidants and are believed to aid digestion and support the immune system.
Piloncillo, while a natural sweetener, should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
In terms of nutritional information, a typical serving (about 1 cup) of Café de Olla contains approximately:
- Calories: 50–60 (varies based on the amount of piloncillo used)
- Sugar: 10–12 grams (from piloncillo or sugar substitute)
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12–14 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
These values are based on the traditional recipe without milk or additional sweeteners.
While Café de Olla is relatively low in calories, its sugar content should be considered, especially for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Café de Olla can be stored easily to enjoy later without compromising its rich, spiced flavors.
Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or glass jar.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For a longer storage option, pour the cooled coffee into ice cube trays and freeze.
These spiced coffee cubes are perfect for making iced Café de Olla later.
When reheating, use gentle methods to preserve the coffee’s aroma and taste.
Avoid using a microwave, as it can alter the flavor and reduce the subtle spiced notes.
Instead, pour the coffee into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally.
For an even quicker option, use an electric kettle with a temperature control setting to reheat the coffee to your desired warmth.
If the coffee has thickened slightly during storage, add a splash of water or milk to adjust the consistency before serving.
Conclusion
Café de Olla is a simple yet flavorful drink that captures the heart of Mexican tradition.
Its blend of coffee, piloncillo, and warm spices creates a comforting experience that’s easy to make at home.
With versatile variations and perfect pairings, it’s a recipe worth trying.
Gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of authentic Mexican culture.
Share your version and let others know how it turned out!
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of piloncillo?
Yes, regular sugar can be used as a substitute, but it won’t provide the same rich, caramel-like flavor that piloncillo offers.
Dark brown sugar or jaggery is a closer alternative to preserve the traditional taste.
How does the clay pot affect the flavor?
A clay pot (olla de barro) adds a subtle earthy note to the coffee that enhances its depth and authenticity.
While it’s traditional, you can still make delicious Café de Olla in a regular pot or saucepan if a clay pot isn’t available.
Is Café de Olla suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
It depends on the specific restrictions.
Café de Olla is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free in its traditional form.
However, it contains sugar, so it may not be suitable for those on low-sugar or ketogenic diets.
Substituting piloncillo with a sugar-free alternative can make it more diet-friendly.
Always check the ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
