Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), and sometimes additional spices like cloves or star anise.
What makes it so special and magical to the tounge is it is typically made in a clay pot, which gives it a unique earthy flavor.
Don’t have a clay pot? It’s cool, use a regular saucepan and it will still taste yummy! It’s perfect for a cozy vibe for fall.
How to make Café de Olla
Ingredients:
– 4 cups water
– 1 small piloncillo cone (about 3.5 oz) or 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 3-4 whole cloves (optional)
– 1 star anise (optional)
– 1/4 cup ground coffee (preferably medium or coarse ground)
Directions:
Boil the Water with Spices:
– In a medium-sized pot or traditional clay pot, bring the water to a boil.
– Add the piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise. Stir until the piloncillo dissolves completely.
Simmer:
– Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the Coffee:
– Stir in the ground coffee, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Strain and Serve:
– Remove the pot from heat. Let the coffee sit for a minute to allow the grounds to settle at the bottom.
– Strain the coffee into mugs using a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove the grounds and spices.
– Serve hot and enjoy! Café de Olla is traditionally enjoyed black, but you can add milk or cream if desired.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less piloncillo or sugar, according to your taste.
Experiment! Adding other spices like a small piece of orange peel, a pinch of ground nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract for additional flavor.
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Why make Café de Olla?
Yes, it is a bit of work, but I promise it is worth it. Here are some happy ideas to inspire you!
Embrace cultura. This is a traditional Mexican beverage. It’s a perfect way to connect with cultural roots.
It’s cozy and yummy. The warm spices and rich aroma of Café de Olla make it an ideal drink for cozying up on chilly evenings. It’s perfect for sipping by the fireplace or while reading a good book.
Add a kick to your morning. Start your day with a special twist on your usual coffee routine. The unique flavors of Café de Olla can make your morning coffee ritual feel more indulgent and comforting.
Impress your amigas. Serve Café de Olla at your next craft party. It’s a great conversation starter and a warm, inviting beverage to share with others.
Movie night treat. Make a pot of Café de Olla to enjoy during a movie night, especially when watching Mexican or Latin American films. The flavors will complement the theme and add to the ambiance.
Holiday vibes. Brew Café de Olla for special holidays like Día de los Muertos, Navidad, or any family gathering. Its festive spices make it a wonderful addition to holiday menus.
Crafting JOY. Enjoy a cup of Café de Olla while working on crafts or creative projects. The process of making and drinking it can help set a relaxed and inspired mood.
New recipes. Use Café de Olla as inspiration for cooking other Mexican dishes. The coffee can be used as an ingredient in desserts or to add depth to savory dishes like mole.
Gift giving. Make a batch for your grandparents or neighbors.
