Café De Olla, a cherished Mexican coffee, combines robust flavors and aromatic spices for a unique experience. Traditionally brewed in a clay pot known as an 'Olla De Barro,' this beverage features medium roast Mexican coffee grounds, Piloncillo (a type of dark brown sugar), and a blend of spices including cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Its earthy, rustic essence is enhanced by the clay pot, imparting a distinct character different from other coffee varieties.
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The blend of dark cane sugar and spices not only adds a warm, mildly spicy note but also balances the coffee's strong flavor. Café De Olla is a popular morning and evening choice, often enjoyed during Christmas and the winter months for its comforting warmth.
This classic drink is a staple in Mexican culture, frequently found in local eateries, authentic restaurants, and household kitchens, particularly during festive occasions and chilly seasons.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To prepare Café De Olla, you'll need common Mexican pantry items, all readily available at most Mexican grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
- Mexican Coffee Grounds: Opt for a medium-roast variety for authentic flavor. Alternatively, any medium roast coffee grounds can be used for similar results.
- Piloncillo/Panela: This dark cane sugar is ideal for sweetening. If unavailable, jaggery or palm sugar, commonly found in Indian grocery stores, are excellent substitutes.
- Spices: Traditionally, a blend of cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves is used. However, feel free to adjust according to preference, with cinnamon sticks being the most common spice used. Star anise and cloves can be skipped if desired.
- Water: Filtered water is recommended for the highest quality of your brew.
How to Make Café De Olla at Home?
Dive into the delightful process of making Café De Olla with our step-by-step guide. Follow along with our photos and video to easily recreate this traditional Mexican coffee in your own kitchen. Let's get started!
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Café De Olla
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Ground Coffee, medium roast, use Mexican coffee grounds for authentic taste
- ¼ cup Dark Brown Cane Sugar, piloncillo/panela (I have used crushed dark brown cane sugar here)
- 1 Mexican Cinnamon Stick
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Star Anise
- 4 cups Water
Instructions
To make Cafe De Olla
- Start by pouring 4 cups of water into a saucepan. Add Mexican cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and piloncillo (dark brown sugar).
- Heat the mixture until it boils and the dark brown sugar dissolves. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes with crushed brown sugar, but whole Piloncillo/Panela may take longer.
- Once the sugar has melted, turn off the heat and add the ground coffee, stirring well.
- Cover the saucepan with its lid and allow the coffee to steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finally, remove the coffee from the heat and strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a serving glass.
To Serve
- Enjoy this Café De Olla (Mexican Spiced Coffee) as a perfect companion to your breakfast, or as a refreshing evening drink.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Olla De Barro: This Mexican clay pot is essential for the authentic Café De Olla, lending an earthy flavor to the brew. If you don't have one, a regular saucepan or pot works well for a similar spiced coffee experience.
- Piloncillo/Panela: This unrefined dark brown cane sugar adds a sweet, molasses-like flavor to the coffee. Known as jaggery or palm sugar in Indian cuisine, it's a suitable substitute if Piloncillo/Panela is not available.
- Spices: While some Café De Olla recipes only use Mexican cinnamon sticks, adding star anise and cloves can enhance the authenticity of flavor and taste. Adjust the spices to your liking.
- Mexican Coffee: For an authentic taste, Mexican coffee grounds are recommended. However, in their absence, any medium roast coffee grounds can provide similar results.
- Steeping Time: Adjust the steeping time to suit your coffee strength preference. For a mild to moderate brew, steep for 3 to 5 minutes. For a stronger taste, steep for 5 to 8 minutes.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore our collection of Mexican and winter drink recipes, perfect for warming up your chilly days. From traditional Mexican beverages to classic winter favorites, we've got your winter cravings covered. And of course, coffee lovers, we have delightful coffee recipes to make your days cozier too.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Café De Olla fresh and hot for the best experience. If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. For a refreshing twist, serve the chilled coffee over ice as a delicious cold brew.
Enjoy this Mexican Spiced Coffee as a delightful addition to your breakfast, or as a rejuvenating evening beverage. It's especially comforting in winter, serving as a warm treat to fend off the chill.
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