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Mexican Coffee (Café de Olla) is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The cinnamon and brown sugar give it a warm and cozy taste, while the chocolate and orange add a fruity and tangy touch. The vanilla gives it a rich and creamy texture, making it a perfect beverage for a chilly day. You can enjoy a cup of this flavorful coffee in the morning, after lunch, or as an after-dinner treat. It’s easy to make and can be brewed in a regular coffee pot or on the stove. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious coffee recipe to try, give Mexican Coffee a chance!

Origin of Café de Olla

During the Mexican Revolution in 1910, brave women known as Soldaderas stood alongside soldiers, providing vital support through cooking, cleaning, and setting up camp. Using their culinary skills, they prepared a special drink called Café de Olla, made with a blend of cinnamon, piloncillo, orange, coffee, and chocolate roasted in a clay pot. This delicious and energizing drink helped boost the spirits of soldiers, inspiring them to keep fighting for their cause.

Café de olla is a popular traditional Mexican coffee that is typically brewed in an earthen clay pot. The name “Café de olla” means “pot coffee” or “coffee from a pot” and refers to the unique way it is prepared. The clay pot used for brewing is highly porous and retains heat well, which supposedly imparts a distinct earthy flavor to the coffee.

Ingredients for Mexican Coffee

Sugar: Piloncillo, Panela, or dark brown sugar
Coffee: A darker roasted coffee will best suit the flavor profile of the final drink.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon sticks vs ground cinnamon… cinnamon sticks generally offer a subtler flavor when compared to ground cinnamon
Orange Rind: A 3-inch orange peel (optional) but recommended
Vanilla extract: I use Mexican vanilla extract, regular vanilla extract can be used if you don’t have Mexican vanilla extract available.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chips squares or you can find Mexican chocolate squares for a more authentic taste.
Whip Cream – for topping
Cinnamon – for sprinkling on top

⛾How to Make Mexican Coffee/ Café de Olla

Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan
Add the piloncillo or brown sugar and stir until it dissolves
Add the coffee, cinnamon stick, vanilla, and orange rind. Add chocolate, and stir until incorporated into the coffee.
Turn off the heat and let steep while covered for 10 minutes
Strain out the cinnamon sticks and orange peel with a fine mesh strainer.

Add a little whip cream (optional) with a little ground cinnamon or grated chocolate to top it off.

cafe de olla with whip cream and chocolate powder

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