Cafe de Olla is a delight not only for its flavor but also for its aroma, as it is a sweet coffee prepared with various spices, ideal for serving with sweet bread.
Cafe de Olla is traditionally made in a clay pot, but a thick-bottomed pot will work fine if you don't have one.
Ingredients
Note: The full list of ingredients is provided on the recipe card below.
- Water: The main liquid component of the recipe, water, is used to create the base for the coffee. It is boiled with the other ingredients to extract their flavors.
- Ground dark roasted coffee: This key ingredient provides the rich and bold coffee flavor in Café de Olla. The coarse grind allows for better extraction of the coffee's aroma and taste during steeping.
- Piloncillo or brown sugar: Piloncillo is an unrefined sugar commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Its unique flavor adds a distinct sweetness to the coffee. Brown sugar can be used as an alternative if piloncillo is not available. The amount used can be adjusted to personal taste preferences.
- Mexican cinnamon stick: Cinnamon stick infuses the coffee with warm and aromatic notes. The Mexican variety of cinnamon, known as Canela, has a slightly different flavor profile than other types of cinnamon, making it a traditional choice for Café de Olla.
- Clove: The whole clove adds a touch of spiciness and complexity to the coffee. It complements the cinnamon and enhances the overall flavor profile of the drink.
- Star anise: This star-shaped spice contributes a subtle licorice-like flavor to the Café de Olla. It adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the brew.
- Orange peel: The orange peel brings a refreshing citrus note to the coffee. It adds a bright and aromatic element to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
How to Make Cafe de Olla
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add water, orange peel, cinnamon, piloncillo( brown sugar), and cloves(optional). Bring to a slow boil, stirring to dissolve the piloncillo, for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the ground coffee, mix, and cover the pot. Let steep for 5 minutes or longer if you want more flavor. Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer into cups and serve.
FAQ
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of piloncillo or brown sugar?
You can substitute regular granulated sugar for piloncillo or brown sugar in Café de Olla. Adjust the amount according to your desired sweetness.
Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of grinding it myself?
While freshly ground coffee is recommended for the best flavor, you can use pre-ground coffee if that's more convenient. Just ensure it's a dark roast and adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
Can I skip or replace any of the spices in the recipe?
The spices in Café de Olla contribute to its unique flavor profile, but you can adjust or omit them based on your preference. However, note that the taste may differ from the traditional preparation.
Can I make a larger or smaller batch of Café de Olla?
You can scale the recipe up or down according to your needs. Just maintain the ratio of ingredients for the desired serving size.
Can I store leftover Café de Olla in the refrigerator?
You can store any leftover coffee in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days—reheat before serving.
Can I make Café de Olla without a fine-mesh strainer?
If you don't have a fine-mesh strainer, use a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or even a clean kitchen towel to strain the coffee and remove any grounds or solids.
Can I serve Café de Olla cold?
Yes, Café de Olla can be served over ice for a refreshing iced version. Adjust the sweetness and flavors according to your taste preferences.
Is Café de Olla a traditional Mexican coffee?
Yes, Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee known for its unique flavors and brewing method. It is often enjoyed as a part of Mexican cuisine and culture.
Notes: Check the Latin or international section of your grocery store for spices. They’re usually half the price of the ones in the baking aisle. Piloncillo is often used in Latin cuisine to sweeten drinks or desserts. It is unrefined cane sugar, usually found in the shape of small cones: This is the key ingredient that gives it a distinct, almost molasses-like flavor. But if necessary, you can substitute it with brown sugar. Microwave the piloncillo for a few seconds to soften it and make cutting it easier. You can prepare Cafe de Olla with any medium to coarse-grind coffee you like best. If you don't have a strainer, allow the grounds to settle to the bottom of the pot, and ladle out coffee from the top to serve.
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Recipe
Easy Cafe de Olla
Ingredients
- 5 cups (1-¼ liter) water
- ⅔ cup ground dark roasted coffee , medium to coarse grind
- 75 g (⅓) piloncillo or brown sugar, to taste depending on how sweet you like
- 1 large Mexican cinnamon stick
- 1 whole clove
- 1- star anise
- one 3- inch piece orange peel
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add water, orange peel, cinnamon, piloncillo (or brown sugar), and cloves, and star anise. Bring to a slow boil, stirring to dissolve the piloncillo.
- For about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the ground coffee, mix and cover the pot. let steep for 5 minutes or longer if you want more flavor. Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer into cups and served.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.