Mexican Coffee, or Café de Olla, is a traditional drink that combines coffee with spices and sugar. It’s made by mixing coffee with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The drink is sweetened with piloncillo, a type of unrefined cane sugar that adds a rich flavor.
There’s also a boozy version of Mexican Coffee. This drink adds alcohol to the mix, typically using Kahlua (a coffee liqueur) and tequila. It’s often topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon.
From the clay pots that impart a unique earthiness to the aromatic blend of cinnamon, cloves, and anise, every sip of Café de Olla is a journey through Mexico’s rich cultural landscape.
How to make Mexican Coffee?
Mexican Coffee is usually made in a clay pot called an “Olla de barro”. This pot is common in Mexican cooking and gives the coffee a slightly different earthy taste. The name Café de Olla means “coffee from a pot” in Spanish.
If you don’t have a clay pot, you can still make this coffee in a regular pot or saucepan. While it might not have the exact same flavor, it will still be a tasty and warming drink.
Ingredients in Mexican coffee
Following are the ingredients you’ll need for making Authentic Mexican Coffee at home!
Water: Use Clean filtered water for brewing coffee to avoid any unusual tastes.
Ground Coffee: I prefer using Dark roast coffee as it stands up well to the strong flavors of the spices and sweetener used in Café de Olla.
Piloncillo: Piloncillo is unrefined whole cane sugar, commonly used in Mexican cooking. It comes in solid cones and has a deep, molasses-like flavor that adds complexity to the coffee. You can also use brown sugar in place of Piloncillo.
Cinnamon Sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks are used instead of ground cinnamon. They infuse the coffee with a warm, spicy flavor and aroma as the drink steeps.
Whole Cloves: These small, dried flower buds add a strong, pungent flavor to the coffee.
Star Anise: This star-shaped spice has a distinct licorice-like flavor. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall taste of the coffee.
Whipped Cream (Optional): A dollop of whipped cream on top can add a creamy, indulgent touch to the coffee. It’s not traditional but can be a nice addition, especially for the boozy version.
Here are the Quantities you’ll need for two servings:
- 4 tsp dark roast ground coffee
- 30-40g piloncillo
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Infusing the Water
Combine the water with the piloncillo, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise in a traditional clay olla or pot. As you bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, watch the piloncillo slowly melt, releasing its caramel-like sweetness. The spices will begin to release their aromas, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating scent. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the spices infuse in the simmering water for about 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to fully bloom.
Step 2: Brewing
Add the ground coffee to the spiced boiling water and stir gently. Let the coffee steep and extract flavors for 5-7 minutes at very low heat. This allows the coffee to blend with the spices and create a flavorful brew. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
Step 3: From Pot to Cup
Remove your pot from the heat and pour it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Serve it immediately in your favorite mugs, allowing the steam to carry the intermingled aromas of coffee and spices to your nose. For an indulgent touch, crown each cup with a dollop of whipped cream. As you sip, savor the layers of flavor – the bold coffee, warm spices, and sweet undertones – a true taste of Mexican tradition in every mouthful.
What is a Boozy Mexican Coffee Cocktail?
Boozy Mexican Coffee Cocktail is a spirited twist on traditional Café de Olla, drawing inspiration from Irish Coffee but with a distinctly Mexican flair. This cocktail combines the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the warmth of spirits and a touch of sweetness.
The Mexican Coffee Cocktail typically consists of:
- Freshly brewed strong Mexican coffee with spices as the base
- Piloncillo or Brown sugar for sweetness
- Kahlua, a coffee-flavored liqueur, adding depth and the boozy coffee notes
- Tequila, providing a uniquely Mexican kick
- A splash of Triple Sec or Cointreau, introducing a subtle orange essence
- A generous dollop of whipped cream on top, adding richness and texture
- Garnished with a twist of orange peel, a dusting of cinnamon powder, or a cinnamon stick for visual appeal.
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Some Extra Tips for the Best Mexican Coffee
What is the best Coffee to use for a Mexican coffee Recipe?
The best coffee for a Mexican coffee recipe is medium or dark-roasted Mexican coffee beans. These beans typically have a light body and mild acidity, with nutty and subtle chocolate undertones. This flavor profile complements the spices used in Café de Olla perfectly. For optimal brewing, use a medium grind size to extract the right balance of flavor and richness without any bitterness.
Add Frothed milk to make a Mexican Latte
To turn your Café de Olla into a Mexican Latte, simply top it with frothed milk. Pour the hot, spiced Mexican coffee into a large mug, filling it about two-thirds full, then add a generous layer of hot milk with silky foam on top. I like to use almond milk for its subtle nutty flavor that compliments the spices beautifully. You can experiment with other options like skimmed milk for a fat-free option, oat milk for creaminess, or coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Enjoy your Mexican Coffee Iced
To create a refreshing iced version of Café de Olla, prepare the coffee as usual with all the spices and piloncillo, then allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour the spiced coffee over a glass filled with ice cubes. For a creamy touch, top it off with cold-frothed milk or half and half, which makes a delicious Iced Mexican Latte.
Add Chocolate to Make Mexican Mocha
Mexican Mocha Coffee is a delightful fusion of traditional Café de Olla and rich chocolate flavors. This sweet coffee drink combines strong coffee with cocoa powder, cinnamon, piloncillo, cloves and a hint of chili for a uniquely Mexican twist. Chocolate complements the spices beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and bitter notes.
How to Serve Mexican Coffee?
Mexican Coffee is traditionally served hot in clay mugs called Jarros, which help maintain the temperature and refine the earthy flavors. For a complete experience, pair it with sweet Mexican pastries like pan dulce, churros, or buñuelos, which complement the spiced sweetness of the coffee.
Check out Recipes of other Coffee Drinks
FAQs
is coffee popular in Mexico?
Yes, coffee is highly popular in Mexico, being the second most consumed drink after water. It holds a significant place in their daily life and culture, often enjoyed throughout the day.
What does Mexican Coffee taste Like?
Mexican Coffee tastes distinctly different from regular brewed coffee due to its unique traditional preparation method. The infusion of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise during brewing, combined with the caramel notes of piloncillo, creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
Does Mexico grow Coffee?
Yes, Mexico produces a lot of high-quality Arabica coffee, cultivated primarily in its southern regions. It is the 9th largest coffee producer in the world.
Mexican Coffee Recipe
Equipment
- Clay Pot or Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 4 tsp Coffee Grounds
- 30-40 g Piloncillo or Brown Sugar
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Whole cloves
- 1 Star anise
- Whipped Cream (Optional)
Instructions
- Infuse Spices in the Water: Combine water, piloncillo, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Brewing Coffee: Add ground coffee to the spiced water and steep for 5-7 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally.
- Serving: Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve. Serve hot in mugs, optionally topped with whipped cream.
