If you’re looking for a warm, comforting coffee experience with a touch of spice and history, Café de Olla is a must-try. This traditional Mexican coffee is brewed with cinnamon, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), and sometimes cloves or orange peel. It’s bold, sweet, and infused with aromatic spices that reflect the warmth of Mexican culture.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make Café de Olla at home, the story behind its origins, and how to customize the recipe to suit your taste.
What is Café de Olla?
Café de Olla translates to “coffee from the pot.” It’s traditionally brewed in a clay pot (olla de barro), which is believed to add a subtle earthy flavor to the drink. While you don’t need a clay pot to make it, the distinct flavor comes from the combination of strong coffee, cinnamon, and piloncillo.
This style of coffee is popular throughout rural Mexico and often served during breakfasts, holidays, or after meals. It’s especially comforting on cold mornings or festive gatherings.
The origins of Café de Olla
Café de Olla dates back to the Mexican Revolution (early 1900s) when it was prepared for soldiers in the field. The spices and sugar were meant to provide warmth, energy, and a taste of home.
Today, it’s a beloved symbol of tradition, family, and regional identity—especially in central and southern Mexico.
What makes Café de Olla unique?
Unlike standard drip or espresso coffee, Café de Olla:
- Uses whole spices during brewing
- Is sweetened during preparation, not afterward
- Has a rich, spiced aroma with deep molasses-like sweetness
- Is brewed directly in a pot, not filtered
- Often includes cloves, star anise, or citrus peel depending on region
It’s bold, sweet, and slightly rustic—perfect for those who love both coffee and chai-style warmth.
Ingredients for traditional Café de Olla
Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic, authentic version:
For 4 servings:
- 4 cups (1 liter) water
- 3–4 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee (dark roast recommended)
- 1–2 sticks of cinnamon (preferably Mexican cinnamon, or “canela”)
- 90–120g (about 1/3 cup) of piloncillo, chopped (or dark brown sugar as a substitute)
- Optional: 2 cloves, 1 small star anise, or a piece of orange peel
You can adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your preference.
How to make Café de Olla (step-by-step)
Step 1: Boil water with spices and piloncillo
- In a medium saucepan or clay pot, add water, cinnamon sticks, and piloncillo.
- Add any optional spices (clove, star anise, orange peel).
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the piloncillo is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Add the coffee grounds
- Once the sugar and spices are fully infused, lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Add the coarsely ground coffee and stir gently.
- Let it simmer (not boil) for about 5 minutes to extract flavor.
Step 3: Let it rest and strain
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture steep for 2–3 minutes.
- Strain using a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or traditional strainer.
- Serve hot in mugs or clay cups.
The aroma is unforgettable—sweet, spicy, and earthy all at once.
Tips for the best Café de Olla
- Use freshly ground coffee for better flavor
- Mexican cinnamon (canela) is milder and sweeter than cassia cinnamon
- If you can find it, use piloncillo instead of brown sugar for authentic flavor
- For a stronger drink, add more coffee or steep a bit longer
- Want a twist? Add a splash of milk or evaporated milk for creaminess
Regional variations
Depending on where you are in Mexico, Café de Olla might include:
- Anise seed or star anise for extra spice
- Cloves or allspice for depth
- Cacao nibs or dark chocolate for richness
- Orange or lemon peel for brightness
Feel free to explore different versions to find the one you love most.
Can Café de Olla be iced?
Yes! You can brew it as normal, then chill and serve over ice. It makes a refreshing iced spiced coffee, especially when topped with a bit of cold foam or milk.
To make it ahead of time, brew a concentrated version, chill it, and dilute with cold water or milk when serving.
Health benefits of the ingredients
While Café de Olla is a treat, many of its ingredients have potential health benefits:
- Cinnamon – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
- Clove – antimicrobial, digestion aid
- Coffee – alertness, improved focus
- Piloncillo – less refined than white sugar, retains some minerals
Of course, enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching sugar or caffeine intake.
Final thoughts: a cultural cup worth savoring
Café de Olla is more than just coffee—it’s a taste of Mexican history and hospitality in every cup. Its sweet-spiced aroma, deep flavor, and comforting warmth make it a beautiful addition to any morning or gathering.
Whether you’re making it for guests or enjoying it alone, it offers a moment of ritual, tradition, and flavor. Try it once, and you might never look at your usual cup the same way again.