Easy, Delicious Cafe de Olla Recipe
There’s nothing like the rich, spiced aroma of Café de Olla to transport you to a place that feels like home. This traditional coffee, simmered with cinnamon and piloncillo, has been cherished for generations, offering warmth and comfort in every sip.
Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning or hosting friends, café de olla pairs perfectly with handcrafted Mexican ceramic mugs and stoneware, designed to enhance your coffee experience. Let’s dive into the history, recipe, and how you can serve it with a touch of elegance.
The History of Café de Olla
Café de Olla originated during the Mexican Revolution as a way to energize soldiers. The recipe was crafted by Mexican women, often referred to as "Adelitas," who supported soldiers by cooking and caring for them on the battlefield. Adela Velarde Peréz, "la Adelita", is said to be the founder of the "Adelitas".
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Adela Velarde Pérez
The Adelitas infused the coffee with piloncillo and cinnamon, both for flavor and to provide a quick source of energy. Piloncillo is a raw, unrefined cane sugar that's a staple in Mexican cooking.
Brewed in clay pots (olla de barro), this coffee was infused with local ingredients, creating a distinctive flavor profile. Cafe de olla has a distinctive earthy, sweet, and aromatic scent. Over time, Café de Olla became a staple in Mexican households, symbolizing warmth, community, and tradition.
While modern kitchens may not have clay pots, you can still achieve the essence of Café de Olla with a few simple ingredients and the right serving vessels—like our ceramic mugs or peltre, which preserve traditional techniques, with a modern touch.
Café de Olla Recipe
We've tried many recipes and ultimately landed on this one because it's so easy and checks the cafe de olla craving. Many other recipes we tried were too complicated or involved ingredients we didn't necessarily have at home. This one is made with things we always have and is ready in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
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9 cups of water
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6 tbsp of ground coffee (preferably medium roast)
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4 ounces of pilloncillo (about 8 - 9 tablespoons grated)
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2 Mexican cinnamon sticks*
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Boil the Spices: In a medium pot, bring the water to a rolling boil. Lower the heat to low and add the cinnamon stick, piloncillo, and coffee, stirring occasionally until the piloncillo fully dissolves.
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Simmer: Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally. After simmering, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.
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Strain and Serve: Strain the coffee through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove the grounds and spices. You can also use a french press to filter.
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Pour and Enjoy: Serve hot in ceramic cups to enhance the experience. The heat-retaining properties of the ceramic keep your coffee warm, while the artisanal designs elevate every sip.
*A note about Real Mexican Cinnamon
This recipe calls for Mexican cinnamon. There are different cinnamon varieties and you should use Ceylon Cinnamon, also known as real Mexican Cinnamon. It is very fragrant, gives a subtle sophisticated taste that doesn't overpower a recipe and adds depth of flavor. It's the only cinnamon variety you should use in traditional Mexican recipes. The bark is typically thinner, easier to break off and more fragrant.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Café de Olla in a handcrafted, Mexican ceramic vessel for a truly authentic Mexican experience. Our collection of handcrafted ceramic mugs in a variety of intricate patterns and earthy tones create a stunning presentation and tell a story of exquisite Mexican craftsmanship. Perfect for cozy mornings or hosting guests.
Bring Tradition to Your Table
There’s a reason Café de Olla has stood the test of time—its comforting flavors and cultural roots make it a beverage worth celebrating.
Shop the VOLVERde Ceramic Collection and elevate your coffee moments with timeless, sustainable elegance.
