A Taste of Mexican Tradition • Spotter Up

Traditional clay cup to serve Café de Olla. Wikimedia by Luisalvaz / CC BY-SA 3.0.

Café de Olla, which translates to “coffee from the pot,” is a traditional Mexican coffee brewed in a clay pot known as an olla de barro. This method enhances the coffee’s flavor, giving it a distinct earthy taste that sets it apart from regular brewed coffee.

The origins of Café de Olla trace back to the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). While it was widely consumed by soldaderas (women who supported soldiers), it is often associated with Pancho Villa and other revolutionary figures. The drink was prepared to provide warmth and energy to soldiers during the war, making it an essential part of their daily routine. The combination of coffee, cinnamon, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) provided warmth and sustenance, making it a staple among revolutionaries. Over time, it became a beloved drink in Mexican households, markets, and restaurants, symbolizing hospitality and tradition.

Ingredients and Their Significance

The beauty of Café de Olla lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Water – The base of any great coffee.
• Ground Coffee – A dark roast works best for a bold flavor.
• Piloncillo – This unrefined cane sugar adds a deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sticks – Mexican cinnamon (canela) provides a warm, smooth spice.
• Cloves & Star Anise (optional) – These spices add complexity to the flavor profile.

Traditional Café de Olla Recipe

Here’s how you can make this authentic Mexican coffee at home:

1. Boil the Water – In a clay pot (olla de barro) or a regular saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add Piloncillo & Spices – Stir in one small cone of piloncillo, one cinnamon stick, and two cloves. Let it dissolve completely.
3. Add Coffee – Once the piloncillo has melted, add ½ cup of ground coffee and stir.
4. Simmer – Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Strain & Serve – Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the coffee grounds and spices. Pour into clay mugs (jarritos de barro) for an authentic experience.

Tequila Café de Olla Recipe

If you’re looking for a traditional Café de Olla with a kick, you can experiment by adding reposado or añejo tequila to enhance the caramelized flavors of piloncillo and cinnamon.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• ½ cup ground coffee (dark roast for a bold flavor)
• 1 small cone piloncillo (or ½ cup brown sugar)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 oz reposado or añejo tequila (for a smooth, caramel-like depth)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (optional, for extra richness)
• Orange peel (optional, for citrus notes)
• Whipped cream & cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil the Water – In a clay pot (olla de barro) or saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add Piloncillo & Spices – Stir in the piloncillo, cinnamon stick, cloves, and optional orange peel. Let it dissolve fully.
3. Add Coffee & Simmer – Stir in the ground coffee, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Strain & Mix – Strain out the coffee grounds and spices using a fine mesh strainer. Stir in the tequila and coffee liqueur.
5. Serve & Garnish – Pour into heatproof mugs, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve.

Notes

• If you prefer a stronger cocktail, increase the tequila to 1.5 oz.
• For a smoky twist, try using mezcal instead of tequila.
• This drink pairs beautifully with pan dulce or Mexican churros!

Café de Olla is best enjoyed hot, often paired with pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread). Some people like to add a splash of milk, but traditionally, it’s served black to fully appreciate its spiced, caramelized flavors. It may also be serviced iced.

Final Thoughts

Café de Olla is more than just coffee—it’s a sensory journey into the heart of Mexico’s traditions. Whether you’re savoring it on a crisp morning or sharing its comforting warmth with loved ones, each sip carries the essence of hospitality, history, and flavor. For those eager to experiment, variations incorporating orange peel or chocolate add an extra layer of depth, making this beloved drink even more enchanting.