Café de Olla: A Warm Hug in a Mug

Cafe de Olla | Sergio Hayashi

Imagine yourself in a cozy Mexican kitchen, where the aroma of cinnamon and coffee fills the air. That’s the magic of Café de Olla, a traditional Mexican coffee that’s like a warm embrace for your soul.

The Simple Recipe

Here’s how to bring this comforting brew into your own home:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/3 cup ground dark roast coffee
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 small piece of orange peel (optional, for extra zest)

Instructions:

  1. In a clay pot or saucepan, bring water to a boil with cinnamon sticks and orange peel (if using).
  2. Remove from heat and add coffee grounds. Stir gently.
  3. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Strain the coffee into a large pitcher or directly into mugs.
  5. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved.

Serving Your Café de Olla

For the full experience, serve your Café de Olla:

  • Piping hot in traditional clay mugs
  • With a fresh cinnamon stick as a stirrer (and for that Instagram-worthy look!)

Pro tip: Warm your mugs with hot water before pouring in the coffee to keep it hotter for longer.

A Personal Touch

I’ll never forget my first sip of Café de Olla in a small café in Mexico City. The earthy aroma, the hint of spice, and the gentle sweetness transported me instantly. It wasn’t just coffee; it was a story in a cup, telling tales of generations gathered around the kitchen table.

Now, every time I brew Café de Olla at home, that memory comes flooding back. It’s more than a drink; it’s a ritual, a moment of pause in our busy lives.

So, are you ready to create your own Café de Olla memories? Gather your ingredients, brew with love, and let the warmth of Mexico fill your home.

¡Buen provecho y salud!