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Cafe de Olla (Mexican coffee)

Delicious Café de Olla: Cozy Up with Mexican Coffee Magic

Experience the magical taste of Café de Olla, a rich and aromatic Mexican coffee enhanced with spices and piloncillo.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brew
  • 4 cups water The essential base for your coffee; no substitutions necessary.
  • 1 stick cinnamon Infuses warm spice and aroma; can substitute with ground cinnamon (adjust quantity).
  • 2 whole star anise Adds a distinct licorice-like flavor; substitute with ½ teaspoon of anise extract if needed.
  • 3-4 whole cloves Provides depth and warmth; can use allspice as an alternative.
  • 1 cup piloncillo Offers traditional sweetness and depth; substitute with ½ cup of brown sugar or erythritol/monk fruit for a low-calorie option.
  • ½ cup ground coffee The heart and soul of your café de olla; use your favorite coffee blend to suit your palate.
Optional Additions
  • 1 piece orange peel For an unexpected citrus aroma, add during brewing for an elevated flavor.
  • 1 splash milk If preferred, add a splash for creaminess, though it’s delightful without.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • fine-mesh strainer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, pour in 4 cups of water and add a cinnamon stick, 2 whole star anise, 3-4 cloves, and your chosen sweetener, preferably piloncillo. Over medium heat, bring this mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally until the sweetener fully dissolves, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Once the mixture is boiling, promptly add ½ cup of ground coffee. Stir it gently for a moment, then turn off the heat immediately. Cover the pot with a lid and let it steep for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors of the spices and coffee to meld together.
  3. After steeping, carefully strain the coffee into mugs using a fine-mesh strainer to capture the spices and grounds. If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of milk at this point. The warm, aromatic brew of Cafe de Olla is now ready to be enjoyed!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 24gCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Enjoy your delightful café de olla as a rich, spiced Mexican coffee that transforms any coffee moment into a warm embrace!

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