Café de Olla Recipe
User Reviews
4.7
Café de Olla Recipe
Description
Café de Olla Recipe combines freshly ground dark roasted coffee with piloncillo, which imparts a deep molasses sweetness, and whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. The mixture is carefully simmered in water so the spices and piloncillo dissolve and infuse their flavors without bitterness. After the coffee is added, it steeps off heat to develop a mellow, fragrant profile.
The resulting coffee balances sweetness and spice with the coffee’s robust character. Straining through cheesecloth removes grounds and spice bits, yielding a smooth cup. The inclusion of star anise adds a distinctive licorice note complimentary to cinnamon and cloves.
This spiced coffee is traditionally served hot, sometimes with milk or cream to soften the flavors. Variations include serving chilled over ice or blending with ice cream for a frappé style. It can also be spiked with espresso or liqueur for added intensity and celebration.
Using freshly ground coffee and piloncillo enhances the authenticity and flavor. Adjust steeping time and spices to preference. Heating milk separately before adding preserves the coffee’s flavor. The recipe’s gentle simmer avoids burning and bitterness, preserving spice and coffee quality.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 6 to 8 ounces piloncillo or substitute packed brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 6 tablespoons coffee freshly ground, dark roasted
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan bring the water to a boil. Carefully add piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and anise star.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until the piloncillo dissolves, about 5 minutes. Add the ground coffee and stir, turn off heat, cover, and let steep for an additional 5 minutes.
- Strain the coffee through cheesecloth and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly ground medium to dark roasted coffee for richer flavor and aroma.
- Piloncillo offers molasses sweetness; brown sugar can be used but lacks the same depth.
- Simmer gently without boiling to avoid bitterness from coffee and spices.
- Steep coffee and spices about 5 minutes off heat; adjust for desired strength.
- Strain carefully with fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove grounds and spice pieces.
- Optional additions include orange peel or vanilla extract for extra flavor layers.
- Serve hot with or without warmed milk or cream; iced versions with creamer are also popular.
- For a frozen treat, blend iced café de olla with coffee or cinnamon ice cream to milkshake consistency.
- Enhance with espresso shot or splash of Kahlúa for extra caffeine or flair.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 105kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 13mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Calcium | 27mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
You'll Also Love
