How to Make Mexican Coffee (Café de Olla)
Café de olla is Mexican spiced coffee brewed in a clay pot with piloncillo sugar and cinnamon — sweet, spiced, and deeply comforting. The spices do the work; no fancy equipment needed.
Our top pick
Piloncillo Sugar (Mexican Cone)
The unrefined cone sugar with molasses notes that defines café de olla's authentic sweetness.
Free shipping on eligible Amazon items · 30-day easy returns · you earn on anything bought within 24h
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial note: this guide reflects our home barista experience, manufacturer specifications, and aggregated owner feedback. We test gear at home, update recommendations regularly, and link to official manuals where relevant.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Piloncillo Sugar (Mexican Cone) | The unrefined cone sugar with molasses notes that defines café de olla's authentic sweetness. | View → |
| Milk Frother | A $15 handheld frother turns this recipe from 'good' into 'cafe-level' in seconds. | View → |
Piloncillo Sugar (Mexican Cone)
Editor’s PickWeighing your coffee keeps every recipe consistent — the cheapest upgrade in home coffee.
- + Authentic flavor
- + Natural molasses
- + Traditional
- − Needs grating
Free shipping on eligible items
A $15 handheld frother turns this recipe from 'good' into 'cafe-level' in seconds.
- + Cafe foam at home
- + Cheap
- − Batteries
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
Simmer water with piloncillo (or dark brown sugar) and a cinnamon stick, add coarse-ground coffee, and let it steep 5 minutes off the heat. Strain and serve. Optional clove or anise deepens the spice. The clay pot isn't required — a saucepan works; the sugar and cinnamon are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is piloncillo?
Unrefined Mexican cane sugar — it has a deep molasses flavor. Brown sugar works as a substitute.
Does the orange peel matter?
Yes — it's part of the classic profile along with cinnamon and cloves. Add it with the spices, not the coffee.
How is it served?
Traditionally in clay mugs (ollas) — the clay affects the flavor subtly. Any mug works.
Ready to start brewing better?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Kitchen Scale (0.1g)
Weighing your coffee keeps every recipe consistent — the cheapest upgrade in home coffee.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact doses? Use our free brew calculators.