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International Coffee Specialties

# Café de Olla: How to Make Mexican Coffee with Cinnamon

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

Category: [International Coffee Specialties](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/)Tags: [Coffee Culture](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/coffee-culture/) [Coffee Origins & Countries](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/countries/) [Recipes](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/recipes/)

## Quick answer

Café de olla combines coffee with warm, spiced **sweetness**. Prepare the flavourings gently and add the coffee according to **the recipe**. **Strain** before **serving** to keep loose pieces out of the cup.

## Key takeaways

- Café de olla combines coffee with warm, spiced sweetness.

- Bring water and cinnamon to a gentle simmer, add coffee and piloncillo, then let the ingredients steep according to the recipe you are following.

- Piloncillo adds a rounded sweetness, but the amount depends on how sweet you like coffee.

 

![Layers of coffee and milk foam in a glass.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/layered-milk-coffee-in-glass.avif)

Layers of coffee and milk foam in a glass.

## Build the spiced coffee

 

Bring water and **cinnamon** to a gentle simmer, add coffee and piloncillo, then let the ingredients steep according to **the recipe** you are following. **Strain** before serving so **the grounds** and spice pieces do not end up in the cup. Avoid a vigorous boil that can make the brew taste harsh.

 

## Adjust sweetness and spice

 

Piloncillo adds a rounded **sweetness**, but the amount depends on how **sweet** you like coffee. Start with less and taste after straining. Some **recipes** include additional spices, while others keep cinnamon in the foreground; use **one change** at a time so the coffee remains noticeable.

 

## Choose the coffee and serve

 

A medium or darker roast can pair comfortably with the warm spice, but use **beans** you enjoy. Café de olla is often served hot in small cups. For another coffee prepared with **sugar**, compare [Café Cubano with espumita](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/cafe-cubano-espumita/); for a less sweet cup, **review** our guide to [coffee **roast** levels](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/coffee-basics/light-medium-dark-coffee-roast/).

 

## Build the flavor without scorching the coffee

 

Let water and cinnamon warm gently before adding coffee and piloncillo. Keep **the heat** controlled and **stir** until the sweetener dissolves, then strain into cups. Use a saucepan if you do not have a clay pot, and follow the recipe and cookware **instructions** for the vessel you choose.

 

Start with **cinnamon** and adjust the piloncillo after **tasting**. If you add another spice, change only one ingredient at a time so the coffee remains noticeable. Straining carefully matters: spice fragments and **grounds** can make the cup gritty even when the flavor is balanced.

 

### Serve and store thoughtfully

 

Serve in heat-safe cups and let the drink **cool** enough to sip. If you prepare extra, transfer it to **a clean** container and follow safe food-storage guidance rather than leaving it out for an extended period.

 

Use a saucepan that leaves **room** for stirring and follow its **care instructions**. The clay pot is associated with the drink’s name, but home cooks can use a suitable alternative when needed. What matters most is a controlled simmer, clear straining, and **a balance** you enjoy. Taste before serving the full batch. Keep spices clearly identified for guests.

## Further reading

For background on [coffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee) and [**coffee beans**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_bean), see Wikipedia.

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Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

## Related guides

- [Café Cubano: How to Make Cuban Coffee with Espumita](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/cafe-cubano-espumita/)

- [What Is a Café Bombón? Espresso with Sweetened Condensed Milk](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/cafe-bombon/)

- [South Indian Filter Coffee: How to Make Traditional Filter Kaapi](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/international-coffee-specialties/south-indian-filter-coffee-kaapi/)