Delicious Mexican Coffee Recipe to Energize Your Mornings!
Dear coffee lovers,
Have you ever tried Mexican coffee? If not, this recipe is a must-try for you! As a barista, I have been experimenting with different coffee recipes for years, and Mexican coffee (also known as Café Mexicano or Café de Olla) is one of my favorites. It is a perfect combination of bold coffee, cinnamon, and other spices that create a warm and spicy aroma that will awaken all your senses.
Mexican Coffee originates from the “Café de Olla” tradition from Mexico, where coffee is traditionally prepared in an earthenware clay pot. The earthy taste and subtle sweetness of “Café de Olla” come from the caramelized sugar and cinnamon that is added to the coffee. That said, don’t worry if you don’t have the traditional clay pot handy; our recipe is so flexible; you can make it anytime in a medium saucepan.
What makes this recipe even more enticing is the use of brandy chocolate syrup and Kahlua or coffee liqueur. These ingredients give the Mexican coffee an extra touch that will indulge your taste buds even further.
So come along, let me take you on a flavorful journey. Prepare your kitchen tools, put on your apron, and let’s explore how to make Cafe Mexicano!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a coffee recipe that will leave you feeling warm, cozy and delightfully caffeinated, then you simply must try Mexican Coffee or “Café Mexicano.” This decadent beverage is a beautiful blend of strong coffee, spice and sweetness that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. If you want to indulge in something boozy and decadent, you can add a splash of brandy or Kahlua to the mix. If you’re looking for a traditional Mexican spiced coffee with no alcohol, then the classic Café de Olla recipe with cinnamon sticks and orange peel is perfect for you.
Speaking of cinnamon, this recipe would not be complete without the rich flavor and aroma of freshly ground cinnamon. It adds just the right amount of warmth to complement the bold taste of the coffee. And if you’re a chocolate lover, you can even add a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top for that extra indulgent treat.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its cultural significance. Café de olla dates back to pre-colonial times and is still widely enjoyed in Mexico today. By recreating this traditional drink in your own kitchen, you are connecting with centuries of cultural history and indulging in one of Mexico’s most beloved beverages.
So go ahead and give it a try. Whether it’s a cold winter morning or a lazy weekend afternoon, Café Mexicano is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare a delicious Mexican coffee or “café de olla”:
- 4 cups of water
- 3 oz of piloncillo or panela (Mexican brown sugar)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 orange peel
- 6 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee beans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Chocolate syrup and whipped cream for topping
- Optional: 1/4 cup of brandy, Kahlua or coffee liqueur
These ingredients are easy to find and most should be available at your local grocery store. The piloncillo, cinnamon stick, and star anise give Mexican coffee its distinct spiciness and aroma. The orange peel adds a subtle citrus note, which blends well with the flavor of the coffee. Dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute for piloncillo or panela.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the introduction and why you will love the Mexican Coffee recipe, let’s dive straight into how to make this delicious drink!
Ingredients Needed:
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients required:
- 1 quart (4 cups) cold filtered water
- 3 oz (6 tablespoons) of coarsely ground coffee beans.
½cup of dark brown sugar1cinnamon stick or 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1strip of orange peel- 4 tablespoons Pilancillo or panela
1-2star anise
Step-by-Step Instructions:
You can make this coffee cafe de olla recipe in a traditional Mexican clay pot for added authenticity, but you can also use a medium saucepan if you don’t have one.
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Add the water, sugar, cinnamon, orange peel, piloncillo, and star anise to the saucepan over medium heat.
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Stir well until combined, and bring it to a slow boil.
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Once it comes to a boil, add in dark roasted coffee grounds.
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Give it a stir and allow it to sit for a while.
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Cover your pot or saucepan and let everything steep for ten minutes over low heat.
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After ten minutes remove from the heat and take out the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel before serving. Stir once again before serving.
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Pour the cafe mexicano into your mug or coffee cup and top with whipped cream.
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Lastly, if you like your coffee extra sweetadd chocolate syrup or liquor like brandy or Kahlua but you are free to omit this if you wish.
And voila! Your perfect Mexican Coffee (Café Mexicano) is ready to be relished.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about making Mexican coffee is that it’s very flexible. You can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or ingredients that you have readily available in your pantry. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Instead of Kahlua or brandy, you can use coffee liqueur or other flavored liqueurs such as amaretto or Irish cream, or even omit the alcohol altogether.
– If you don’t have mexican cinnamon (canela), you can use regular cinnamon, but the flavor profile will differ slightly.
– Instead of using water for brewing the coffee, you can opt for milk or a combination of milk and water. This variation will result in a creamier and richer taste, perfect for chilly evenings.
– For those who prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more brown sugar or try using honey or agave syrup as a sweetener.
– Another ingredient that you can add to liven up your Mexican coffee is chocolate syrup. It gives an added richness and depth to the beverage, especially when combined with cinnamon.
– If you want to make Mexican iced coffee (Café helado), let the brewed coffee cool down and then chill it in the fridge. Serve it over ice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
With these substitutions and variations, there are endless possibilities for making Mexican coffee that suits your unique taste buds while still enjoying this classic and traditional recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Café Mexicano is perfect to be served piping hot, especially during the chilly winter days. It has a unique flavor of spiciness, sweetness, and coffee taste that everyone will enjoy. Top it with some sweetened whipped cream for a delightful treat.
For breakfast, pair the Mexican coffee with some churros or pancakes for an indulgent morning meal. It’s also a great midday pick-me-up beverage that goes perfectly well with Mexican pastries like the Conchas or Empanadas.
If you’re looking for an after-dinner drink, Café Mexicano is perfect since it contains alcohol. You can pair it with a classic Mexican dessert like Tres Leches Cake or Flan Napolitano.
The best experience of this traditional Mexican drink is when served in a traditional clay pot, where the beverage’s temperature can be retained for longer periods without affecting the flavor.
Café Mexicano is not only limited to adding whipped cream and alcohol but also with some chocolate and caramel syrup drizzle on top. This transforms your normal coffee into something unique and special.
Overall, Café Mexicano is perfect for any occasion as it is versatile in pairing with food and drinks. The spicy flavor of cinnamon combined with the coffee beans makes for an extraordinary recipe that’s sure to impress anyone.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Mexican coffee (“Café Mexicano”) is a perfect beverage to serve to your guests on cold winter nights or in holiday gatherings. If you are hosting an event, you’ll be glad to know that it’s easy to make this delicious beverage ahead of time.
To make Mexican coffee ahead of time, prepare the coffee using the recipe as usual, allow it to cool and put it in a sealable container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating the coffee, warm it slowly over low heat on the stove to prevent scorching.
If you are making Mexican coffee for a larger group, consider doubling or even tripling the recipe ingredients.
When serving leftover Mexican coffee, stir well before pouring and reheat gradually over low heat; heating too quickly can cause the flavor to change.
For best results, avoid storing whipped cream on top of your Mexican coffee as it may flatten and ruin its texture and visual appeal. Instead, add dollops of whipped cream just before serving.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a fresh cup of spiced coffee any time you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious and authentic Mexican coffee, follow these simple tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Firstly, always use freshly ground coffee beans and cold filtered water. The quality of your coffee will depend largely on the freshness of your beans, so be sure not to use old or stale coffee.
When preparing your café de olla, make sure to use a traditional Mexican clay pot known as an “olla.” This will enhance the flavor of the coffee and give it an authentic touch.
Be careful when adding sweeteners such as sugar, cinnamon, or orange peel into the mix. Too much sugar can overpower the other flavors in the coffee, whereas too little can make it taste bitter.
If you like your coffee with a kick, add a splash of brandy or Kahlua into the mix. This will give it a smooth and rich flavor that is perfect for sipping on a chilly day.
To really wow your guests, top off each cup of mexican coffee with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder. Not only does it add extra flavor, but it also makes for a beautiful presentation.
Lastly, don’t forget that what you serve your mexican coffee with can make all the difference. Serve it alongside some traditional Mexican pastries or churros to truly transport your taste buds to Mexico.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to create an authentic and delicious mexican coffee that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, a delicious and flavorful Mexican coffee recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply want to add some comfort to your morning routine, this Mexican coffee recipe is sure to satisfy your coffee craving.
With ingredients like ground cinnamon, brandy chocolate syrup, and Kahlua coffee liqueur, this flavorful beverage will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico. And with the addition of sweetened whipped cream and dark brown sugar, you’ll feel like royalty as you indulge in every sip.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this Mexican coffee recipe a try and experience the richness and spiciness of traditional Mexican coffee. With just a few simple steps, you can transform your morning ritual into an indulgent and delicious treat that will have everyone asking for more.
And don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe. Whether you prefer a sweeter version with chocolate syrup or a spicier version with star anise and cinnamon, you’re sure to find a variation that suits your taste buds.
So next time you’re in need of a caffeine boost, skip the plain old cup of joe and opt for something more flavorful and exciting. Try out our Mexican coffee recipe today and take your taste buds on a journey to Mexico without ever having to leave your home.
Mexican Coffee (Café Mexicano) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1/2 ounce brandy
- 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup
- 1 dash ground cinnamon
- hot coffee
- sweetened whipped cream
Instructions
- Place Kahlúa, brandy, chocolate syrup and cinnamon in a coffee cup or mug. Fill with hot coffee. Stir to blend. Top with sweetened whipped cream.