Mexico’s Spiced Coffee

If you’ve ever taken a sip of Café de Olla, you know it’s not your average cup of coffee. Warm, spiced, and sweet with a deep, earthy richness—it’s a drink that tells a story with every sip. But café de olla is more than just a traditional Mexican beverage. It’s a symbol of resilience, community, and the comfort of home.

So where did this beloved drink come from? Let’s dive into the heartwarming history behind one of Mexico’s most iconic brews.

Born from Revolution: The Origins of Café de Olla

Café de Olla—literally “coffee from the pot”—has its roots in the early 20th century, during the time of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920).

Legend has it that revolutionary women known as “soldaderas” or “Adelitas”—who cooked, cared for, and fought alongside soldiers—began brewing coffee with piloncillo (raw cane sugar) and cinnamon in clay pots to nourish and comfort the troops.

This powerful blend not only kept the fighters energized but also reminded them of home. The ingredients were simple, locally available, and packed with warmth—both literally and emotionally.

What’s in Café de Olla?

Traditional café de olla is made by slowly simmering water with:

• Piloncillo – a cone-shaped, unrefined brown sugar that adds deep molasses-like sweetness

• Cinnamon sticks – for that signature warm spice

• Ground Mexican coffee – usually medium-dark roast for a bold, smooth flavor
  

It’s traditionally brewed in a clay pot, known as an olla de barro, which adds a subtle earthy note that metal or glass pots can’t replicate. These pots are handmade and rooted in pre-Hispanic ceramic traditions, giving the drink even more cultural depth.

A Taste of Home and Heritage

Over time, Café de Olla moved beyond the battlefield and into the homes of everyday Mexicans. Today, it’s especially popular in the central and southern states of Mexico and is often served during festivals, family gatherings, and cold mornings.

You’ll find it bubbling in rustic kitchens, street markets, and small-town diners, where it’s still lovingly made in clay pots over open flames. For many, it’s not just coffee—it’s a memory, a tradition, a hug in a cup.

Experience It with Us

At CASA LEAL, we honor the history of Café de Olla by making it the traditional way—steeped in cinnamon, sweetened with piloncillo, and brewed with heart.

Whether you’re trying it for the first time or rediscovering a childhood favorite, we invite you to slow down and savor the story in every cup.

Because Café de Olla isn’t just a drink—it’s a journey through time, culture, and comfort.