Cafe de Olla

An olla is a tall, ceramic pot used in Mexico for simmering stews and beans. It is also the preferred vessel for brewing this traditional sweet coffee beverage. This method uses fewer beans than other brewing methods to produce a less concentrated extraction. Boiling the grinds enhances the beans' bitterness and acidity, so piloncillo (a dark Mexican cane sugar with molasses-like flavors) and cinnamon are used to tame the coffee's bite.