Special Day of The Dead recipe: Café De Olla

Don’t get me wrong, I love Trick or Treating as much as the next person, and I am not one to shy away from a vampire cloak and fangs; However, this year we have chosen to focus on the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead.

Although they happen at similar times its important not to confuse Halloween with Day of the Dead.

In the Mexican culture death is viewed as a natural part of the human journey and should be celebrated, so Dia De La Muertos is a time to honour those who have passed and recognise their lives.

The celebrations are intended to encourage the ancestors and dead loved ones to return in spirit and join in on the festivities. Families will offer them their favourite foods and drinks and play music and dance… A great big reunion if you will!

This holiday is celebrated over the 1st and 2nd of November, with some people beginning to get into the spirit today (31st October). So, we thought today was the best day to share this traditional Mexican coffee drink with you:

Café De Olla

This drink is traditionally prepared in a clay pot over a fire, but we will accept whatever pot you got on your kitchen stove.

It uses our La Cañada Mexican Coffee which, frankly, has the most fitting artwork.

The cinnamon flavours in this cup are to die for and pair beautifully with the tasting notes of the coffee… truly a win, win situation.

Anyways, enough chit chat, lets get to the brew:

You will need:
6 cups of water
6 to 8 ounces piloncillo, or packed brown sugar.
2 sticks of cinnamon
2 cloves
1 anise star
90 grams of coffee grounds (French Press grind setting is best)

The method is as easy as it gets:

1. Put your water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and anise into a pot and bring to the boil. When the water is bubbling and the sugar is dissolved, add your coffee.
2. Turn the stove off, place a lid on your pot and leave to simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain your drink and enjoy! For an extra celebratory kick you can add Kalua!

This is something that you can drink any time of the year, but why not get into the Dia De La Muertos spirit and brew yourself a cup of this… Plus is smells incredible!

Not to mention our Mexican Coffees are on sale at the moment, so nows the time!

Thats that folks, another recipe to add to the archives!

Have you made it? Send us a picture at [email protected] for a chance to win a £10 voucher to be used on your next order!