Hey everyone! It’s your girl, Bernie, author of Herencia Cookbook, full of authentic SalviMex recipes with a modern twist. Today, I have a SavliMex cafe de olla recipe for you all. The special spin on this recipe comes from Salvadoran coffee being used as the main ingredient!
Growing up in a SalviMex Household
I grew up in South East Los Angeles, with a Mexican-American father and Salvadoran-American mother. Therefore, this fusion of cultures existed in our home. Memories of both cumbias and rancheras pepper my childhood memories. In other words, SalviMex influence could be found in the way we spoke, ate, and drank. This recipe is no exception. It blends Mexican and Salvadoran culture together beautifully. For instance, cafe de olla can be found in typical Mexican households. Its fragrance wafts through so many Latin homes. Additionally, El Salvador boasts delicious coffee. This is due to the rich volcanic soil and tropical climate. Consequently, in this recipe, we will use Salvadoran coffee and prepare it in the traditional Mexican way.
Mexican Roots and Memories
The aroma and flavors of cinnamon, coffee, and piloncillo can make almost any Latin person nostalgic. For instance, it personally reminds me of coffee time in my Nana’s home. She always had a mug of coffee ready for any visitor. Even as a child, my elders would allow me to have a sip. Additionally, I recall the large parties we would have. Family reunions occurred almost monthly, with a birthday or holiday serving as an excuse to gather. At the end of the night, the matriarchs would serve coffee, to warm up the majority of us, and to sober up others. Certainly, cafe de olla is a signature beverage of my culture and upbringing. It goes without saying that this recipe brings me back to my childhood.
Salvadoran Culture and Coffee
El Salvador boasts rich volcanic soil that deeply nourishes coffee plants, allowing for flavorful and aromatic coffee. The fertile soil had a chance to rest during the civil war, and now Salvadoran coffee is booming. Every time I go back to visit, my relatives greet me with bags of Salvadoran coffee, because they know how much I love it. The great news is that now it has become easier to access here in the states. I buy bags from cafe juayua at a local coffee shop. Or, I buy coffee online from Don Leo coffee company. I am so grateful to these stores because due to the pandemic, I have not had the opportunity to visit El Salvador as I have in the past.
SalviMex Café de Olla Recipe
To make cafe de Olla, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons ground Salvadorian coffee. I like Don Leo.
- 1 small piloncillo.
- 1 cinnamon stick.
- 4 cups water.
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, you can put the drink together. Firstly, put a small pan on medium heat. Secondly, add the cinnamon stick and piloncillo. Then, bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the coffee. Next, stir constantly to integrate the coffee and cinnamon. Then, stir until the piloncillo completely melts. Finally, enjoy in a large mug with your favorite pan dulce!
In conclusion, what do you all think of this SalviMex cafe de olla recipe? Do you like coffee? Have you tried Salvadoran coffee? What is your favorite way to enjoy coffee? Let us know in the comments. Finally, if you liked this recipe, then check out my blog and my book for authentic SalviMex recipes with a modern (and sometimes healthy) twist.
SalviMex cafe de olla
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground Salvadorian coffee. I like Don Leo.
- 1 small piloncillo.
- 1 cinnamon stick.
- 4 cups water.
Instructions
- Put a small pan on medium heat.
- Add the cinnamon stick and piloncillo.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, add the coffee.
- Stir constantly to integrate the coffee and cinnamon.
- Stir until the piloncillo completely melts.
- Enjoy in a large mug with your favorite pan dulce!
Notes

Herencia Cookbook is currently available for sale on Amazon.