Mexican Coffee – A Beautiful Mess

This is my take on a Starbucks copycat version of Mexican coffee. If you’ve never had it before, it’s a super flavorful, slightly spicy, chocolatley coffee drink topped with whipped cream. While it’s not quite as creamy and sweet as a mocha, it’s not far off.

Traditional Mexican coffee, or Café de Olla, is made with coffee, cinnamon and raw dark sugar (find a great recipe here). You can also make a Mexican coffee cocktail that includes coffee liqueur and tequila. But this version is alcohol-free and more on the chocolate side. This Mexican coffee recipe is great for an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweeter morning coffee drink.

Related: Next, try Whipped Dalgona Coffee, Café Au Lait or Café Con Leche.

Ingredients

• Coffee
• Brown sugar
• Cocoa
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne
• Milk
• Whipped cream – optional

Directions

First brew 6 ounces of hot coffee. You can do this by using any coffee brewing method you prefer. Learn to make chemex coffee, French press, or Aeropress here.

Mix together the brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, cayenne and milk. The goal is to dissolve the sugar and fully incorporate the other ingredients so no lumps remain. I think adding all the ingredients to a jar with a lid and shaking well works great, or you could use a small whisk or milk frothing wand.

Pour the spiced milk into a mug. Then pour the hot coffee in. Top with whipped cream if using.

Tips & Substitutions

• Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spices of this recipe to your liking.
• You can use any kind of milk, including milk alternatives like oat milk.
• Learn how to make whipped cream at home.
• If you like/need, you can use decaf coffee for this recipe as well.

Serving Suggestions

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat along with their coffee drink? Try these: