Authentic Mexican Coffee Recipes You Can Make at Home

Mexico’s coffee culture is as rich and complex as the brews themselves. From bustling cafés in Mexico City to quiet, family-run coffee shops in Veracruz, every region has its own traditions, techniques, and signature flavors. While Mexican coffee is known for its bold flavors and unique ingredients, what truly sets it apart is its deep connection to heritage and community.

In this post, we’re diving into six must-try Mexican coffee recipes, each offering a distinct taste of Mexico’s coffee tradition. Whether you love spiced coffee, creamy espresso drinks, or refreshing iced blends, these recipes will bring the flavors of Mexico right to your home.

What to Expect in This Guide

• Authentic Mexican flavors – Traditional ingredients like cinnamon, piloncillo, and Mexican chocolate define these drinks.
• Easy-to-follow recipes – Simple, step-by-step instructions to recreate these drinks at home.
• A mix of traditional & modern drinks – From historic Café de Olla to trendy Espresso Tonic, there’s something for everyone.

Each recipe highlights a different side of Mexican coffee culture, whether it’s a centuries-old brewing method or a modern café favorite. Ready to explore? Let’s start brewing!

1. Café de Olla – Traditional Mexican Spiced Coffee

Café de Olla is one of Mexico’s most iconic coffee drinks, deeply rooted in tradition and history. Its name, which translates to “coffee from the pot”, refers to the clay pot (olla de barro) traditionally used to brew it. This aromatic spiced coffee dates back to the Mexican Revolution, when soldiers were served this warming drink to boost their energy during battle.

Unlike regular brewed coffee, Café de Olla is infused with piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) and cinnamon, giving it a deep, caramelized sweetness and a warm, spiced aroma. Some variations also include cloves, star anise, or even orange peel, making it a unique and flavorful coffee experience.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons ground Mexican coffee (medium or dark roast)
• 2 ounces piloncillo (or substitute with dark brown sugar)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Optional: 1 clove, 1 star anise, or a small strip of orange peel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the water: In a clay pot (or a regular saucepan), bring the water to a boil.
2. Add piloncillo and cinnamon: Stir in the piloncillo (or brown sugar) and cinnamon stick, allowing them to dissolve.
3. Infuse with spices: If using cloves, star anise, or orange peel, add them now and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to extract the flavors.
4. Add the coffee: Once the water is fragrant, add the ground coffee, stir, and remove from heat immediately.
5. Let it steep: Cover and let it steep for 5 minutes to develop its rich flavor.
6. Strain and serve: Use a fine-mesh strainer to pour the coffee into cups, ensuring no grounds remain.
7. Enjoy: Serve hot, traditionally in a clay mug (jarrito) to enhance the earthy flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Make it stronger: Use a darker roast coffee or let it steep an extra minute.
• Add a chocolate twist: Some versions include a small piece of Mexican chocolate for extra richness.
• Iced Café de Olla: Let the coffee cool and serve over ice for a refreshing summer version.

Café de Olla captures the heart of Mexico’s coffee culture, but for those who prefer a smoother, milk-based drink, Espresso con Leche is a simple yet indulgent favorite.

2. Espresso con Leche – The Classic Creamy Coffee

Espresso con Leche is Mexico’s take on a classic espresso-based drink, offering a smooth, well-balanced blend of bold coffee and steamed milk. This drink is popular in cafés across Mexico, often enjoyed as a morning staple or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Similar to a café au lait or a cortado, Espresso con Leche strikes the perfect balance between strong coffee and creamy texture. While some variations use equal parts espresso and milk, the traditional version in Mexico leans toward a stronger espresso flavor, making it a favorite among those who appreciate rich, full-bodied coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
• ½ cup steamed milk
• Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew the espresso: Use an espresso machine, stovetop moka pot, or French press to prepare a strong, concentrated coffee base.
2. Steam the milk: Heat the milk until it is hot but not boiling, then froth it slightly for a velvety texture. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can heat the milk and whisk it vigorously.
3. Combine the coffee and milk: Pour the hot espresso into a cup, then slowly add the steamed milk.
4. Adjust the ratio to taste: Some prefer a stronger coffee flavor, while others like it creamier—adjust the espresso-to-milk ratio as needed.
5. Optional touch: Sprinkle with cinnamon or add a tiny drizzle of honey for a hint of natural sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger version: Use less milk and more espresso for an intense coffee-forward flavor.
• For a frothier texture: Whisk the milk more vigorously or use a steam wand for a café-style foam topping.
• Iced Espresso con Leche: Brew the espresso, let it cool, then pour over ice before adding cold frothed milk.

While Espresso con Leche is rich, warm, and comforting, Cold Brew with Housemade Oat Milk offers a smooth, dairy-free alternative perfect for those who love a lighter, chilled coffee option.

3. Cold Brew with Housemade Oat Milk – A Modern Twist

Cold brew has become a staple in specialty coffee culture, and in Mexico, it’s no different. While traditional Mexican coffee drinks like Café de Olla and Espresso con Leche have been around for decades, cold brew is a newer addition to the scene, loved for its smooth, low-acid profile and refreshing taste.

This version takes it one step further by pairing bold, slow-brewed coffee with creamy, homemade oat milk. The result is a naturally sweet, velvety coffee experience that’s dairy-free, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients

For the Cold Brew

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (medium or dark roast)
• 4 cups cold, filtered water
• Ice for serving

For the Housemade Oat Milk

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cold Brew

1. Combine coffee and water: In a large jar or French press, mix the coarsely ground coffee with cold water.
2. Steep overnight: Cover and let it steep in the fridge for 12–18 hours for a rich, smooth flavor.
3. Strain: Use a fine-mesh strainer or a coffee filter to remove the grounds, leaving you with a concentrated cold brew.

Making the Housemade Oat Milk

1. Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine rolled oats, water, vanilla extract, sweetener (if using), and salt. Blend for about 30 seconds—avoid over-blending to prevent a gummy texture.
2. Strain the oat milk: Pour through a nut milk bag or fine-mesh strainer, discarding the leftover oat pulp.
3. Chill before serving: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Assembling the Drink

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the cold brew, filling the glass about ¾ full.
3. Top with oat milk, stirring gently to create a smooth, creamy blend.
4. Enjoy as is, or drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• Stronger coffee? Use a higher coffee-to-water ratio or dilute the concentrate less.
• Sweeter oat milk? Add a date or a splash of agave syrup when blending.
• Iced Cold Brew Latte? Froth the oat milk slightly before adding it to the cold brew for a creamy latte feel.

Cold Brew with Housemade Oat Milk offers a smooth, mellow coffee experience, but for those who love something bold, bubbly, and refreshing, Espresso Tonic is the perfect twist.

4. Espresso Tonic – A Refreshing, Bold Coffee Cocktail

Espresso Tonic is a bold, refreshing coffee cocktail that has gained popularity in specialty cafés around the world, including Mexico. This drink pairs rich, concentrated espresso with crisp, bubbly tonic water, creating a unique balance of bitterness, citrusy brightness, and refreshing effervescence.

Though it may sound unconventional, the contrast of deep espresso and the light, zesty fizz of tonic water makes this drink a favorite for warm afternoons or as a pick-me-up with a twist.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
• ½ cup tonic water (preferably premium tonic with citrus notes)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: A twist of lime or orange peel for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice: A tall glass works best to showcase the layered effect.
2. Pour in the tonic water: Slowly add the tonic first to maintain its fizz.
3. Brew the espresso: Pull a fresh shot of espresso (or use strong brewed coffee).
4. Gently pour the espresso over the tonic: This creates the signature layered effect, with the coffee floating above the tonic before slowly mixing.
5. Garnish and serve: Add a lime or orange peel twist to enhance the citrus notes.
6. Stir slightly before drinking: Enjoy the contrast of bold espresso and sparkling tonic in every sip.

Tips & Variations

• For a less bitter taste: Add a small drizzle of simple syrup or agave to balance out the flavors.
• Try different tonics: Experiment with flavored tonics like grapefruit, elderflower, or cucumber to change the flavor profile.
• Make it boozy: Add a splash of gin or vodka for an evening coffee cocktail.

Espresso Tonic is a bright and invigorating coffee drink, but if you’re looking for something stronger and smoother with a boozy kick, then Carajillo is the perfect choice.

5. Carajillo – The Perfect Coffee Cocktail

Carajillo is one of Mexico’s most popular coffee cocktails, offering the perfect balance of rich espresso and sweet, aromatic Licor 43. This smooth, slightly boozy drink is often enjoyed as a post-dinner digestif, but it’s just as satisfying as an afternoon indulgence.

Though Carajillo originated in Spain, Mexico has made it its own, with many upscale cafés and restaurants serving their own variations. Whether served hot or shaken over ice, this cocktail delivers vanilla, citrus, and warm spice notes, creating an effortlessly sophisticated coffee experience.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
• 1 ½ ounces Licor 43 (a Spanish vanilla-citrus liqueur)
• Ice cubes (for shaken version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Classic Hot Carajillo

1. Brew the espresso: Pull a fresh shot of espresso or prepare strong brewed coffee.
2. Pour the Licor 43 into a heatproof glass: The liqueur’s vanilla and citrus notes complement the espresso beautifully.
3. Add the espresso: Stir gently to combine.
4. Enjoy immediately: Traditionally served without ice, allowing the bold coffee and sweet liqueur to shine.

Iced Shaken Carajillo (Carajillo 43) – A Modern Twist

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Licor 43 and freshly brewed espresso.
3. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to create a frothy, chilled texture.
4. Strain into a glass over fresh ice and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Make it stronger: Add a splash of brandy or dark rum for a bolder kick.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra depth.
• Try a dairy version: Add a splash of cream for a smooth, velvety Carajillo variation.

Carajillo is a smooth, spirited coffee drink, but Café Lechero brings something just as traditional yet entirely different—a theatrical, milk-based coffee experience from Veracruz.

6. Café Lechero – A Veracruz Classic

Café Lechero is one of Mexico’s most iconic coffee traditions, particularly in the port city of Veracruz, where it has been served in cafés for generations. This drink is not just about flavor—it’s about experience.

At traditional Café La Parroquia, one of Veracruz’s most famous coffee spots, customers tap their glasses with a spoon to signal the waiter. In response, the waiter dramatically pours steaming hot milk from a great height into the glass of coffee, creating a frothy, creamy blend that is as satisfying to watch as it is to drink.

Ingredients

• ½ cup strong brewed coffee (traditionally a dark roast)
• ½ cup steamed milk
• Optional: A touch of sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew the coffee: Prepare a strong, dark-roasted coffee using a French press, moka pot, or drip coffee maker.
2. Steam the milk: Heat the milk until it is hot but not boiling. If you have a frother, create a light foam.
3. Pour the coffee into a tall glass: Leave room for the milk to be added.
4. Add the steamed milk in one dramatic pour: The traditional method is to pour the milk from a height, creating a frothy, blended texture.
5. Stir and enjoy: Add sugar or cinnamon if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor: Use evaporated milk instead of regular milk for a creamier version.
• Iced Café Lechero: Prepare the coffee, let it cool, then serve over ice with chilled milk for a summer version.
• Make it stronger: Adjust the coffee-to-milk ratio if you prefer a bolder coffee taste.

Final Thoughts

From the spiced richness of Café de Olla to the smooth indulgence of Carajillo, Mexico’s coffee culture is diverse, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you enjoy strong espresso-based drinks or comforting, milk-infused brews, these six authentic Mexican coffee recipes bring the best of Mexico’s café culture straight to your home.

Want to explore Mexico City’s vibrant specialty coffee scene? Check out our guide to Mexico City’s best specialty coffee shops.

Which recipe are you excited to try first? Do you have a favorite Mexican coffee drink that isn’t on this list? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk coffee!

And if you want to save these recipes for later, don’t forget to pin this post to your Pinterest coffee board!