Café de Olla Syrup is a versatile, sweet concoction that brings the traditional Mexican flavors of cinnamon, piloncillo (or brown sugar), and optional spices like cloves, star anise, and orange peel to your kitchen. Perfect for enhancing coffees, teas, cocktails, and baking, this rich syrup adds a unique, spiced sweetness to any dish. Whether drizzling it over pancakes, stirring into oatmeal, glazing meats, or sweetening your favorite beverages.
Combine the piloncillo, orange peel, and spices in a medium saucepan with one cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to help the piloncillo dissolve and to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan. Once the piloncillo is fully dissolved, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the spices and the orange peel, let the syrup cool to room temperature, and store. Transfer the cooled syrup to a clean jar or bottle. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.