Cafe de Olla Eggnog
This is a sponsored recipe by Real California Milk. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this website possible.
Café de Olla Eggnog: A Creamy Twist on a Holiday Classic
Eggnog is often the drink that signals the start of the holiday season, with its creamy texture, warm spices, and indulgent sweetness. But if you think you know eggnog, think again. This Café de Olla Eggnog takes the classic treat to a whole new level. By blending traditional eggnog with the rich, aromatic flavors of café de olla: cinnamon, piloncillo, and orange peel, this recipe offers a cozy, festive beverage that’s both comforting and sophisticated. And because it’s made with Real California Milk products, you can taste the quality and care in every sip, thanks to milk sourced from family-owned California dairy farms.
Related Recipe: Cafe de Olla Affogato
Café de olla itself is a traditional Mexican coffee preparation that dates back to the 18th century. Typically brewed in a clay pot, it combines strong coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo, sometimes spiced with cloves or star anise. The flavors are warm, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. Making it an ideal companion for eggnog, which is already rich and creamy. By marrying these two beloved drinks, you get a beverage that is not only indulgent but also full of cultural depth.
Why Real California Milk Products Make a Difference
The creaminess of eggnog is largely defined by the quality of the milk and cream used. Using Real California milk and cream ensures a velvety texture and naturally rich flavor. Whether it’s whole milk or heavy cream, the dairy in this recipe comes from family-owned farms dedicated to sustainable practices and high-quality care for their cows. This attention to detail means that your Café de Olla Eggnog will have a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with standard ready-made supermarket brands. If you’re curious about what to look for in the dairy aisle, simply search for the Real California seal. It’s a mark of quality you can trust.
While this recipe calls for whole milk and heavy cream, you can experiment with variations. For example, half-and-half could be used for a slightly lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich. For those who prefer a lower-fat option, 2% milk could substitute for whole milk, though the texture may be a touch less creamy. Just be sure to stick with Real California dairy products for the best flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this eggnog truly shine.
A Festive, Flavorful Twist
This Café de Olla Eggnog isn’t just a holiday drink. It’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and quality ingredients. By using Real California milk products, you’re bringing a piece of the Golden State into your kitchen, ensuring that each sip is creamy, balanced, and made with care. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, gifting it in a jar to friends, or simply indulging in a quiet moment by yourself, this eggnog is a luxurious treat that elevates any occasion.
Ingredient Variations
- Spices: While cinnamon and piloncillo are traditional, you could also add a hint of nutmeg or star anise for a more complex flavor.
- Coffee: If instant coffee isn’t your style, strong brewed espresso or drip coffee can work beautifully. Adjust the strength to your taste.
- Sweeteners: Piloncillo can be substituted with dark brown sugar or demerara sugar if needed, though the unique molasses notes of piloncillo are part of the charm.
- Alcohol: Spiced rum is optional, but a dash of bourbon or brandy can also add warmth to the drink.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- Café de Olla Eggnog can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the eggnog base and the café de olla separate until just before serving to maintain the bright, fresh flavors of the coffee and spices. When ready to serve, gently stir the two together, pour over a glass, and add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few coffee beans on top for a festive presentation.
- This eggnog is ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or cozy nights by the fireplace. Serve it in small, heatproof glasses or mugs if serving hot to highlight its rich color and creamy texture. You can also serve it chilled or over ice. Pair it with sweet breads, pan dulce, or even chocolate-dipped biscotti to elevate your serving experience.
FAQs
Absolutely! The eggnog base can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator, and combine it with the café de olla just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Nope! The spiced rum is completely optional. This drink is just as comforting and delicious served alcohol-free, making it kid-friendly and inclusive for all guests.
Next time you want a holiday beverage that’s familiar yet refreshingly different, consider reaching for Café de Olla Eggnog. It’s rich, spiced, and comforting—the perfect way to toast the season. And remember, when shopping in the dairy section, look for the Real California seal to bring home the best of California dairy. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.
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Cafe de Olla Eggnog
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours to overnight
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: serves 6
Description
You’ve never had eggnog like this before! This Café de Olla Eggnog combines the richness of traditional eggnog with the warm, spiced notes of café de olla with cinnamon, piloncillo, and orange peel. It’s creamy, balanced, and full of comforting flavor.
I like to make it with Real California products made with milk sourced from family-owned California dairy farms, so every sip is made with quality you can taste. Chill it, stir in homemade café de olla, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few coffee beans for a cozy, flavorful touch. Rum optional.
When you’re shopping in the dairy section, look for the Real California seal and bring home the best from California.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Real California Whole Milk
- 1 cup Real California Heavy Cream
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
- 1 (4-inch) cinnamon stick
- 4 ounces piloncillo cone
- 1 (2-inch) orange peel
- ¼ cup instant coffee granules
- spiced rum (optional)
- ground cinnamon for garnish
- coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Combine milk and cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat until mixture begins to steam. Decrease heat to low.
- In a separate bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk until combined and smooth; about 30 seconds. Slowly, add 1 cup of the hot milk/cream mixture. Whisk slowly until combined. Pour mixture back to the saucepan and increase heat to medium and continue to heat until mixture reaches 165°F. Do not boil. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, and let cool completely. Then refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Combine water, cinnamon stick, piloncillo and orange peel in a medium saucepan or clay pot over medium heat. Stir until piloncillo dissolves. Stir in coffee and let simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let steep until cold.
- Serve eggnog in glasses then add café de olla. Add spiced rum if desired. Garnish with ground cinnamon and a few coffee beans.
