The Rich History Behind Café de Olla—and Why It’s Perfect for the Southwest

At Zona Coffee Company, our most popular drink on the coffee cart is the Café de Olla—a spiced, soul-warming brew that’s as vibrant and bold as the desert sun. As we prepare to launch our version of Café de Olla, we want to share the story behind this beloved drink, the meaning of its name, and why it fits so perfectly with our Arizona and Southwest roots.

What “Café de Olla” Really Means

The phrase Café de Olla translates directly to “coffee from the pot.” The “olla” is a traditional Mexican clay pot, prized for the way it gently distributes heat and imparts an earthy, slightly mineral flavor. This method dates back to the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century, when soldiers and camp cooks would brew coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) in these clay pots to keep spirits high on cold desert nights. The technique and its distinctive taste became a cherished tradition passed down through generations.

A Southwest Legacy

Arizona shares deep cultural ties with Mexico and the broader Southwest. For centuries, flavors, stories, and craftsmanship have flowed across this region’s deserts and mountains. Café de Olla is more than a recipe—it’s a bridge between cultures and histories. Its warm cinnamon aroma and rich sweetness evoke the mesas, missions, and marketplaces that define Southwestern heritage.

How Zona Coffee Carries This Tradition Forward

As a Southwest-branded business, we honor those roots. Our Café de Olla is brewed with care, using a balanced blend of premium coffee, piloncillo, and warm spices. We’ve adapted the traditional method for modern convenience without losing the authentic flavors. Whether it’s served steaming hot from one of our carts or as an easy single-serve packet you can brew at home, it’s a sip of the Southwest in every cup.

We don’t just make coffee—we tell stories through flavor. Every product we create, from small-batch roasts to specialty drinks, is inspired by the land, the culture, and the people who’ve shaped Arizona and its neighboring regions. Launching our single-serve Café de Olla is another step in sharing those stories far and wide.

Why You’ll Love the New Single-Serve Option

With our new single-serve packets, you can enjoy authentic Café de Olla anywhere: on a hike through the Superstitions, at a tailgate before the big game, or in your own kitchen on a busy weekday morning. It’s quick, portable, and still brimming with the earthy sweetness and cinnamon spice that make this drink unforgettable.

Coming soon: Look for our single-serve Café de Olla on the carts and online. One sip, and you’ll taste the desert’s history, culture, and warmth—brought to you by a proudly Arizona-rooted, Southwest-branded coffee company.