Mexican coffee is renowned throughout the world for its full bodied sweet flavour and aroma, making it a great choice for coffee lovers everywhere. But what about drinking coffee in Mexico itself? Is it as common as it is elsewhere? And can you actually drink it in Mexico?
Well, it turns out that Mexico is actually one of the top-producing countries of coffee in the world, producing over 10 million bags of coffee a year. That would suggest that the country loves its coffee, and drinking it would be a given.
And it is. Coffee is extremely popular in Mexico, and some may say even more so than in other parts of the world. It is almost ubiquitous throughout Mexico, with little cafés and coffee shops on virtually every street corner. It is very easy to get a cup of coffee anywhere you go in Mexico and it is amazingly cheap too – you can usually get a cup of coffee for around 10 pesos!
But what makes Mexican coffee so special? Well, the coffee beans used in Mexico are of a very high quality and are often grown in some of the most ideal places in the world. The climate, soil and growing conditions combine to produce some of the best coffee beans in the world, with each having its own unique flavour and characteristics.
In addition to the quality of the coffee beans, the people in Mexico have their own unique way of preparing coffee. This is known as the cafecito, which is a method of brewing the coffee for a longer time at lower temperatures to achieve a stronger and richer taste. This is perfectly suited to the Mexican coffee beans, highlighting their sweet flavour and aroma and making the coffee even more enjoyable.
So, if you’re looking to take a break from your daily grind and enjoy some of the best coffee in the world, then Mexico is the place to be. There you will find a wealth of delicious coffee options to choose from, ranging from the strong cajeta to the sweet cafecitos. So why not grab a cup of coffee and explore what Mexico has to offer!
Types of Mexican Coffee
Mexican coffee is renowned for its diversity and flavour, ranging from the softer and smoother cajeta to the intense cafecito. There are a variety of coffee types available in Mexico, which can be broken down into four main categories: filter coffee, espresso-based coffee, cold coffee drinks, and speciality coffee drinks.
Filter coffee is probably the most common type of coffee in Mexico. These are usually given the name “café Americano”, and they are made with ground coffee brewed with hot water. The result is a full-bodied and robust cup of coffee with a strong flavour.
Espresso-based coffee is also popular in Mexico, and it is usually given the name “café con leche”. This type of coffee is made by pumping hot water through finely ground coffee, creating a more concentrated and robust cup of coffee.
Cold coffee drinks are also common in Mexico and can range from the traditional iced coffee to the more exotic cold coffee drinks such as the café con helado. These are similar to iced coffee but with added ice cream to give a more body and flavor.
Finally, there are a number of specialty coffee drinks that can be found in Mexico. These include cappuccino, café mocha, and espresso drinks. These are more complex drinks, with the beans being roasted for a longer time and then having various flavoring agents such as sugar and milk added to produce a more rounded and flavorful cup of coffee.
Where to Find the Best Coffee in Mexico
Mexico is a country that offers tremendous variety in terms of its coffee choices, which makes it a great destination to sample the best coffee the country has to offer. There are a number of great cafés, bars, and restaurants that offer some of the best Mexican coffee in the world.
One popular destination is Cafe de Olla in Mexico City. This traditional Mexican cafe specializes in serving coffees made with a special method that involves brewing the coffee with panela, a Mexican form of unrefined brown sugar. This results in a sweet and robust cup of coffee that is a definite must-try.
Barista Coffee in Oaxaca is another great place in Mexico that offers an amazing selection of coffees from all over the country. Boasting an extensive collection of unique flavours, Barista offers some of the best Mexican coffee you can find – from the light and sweet cajeta to the intense cafecito.
Lastly, you can always pick up a nice cup of Mexican coffee at any local cafe or restaurant. These establishments usually offer a selection of different coffees, and they tend to be much cheaper than the specialty cafes. So if you’re looking for an inexpensive cup of coffee, then this may be the best option for you!
How to Brew Mexican Coffee
No matter where you get your coffee from, the most important part of a good cup of coffee is the brewing process. And with Mexican coffee, the brewing process is even more important, as the flavour and aroma will really come out depending on how you brew it.
For Mexican coffee, the ideal brewing temperature is between 90 and 95°C, and it is important that the coffee is brewed for a sufficient amount of time – usually between 4-6 minutes. Chili peppers and spices can also be added to the coffee at this point, for an extra spicy kick, although this is optional.
Once the brewing is finished, the coffee should be served immediately, as sitting for too long can have a detrimental effect on the flavour of the coffee. And finally, be sure to enjoy the coffee while it’s hot, as the flavour will not survive if it’s left to cool!
Health Benefits of Mexican Coffee
Besides the amazing flavour and aroma, Mexican coffee also offers some amazing health benefits as well. The antioxidants present in Mexican coffee beans can help to protect your heart, reduce inflammation, and even lower the risk of certain types of cancer.
In addition, the caffeine content in Mexican coffee can also have beneficial effects. The caffeine can help to boost mental alertness and concentration, improve athletic performance, and reduce fatigue. It can also help to improve your mood and increase your energy levels, making you feel more energized and productive.
Overall, Mexican coffee can be an amazing and healthy addition to your diet. As long as you monitor your intake and keep it to moderate levels, then Mexican coffee can be a great way to start your day.
What is Mexican Coffee Cupping or Catación?
Cupping or Catación is the traditional Mexican tasting ritual, the national sport of coffee tasting in the country. In this ritual, the coffee is first smelled, then the flavor and aftertaste are measured. The participants in the ritual then discuss and analyze the differences provided by the coffee beans.
The participants in the ritual are referred to as cuppers, whose job is to carefully analyze the coffee beans and determine the quality, aroma, flavor and aftertaste of a particular coffee. During the ritual, the cuppers taste and evaluate the coffee by drinking about four ounces at a time and noting the differences between one coffee to the next.
Thanks to this ritual, Mexico’s coffee is among the best in the world. The ritual allows the cuppers to determine the best coffee beans and ensures that only the finest coffee makes its way to the market. It is also thanks to the ritual that Mexican coffee is known around the world for its high quality and amazing flavour.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re a coffee lover or not, Mexico is certainly the place to be if you want to enjoy some of the finest coffees in the world. From the quality of the beans to the unique method of preparation and the wide variety of flavors, there is something for everyone in Mexico when it comes to coffee.
Coffee is an important part of Mexican culture, and the country offers some of the most unique and flavorful cups of coffee available. So why not grab a cup of Mexican coffee and explore all that this amazing country has to offer!
