Café con Panela
A traditional Colombian coffee sweetened with panela, offering a complex, rustic flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups (approximately 950 ml) Water
- 100g (about 1/2 cup packed, or 1/4 of a standard block) Panela
- 4 tablespoons (about 20-24g) Finely ground Colombian coffee
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the panela syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and panela. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the panela has completely dissolved. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The liquid will become a rich caramel color and slightly syrupy. Do not boil vigorously.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Brew the coffee: Once the panela is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the finely ground coffee directly into the hot panela-water mixture. Stir gently to ensure all coffee grounds are submerged.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Simmer and steep: Reduce the heat to low and let the coffee steep for about 4-5 minutes. Do not let it come to a rolling boil, as this can make the coffee bitter. The aroma of coffee will become prominent.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Strain and serve: Carefully strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into individual mugs or a serving carafe to remove the coffee grounds. Serve immediately while hot.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Panela provides a unique molasses-like sweetness and depth of flavor that granulated sugar cannot replicate.
- ✓Adjust the amount of panela to your personal preference for sweetness.
- ✓For a stronger coffee flavor, use slightly more coffee grounds or a finer grind.
- ✓The rustic nature of this drink means some fine sediment might remain, which is traditional.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of milk or cream for a richer, creamier version.
- For a bolder taste, use a darker roast coffee.
- A pinch of cinnamon or a clove can be added during the steeping process for added spice.