Buddy happens upon a NYC shop that claims to have the "World's Best Cup of Coffee" and excitedly congratulates the staff about it in what classic Christmas movie?

There’s something about coffee in winter that just feels different.

Same beans. Same routine. Yet somehow, each sip seems richer and more comforting than usual.

Have you ever noticed that your everyday coffee tastes better in the winter?

Nothing about the coffee has changed… but something else has.

There’s more happening in your mug than you might think, shaped by the season itself and the way winter subtly changes how we experience flavor, warmth, and routine.

This week’s Coffee Lovers Digest featured article explores why coffee seems to change during the holidays...and why December brings out something special in every cup.

Mexican Spiced Coffee (aka: Café de Olla)

Our recipe this week is in honor of the nine-day Mexican celebration called Las Posadas, which is held from December 16 to 24..

This cherished religious and cultural observance reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging on their journey to Bethlehem.

This warm, bold, and gently spiced Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and sweetened with piloncillo, a  raw, unrefined cane sugar.

It’s bold without being overpowering, which makes it the perfect coffee drink for chilly mornings, festive afternoons, or Christmas brunch.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

2–3 Tablespoons piloncillo, grated (or dark brown sugar, to taste)

½ teaspoon ground cloves or 2 whole cloves

1 star anise pod  (optional)

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

¾ cup coarsely ground coffee (medium to medium-dark roast works best) - I recommend CLM Signature Blend

Optional: small strip of orange peel for garnish

Instructions

In a medium saucepan or clay olla de barro pot...

•  Add water, piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, cloves, a star anise pod, and nutmeg (if using)

•  Stir often until the piloncillo completely dissolves and the water comes to a boil

• Remove from heat and add the ground coffee. (Do not boil the coffee or it will taste bitter.) 

• Stir to combine

• Cover and let steep. (Let the coffee steep for 6 minutes for regular-strength coffee or 8 minutes for extra-strength strength coffee.)

• Strain through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter into mugs.

• Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

• Serve hot and enjoy slowly.

Optional Variations

•  Orange-Spiced: Add a small strip of orange peel while boiling the water

•  Smoother Spice: Use whole cloves instead of ground

•  Creamy: Add a splash of milk or heavy whipping cream after straining

•  Extra Cozy: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top before serving

Café de Olla is bold, comforting, and deeply aromatic. The warm spices shine in winter, making this the perfect example of how rich flavors come alive during the colder months. Enjoy! ☕

Setting the Scene for Winter Coffee Moments
& Holiday Celebrations 

There’s something special about slowing down and enjoying coffee the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Warm mugs. Shared moments. A table set with care.

This week’s Mexican Spiced Coffee (Café de Olla) is traditionally brewed and served in simple, beautiful vessels that invite you to linger.

Hand-painted stoneware mugs, like the Laurie Gates Tierra 4-Piece Mosaic Hand-Painted Stoneware Mug Set or the Tierra Tile 4-Piece Hand-Painted Stoneware Mug Set, adds warmth and character to the ritual, whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a quiet moment for yourself

Paired with a serving piece like the Laurie Gates Hand-Painted Tierra Stoneware Serving Platter, these pieces make it easy to turn coffee into an experience.

Cinnamon sticks, cookies, or sweet breads feel right at home when presented on colorful, artisan-inspired stoneware.

It’s not about matching sets or perfect tablescapes.

It’s about choosing pieces that feel inviting, hold warmth well, and turn an everyday cup of coffee into a small moment worth savoring.

Sometimes the simplest details make the experience feel so complete and inviting.

Word Search Challenge

Christmas Word Search Challenge (Printable)

👉 Click here to play the Christmas Word Search Puzzle

Grab your favorite holiday mug and enjoy this fun Christmas challenge!

Answer Key - Click Here

Elf

Happy Chanukkah & Happy Brewing! ☕