Wave of mud

In Mexico, pot coffee is prepared in a clay pot. First the water is boiled with piloncillo and cinnamon, and if you want nail, orange skin or starry anis, until the sugar is dissolved. Then the fire is turned off, the coffee is added, and it is allowed to be infused before it is cooked. It's served in mud jars.

For six cups: 1.5 l of water, 90 g of piloncillo, a cinnamon branch and 45-60 g of medium-thick coffee, with 5-8 minutes of rest. The mud conserves the heat and is part of the charm.

• In favor: ritual, aroma and a very comforting cup.
• In favor: perfect for many people.
• Against: the mud is fragile and is not for induction.
• Against: some glazed bars, old or artisanal, may contain lead.

A clay pot costs €15-40. For safety, buy only lead-free mud, with a certificate or clear indication from the manufacturer, and cover it before first use as instructed.

Cheapest alternative: any pot or stainless steel bowl. You lose the touch of the mud, but the coffee comes out just as rich.