How to Make Cubano Coffee / Cafecito for Starters (Recipe)

Cubano coffee, also known as cafecito, café Cubano, Cuban coffee, or Cuban espresso, is a sweet and rich treat that packs a strong punch. You can drink this beverage after your dinner instead of dessert—yes, it’s that good! But don’t limit yourself; enjoy it any time, whether you’re eating or not.

Making this coffee is simpler and effortless, but there’s a cool trick to getting it just right. It’s all about creating the espuma, a creamy foam that sits on top and makes your coffee taste heavenly. And the best part is that you don’t need those fancy espresso machines. All you need is a simple stovetop moka pot and a whisk.

How to Make Cubano Coffee

So, I am sharing one of my personal favorite coffee recipes to refresh your coffee routine without the heavy jargon or the need for pricey gear. So you can enjoy this unique, delightful experience of making your coffee at home.

How to Make Espumita on Café Cubano?

The best part of Cuban coffee is the creamy sugar foam, called espuma or espumita. You make it by mixing sugar and a little coffee until it’s thick and foamy. There are a few secrets to getting the whipping sugar just right, and for that, you don’t even need to put in extra practice. Just follow these simple tips:

• First, keep an eye on your coffee pot. Use the first bit of coffee that is brewed. It’s super strong and perfect for mixing with sugar to make a thick foam.
• Then, stir the mix for a few minutes until it’s just how you like it.

You’ll need to be patient and put in some effort, but the coffee you get in the end is totally worth it.

What to Choose: Brown Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar

I like using white sugar best. In my opinion, if you choose brown sugar, your foam might be thicker and taste a bit more sweeter because of the molasses in it.

But really, it’s your call! Whichever sugar you go for, I’m sure you’ll end up with something yummy. So, enjoy experimenting to make your perfect sweet masterpiece!

Serving of Cuban Coffee

When you’re grabbing your Café cubano from a Cuban restaurants or a cafe and ask for a “colada,” you’re in for a treat. They’ll hand you a small, 4-ounce paper or styrofoam cup.

Alongside it, you’ll receive tiny plastic cups, each can hold a tiny bit less than a full ounce of coffee. You’ll get 5 or 6 of these little cups, perfect for sharing with friends. To make your coffee moment even sweeter, you can pair it with a delicious cake or fudge pastries.

If you’re sitting down in a restaurant or enjoying a coffee at someone’s home, you’ll likely sip your Cuban coffee from a small, ceramic espresso cup.

These espresso cups are a bit bigger, holding about 2 to 3 ounces of coffee. This way of serving Cuban coffee adds a touch of warmth and hospitality to the experience.

Types of Cuban Coffee

There are three different kinds of Cuban coffee, all starting with espresso.

#1 Colada

Colada is the Cuban take on espresso. It’s got this sweet, foamy layer on top made by mixing a little espresso with sugar. Coladas are made to be shared with others.

When you serve it, you use tiny cups called “tacitas” so everyone can have a taste. Sharing a colada with friends, family, or even coworkers is a big deal, especially in places like Miami. It could be at work or even while getting your nails done. It’s one of those special traditions that bring everyone together.

In Cuban culture, the colada stands for the love of strong coffee and the joy of being together. It’s not just about enjoying a coffee; it’s about sharing a moment with people around you.

#2 Cortadito

Imagine mixing strong espresso with just a little bit of steamed milk and a hint of sugar. That’s what a cortadito is. The name “cortadito” comes from a Spanish word meaning “cut” or “shortened.” It’s like the espresso is “cut” with a bit of milk to make it less strong.

If you like your coffee strong but also smooth and a bit sweet, a cortadito is perfect for you. It’s like a smaller, sweeter version of a cafe con leche, another popular coffee drink. So, it’s a great choice if you want a little taste of something strong and sweet.

#3 Cafe Con Leche

Cuban café con leche is a famous coffee drink from Cuba, meaning “coffee with milk.” It’s a morning favorite in many Cuban homes, mixing strong coffee with warm milk to create a smooth drink.

You usually enjoy this coffee in a mug, adding milk. It’s perfect for breakfast, great with buttered toast or Cuban sweets. It’s even tastier when you dip your pastry into the coffee!

After enjoying your Cuban coffee, why not try my another favorite recipe for Cowboy Style Coffee? Sounds unique and iconic? Yes, it is, but it is incredibly fun to make and tastes flavorful.

Cuban Coffee Brands

If you’re looking for good Cuban coffee, two brands stand out:

First is La Llave Cubano. It’s a dark roast coffee with a strong and bold taste. They mix Arabica and Robusta beans and roast them until they’re medium-dark.

Then there’s Bustelo, another famous brand. It has a rich and full flavor, made from Arabica and Robusta beans but roasted darker than La Llave Cubano.

FAQs on How to Make Cuban Coffee

How to Make Authentic Cafecito?

To make authentic Cafecito, you’ll need just three ingredients with Café Bustelo® and Ground Espresso Coffee. First, brew the coffee.

Then, in a cup, mix some of this espresso with sugar really well until it turns into a thick mixture. After that, add the rest of your cuban espresso shot to the cup. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to sip!

How Do You Make Cuban Coffee Foam?

To make Cuban coffee foam, start by taking 1 tablespoon of your first brewed espresso shot and mixing it with 2 tablespoons of sugar in your coffee mug. Vigorously beat it until you see a sugar foam, which is the color of caramel.

You don’t need to worry about too much whisking- the more you whisk, the better it gets. So, go ahead and use some elbow grease!

How Much Sugar to Put in Cuban Coffee?

Let your coffee brew. Then, take a measuring cup and add 2-4 tablespoons of sugar, depending on your taste. If you like your coffee with normal sweetness but strong, 2 tablespoons of sugar will be just right for you!

What Is the Difference Between Cafe Colada and Cafecito?

Colada is for sharing. It’s served in a big cup and comes with tiny cafecito cups for everyone to have some. On the other hand, cafecito is a small but strong coffee served in a tiny cup. You can either drink it quickly or slowly enjoy its taste.

How Is Traditional Cuban Coffee Made?

Traditionally, it’s made with a Moka pot, though you can also use an electric espresso machine. To make it special, take a little bit of the first espresso that comes out while brewing and mix it with sugar. After that, stir it quickly with a spoon until it turns into a creamy foam known as espuma or espumita.

Why Is Cafecito So Strong?

Cafecito is so strong because it’s made with a special dark cuban espresso roast. The coffee roasters or an espresso machine make it easier to get all the bold and smoky flavors out of the coffee, making it taste really strong and a bit bitter flavor.

Another reason for the cafecito strong flavor is the use of Moka Pots to brew it, which squeezes out even more of that strong coffee flavor than most other ways of making coffee, except for espresso machines.

What Is the Tradition of Coffee in Cuba?

In Cuba, coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a way to connect with friends. Whether you’re chatting at a café, inviting friends over, or visiting neighbors, sharing a strong cup of coffee is common.

Almost every home has a stove-top espresso maker, and offering coffee to guests is a friendly Cuban culture or tradition.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Cuban Cafecito?

Cuban coffee is really strong and has a lot of caffeine, kind of like the usual strong coffee shot you might have. This is because it’s made from special, dark beans that are roasted a lot.

Depending on what beans you use, how much roasted they are, and how they make the coffee, the caffeine can be a bit different each time. But usually, if you drink a small cup of Cuban coffee, you’ll get about 40-50 milligrams of caffeine as you would get from a regular strong coffee shot.

Conclusion

In wrapping up this guide to brewing your very own Cubano coffee at home, I hope you’re feeling ready and excited to taste the aromatic flavors of this rich, strong, and sweetly unique coffee. Making this coffee brings that Cuban culture or tradition right into your kitchen and allows you to share your delicious treats with friends and family.

Remember, the secret to that perfect sip of Cuban coffee lies in the espuma, the creamy, frothy layer that crowns your coffee with sweetness. As you gather your simple tools and follow the steps outlined, you can make your time to enjoy the little things in life.

So, go ahead and give this Cuban coffee recipe a try. Whether it’s to kickstart your morning with energy, as a sweet after-dinner treat, or simply to enjoy a comforting moment of pause in your day, Cubano coffee is sure to add a touch of sweetness and warmth. And remember, I am excited to hear how it goes for you. Do try my recipe for Cubano coffee and leave your feedback with me. I’d love to hear from you.