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Known for its bold flavor and intense caffeine kick, the traditional brew of Cuban coffee (also known as cafe Cubano) is a favorite among coffee lovers worldwide. And while it may seem intimidating to make at home, trust me when I say that with a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you too can enjoy a delicious cup of Cuban coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen.
How to Make Cuban Coffee: The Quick Answer
If you’re looking to make this drink we have just the recipe for you. Just grab a cafetera, and add water and ground coffee to it before placing it on a stovetop. Once it’s been heated up, add some milk and sugar, and you’re there!
The Recipe for Making Great Cuban Coffee
First, let’s start with the ingredients. To make it, you’ll need:
- Freshly roasted and ground coffee beans (preferably of the “café Cubano” variety, which is specially roasted for making Cuban coffee)
- Sugar (preferably raw or turbinado)
- Milk or cream (optional)
Now, let’s get brewing!
- Start by filling the bottom chamber of your cafetera with cold water.
- Next, add the ground coffee to the filter basket and even it out softly with the back of a small spoon. Make sure not to tamp it down as this can negatively affect the coffee taste.
- Place the top chamber of the cafetera on top of the bottom chamber and screw it on tightly.
- Place the cafetera on the stove and heat over medium-high heat.
- Once the water starts to boil and the coffee begins to brew, reduce the heat to low and let it continue to brew for about 2-3 minutes.
- While the coffee is brewing, add sugar to your small cup to taste (typically, Cuban coffee is quite sweet, so feel free to add a good amount of sugar).
- Once the coffee is done brewing, carefully pour it over the sugar in the cup, using a circular motion to mix it well.
- If desired, you can add a splash of milk or cream to your coffee for a slightly smoother and creamier flavor.
- And there you have it, a perfect cup of Cuban coffee!
The key to making the best coffee is to use freshly roasted and ground coffee beans, as well as to let the coffee brew for the full 2-3 minutes to develop its bold flavor. Experiment with different amounts of sugar to find your perfect sweetness level, and enjoy your delicious brew!
What’s the Story Behind This Drink?
Now, you may be wondering about the origin of this drink and why it’s so beloved.
Cuban coffee, also known as cafecito or café Cubano, is believed to have been introduced to Cuba by Spanish immigrants in the 18th century. The traditional brewing method, using a stovetop espresso maker, was then passed down through generations and remains a staple in Cuban culture to this day.
In addition to its rich flavor, another reason for Cuban coffee’s popularity is its unique caffeine kick. The small cup size, combined with the strong brew, means that a single cup packs quite a punch.
This makes it a perfect pick-me-up in the morning, or a delicious way to satisfy your caffeine cravings any time of day.
But Cuban coffee isn’t just for drinking. It’s also often used as a base for other popular coffee drinks in Cuban cuisine. For example, a cortadito is a Cuban coffee with a splash of milk, while a cafecito con leche is a Cuban coffee with a more generous amount of milk, similar to a latte.
A colada, on the other hand, is a large batch of Cuban coffee served in a Styrofoam cup with a small cup on the side, which is meant to be shared among friends.
What Variations Can You Try?
And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are also plenty of delicious variations on the traditional recipe that you can try at home.
For example, you can add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to your coffee for a spicy or sweet twist.
Or, for a refreshing summer treat, try making a Cuban coffee granita. Just simply pour your brewed coffee into a shallow dish and freeze it, then scrape it with a fork to create a granita consistency. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Another great thing about Cuban coffee is that it pairs well with a variety of sweet treats. Try enjoying your Cuban coffee with a traditional Cuban pastelito (a small pastry filled with guava or cream cheese) or a slice of tres leches cake for a truly indulgent experience.
How To Make Cuban Coffee
Equipment
- 1 Stove-top espresso maker (also known as a “cafetera”)
- 1 Classic silver bell creamer cup or any measuring cup
- 1 Small spoon
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Freshly roasted and ground coffee beans (preferably of the "café Cubano" variety, which is specially roasted for making Cuban coffee)
- 4 tbsp Sugar (preferably raw or turbinado)
- ½ cup Milk or cream (optional)
Instructions
- Start by filling the bottom chamber of your cafetera with cold water.
- Next, add the ground coffee to the filter basket and even it out softly with the back of a small spoon. Make sure not to tamp it down as this can negatively affect the coffee taste.
- Place the top chamber of the cafetera on top of the bottom chamber and screw it on tightly.
- Place the cafetera on the stove and heat over medium-high heat.
- Once the water starts to boil and the coffee begins to brew, reduce the heat to low and let it continue to brew for about 2-3 minutes.
- While the coffee is brewing, add sugar to your small cup to taste (typically, Cuban coffee is quite sweet, so feel free to add a good amount of sugar).
- Once the coffee is done brewing, carefully pour it over the sugar in the cup, using a circular motion to mix it well.
- If desired, you can add a splash of milk or cream to your Cuban coffee for a slightly smoother and creamier flavor.
- And there you have it, a perfect cup of Cuban coffee!
Try It Out For Yourself
So why not give Cuban coffee a try the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and bold brew? Whether you’re a caffeine enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Cuban coffee is a tasty and unique way to enjoy your daily cup of joe.
And if you enjoyed this, make sure to check out our Spanish coffee recipe for a similar-tasting, late-evening drink that you can enjoy!