What ingredients do I need to make authentic Cuban coffee at home?

To make authentic Cuban coffee, you’ll need dark roast espresso coffee grounds (brands like Bustelo or Pilon are popular), granulated sugar, and water. A stovetop moka pot is essential for brewing. Additionally, you’ll need a small metal or glass container to mix the first drops of espresso with sugar, creating the signature frothy foam called espumita. Small espresso cups or demitasse cups are ideal for serving.

How do I make the frothy sugar foam (espumita) for Cuban coffee?

To make espumita, take the first few drops of hot espresso as it brews and quickly stir them into about one tablespoon of sugar in a small metal or glass container. Use a spoon to vigorously whip the mixture until it becomes thick and light brown, forming a creamy foam. This sugar foam is then mixed back into the rest of the brewed espresso to deliver the signature sweet and velvety Cuban coffee experience.

Can I make Cuban coffee with a coffee maker other than a moka pot?

While traditional Cuban coffee is brewed using a stovetop moka pot, you can use an espresso machine or Aeropress as alternatives. However, moka pot brewing is preferred because it produces the ideal pressure and flavor that characterize café cubano. If using other methods, ensure you use dark roast espresso grounds and follow the same process of whipping sugar into espumita for the authentic taste.

How does a Cuban cortadito differ from café con leche?

A Cuban cortadito is a small espresso “cut” with steamed milk and sugar, resulting in a strong but slightly sweeter coffee. A café con leche contains more steamed milk mixed into the espresso, making it creamier and milder in flavor. Both are traditional Cuban coffee drinks served hot but differ mainly in the milk-to-coffee ratio and overall strength.

What is a Cuban colada, and why is it important culturally?

A Cuban colada is a larger serving of Cuban espresso, about 4 ounces, sweetened with sugar foam (espumita) and usually served in a styrofoam cup with small plastic cups for sharing. It is a social tradition in Cuban communities, often enjoyed among friends or coworkers. The colada is meant to be shared, fostering connection and conversation, reflecting Cuban culture’s emphasis on community.

Cuban Coffee Recipe: How to Make Café Cubano at Home

Name: cuban coffee recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons finely ground espresso coffee beans (preferably Cuban-style or any dark roast); – 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (white sugar recommended; brown sugar can be used for thicker, sweeter foam); – Water (enough to fill the bottom chamber of a stovetop espresso maker up to the valve, approximately 6 ounces); – Optional: 1-2 tablespoons evaporated milk or plant-based milk for creamier texture

Description

☕ Cuban Coffee Recipe delivers a rich, bold espresso with a signature sweet, creamy foam called espumita, perfect for coffee lovers craving authentic Latin flavors.
🔥 This easy step-by-step guide helps you create café cubano at home with simple equipment and ingredients, making every cup a flavorful experience.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons finely ground espresso coffee beans (preferably Cuban-style or any dark roast)

– 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (white sugar recommended; brown sugar can be used for thicker, sweeter foam)

– Water (enough to fill the bottom chamber of a stovetop espresso maker up to the valve, approximately 6 ounces)

– Optional: 1-2 tablespoons evaporated milk or plant-based milk for creamier texture

Instructions

Gather ingredients: Finely ground espresso coffee, demerara sugar, and water. Prepare your stovetop espresso maker (moka pot), ensuring it is clean.

Fill water: Add water to the moka pot’s base just below the safety valve (around 6 ounces).

Prepare coffee: Spoon 2 tablespoons of espresso grounds into the filter basket and level without packing tightly.

Assemble and heat: Screw the top section firmly onto the base and heat on medium, ideally slightly off-center on the burner to protect the handle.

Make sugar foam: Place 4 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small mixing cup. When the first 2-3 teaspoons of coffee start to brew, pour over the sugar and whisk rapidly until a thick, frothy espuma forms.

Combine: Pour the remaining brewed coffee into the sugar foam mixture, stirring gently to keep some foam atop.

Add milk (optional): Stir in evaporated milk or plant-based milk substitute if desired.

Serve: Pour the blended coffee into small cups and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

✨ Use a dark roast coffee for the truest Cuban flavor with a bold taste.
🥄 Stir granulated sugar vigorously with the first espresso drops to create the classic creamy foam.
🔥 Brew on medium heat and avoid overheating to prevent bitter, burnt flavors.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Brewing & Mixing Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop Brewing
Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 small cup (about 2 oz)
Calories: 31 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 1 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Cuban Coffee, Café Cubano, Espresso, Cuban Beverage