What Is And How To Make Cortadito Cuban Coffee?

A robust espresso sweetened to perfection met with a splash of steamed milk, it’s more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural experience. Have you ever wanted to savor this rich tapestry of flavors and traditions right in your kitchen? Here, you will see how to make a perfect cup of Cortadito. 

🍂 Ready for a deep dive? Explore every Cuban coffee type with us.

What is Cortadito Cuban coffee?

Cortadito Cuban coffee is a mini espresso shot topped with an equal part of warm milk. If you’re thinking this sounds a bit like a cappuccino, you’re not entirely off the mark. But I assure you, the Cortadito has a character all its own.

The Cortadito is the Cuban answer to the Italian macchiato but with an extra hit of sugar. It’s like a sweet, caffeinated kiss that wakes you up and makes your day a whole lot better.

Are there any other types of Cuban coffee along Cortadito?

Yes. Alongside the Cortadito, there are several other types of Cuban coffee:

Cafe Cubano (Cuban Espresso):

• The backbone of all Cuban coffee drinks.
• Strong, sweet shot brewed with sugar.
• Served in a tiny cup.
• Powerful enough to awaken the very tired.

Cafe Con Leche:

• Bigger version of the Cortadito.
• Full-sized coffee with Cuban espresso and steamed milk.
• Similar to a latte but sweeter.
• Cafe Con Leche is ideal for lazy mornings or late-night conversations.

💡 Discover the 2 best ways to make Cuban coffee with milk.

Colada:

• Larger serving of Cuban Espresso.
• Meant for sharing; served with small plastic demitasses.
• Symbolizes friendship and camaraderie.
• Sharing a Colada is a gesture of warmth and hospitality.

How to make Cortadito Cuban coffee with a Moka pot?

Let’s see how you can make a perfect cup of Cortadito Cuban coffee in your home:

Equipment and ingredients

• Moka pot
• Water
• Finely ground dark roast coffee
• Sugar
• Milk

Steps

Prepare the Moka pot:

• Fill the bottom chamber of your Moka pot with water up to the valve or just below.

Add coffee:

• Fill the Moka pot’s filter basket with finely ground dark roast coffee.
• Fill it to the brim, but don’t pack it too tightly to allow water passage through the grounds.

Brewing:

• Place the Moka pot on the stove.
• Heat it over medium heat.
• Wait for the water in the bottom chamber to boil.
• Allow the boiling water’s pressure to push it through the coffee grounds into the top chamber.

Preparing the sugar paste:

• Once the first bit of coffee is brewed, add it to the sugar.
• Whip the sugar and coffee together until it forms a creamy, frothy paste.

Add milk:

• Heat milk until it’s about to boil.
• Add milk to the coffee in an equal ratio.
• Add your sugar paste on the top. 

Your Cortadito Cuban coffee is ready. Now it is time to enjoy it! 

How to make Cortadito Cuban coffee with an espresso machine?

The primary difference, of course, is that you’re using an espresso machine to brew your coffee instead of a Moka pot. 

Now, let’s talk about the real game changer – the steamed milk. With an espresso machine, you’re not just heating your milk. You’re steaming it. This helps to create a richer, creamier texture that’s simply unparalleled. It adds a layer of luxury to your Cortadito that you just can’t get from boiling milk on the stove.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re using the traditional Moka pot or the modern espresso machine, the essence of the Cortadito lies in the marriage of perfectly brewed coffee and warm, steamed milk. For those who’ve never had the pleasure of tasting it, the Cortadito promises a delightful experience – a sweet, caffeinated embrace that promises to brighten your day.