How To Make Cuban Coffee Without An Espresso Maker

You might be thinking, “I don’t have an espresso machine, how can I possibly make authentic Cuban coffee?” The secret to a great Cuban coffee lies not in an expensive machine but in your skills and a trusty Moka pot!

🏆 Check out our article on the best Cuban coffee makers to discover top-rated options.

The ultimate guide on how to make Cuban coffee without an espresso maker

The Moka pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, is your ticket to a deliciously strong and sweet cup of Cuban coffee. It’s a staple in most Cuban homes, and it’s about to become your new favorite kitchen tool. 

The Moka pot brews coffee by passing boiling water, pressurized by steam, through ground coffee. The result? A strong, espresso-like coffee that forms the base of a true Cuban coffee.

Brewing Cuban coffee at home should be simple, and here is how to do it! If you don’t have a Moka pot, also known as a Cuban coffee maker, make sure to check out these best choices.

A simple Cuban coffee recipe without an espresso machine

Ingredients:

Coffee Beans: The amount will depend on the size of your Moka pot.

Water: Cold water, enough to fill the bottom chamber of your Moka pot.

Sugar: 1 tablespoon of sugar for every demitasse cup of brewed coffee.

1. Grind your beans: This type of coffee is all about the strong, bold flavor. For the best results, JavaPresse says you should choose a dark roast coffee and grind it from a fine to medium-fine grind size.  Freshly ground coffee is always the best option, but if you don’t want to go through all the hassle, you can always use pre-ground coffee. Just make sure it is a good Cuban coffee brand. 

2. Fill the bottom chamber: Remove the top part and the filter basket of your Moka pot. Fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the valve or a bit below.

3. Add the coffee: You’ll need enough to fill the filter basket of your Moka pot. Fill the filter basket with your ground coffee. Be sure not to press or tamp it down. Simply level it off and wipe away any loose coffee grounds on the edge of the filter.

4. Assemble the pot: Place the filter basket back into the bottom chamber, then screw on the top part. Ensure it’s tight, but don’t use superhuman strength. We don’t want to deform the gasket.

5. Heat it up: Put your Moka pot on the stove on medium heat. Leave the top lid open to see the magic happen. 

6. Watch for the brew: The water in the bottom chamber will start to boil, and coffee will begin to come out from the center post. When the stream is honey-colored, remove the pot from the heat.

7. Make it Cuban: Now, here comes the fun part. Take a teaspoon of the brewed coffee and mix it in a separate cup with sugar. You’ll want about one tablespoon of sugar for every demitasse cup of coffee. Stir vigorously. You’re aiming for a creamy, light brown paste.

8. Mix it up: Pour the rest of the coffee over the sugar paste. This will dissolve the crema into the coffee, giving it that distinctive sweet flavor and foamy top. Stir well to ensure all the sugar is dissolved.

9. Enjoy: There you have it, a taste of Cuba in a cup!

Alternative methods for brewing Cuban coffee

If you are wondering if it is possible to make Cuban coffee without a Moka pot, the short answer is yes! Here are some alternative methods to make Café Cubano without special equipment:

French Press 

A French press is a versatile tool that can also be used to brew a strong cup of Cuban coffee. Here you can find detailed instructions on how to use the French press to make a perfect cup of Cuban coffee. 

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a relatively new addition to the world of coffee brewing, but it’s a fantastic tool for brewing a strong, espresso-like coffee. Here is how to do it:

1. Add your ground coffee to the AeroPress.
2. Pour hot water into the AeroPress up to the number 2.
3. Stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10 seconds, then insert the plunger and press down slowly.
4. Use the pressed coffee to create the ‘espumita’ and mix it with the rest of the coffee as described in the method above.

Espresso machine

If you do have an espresso machine, you can certainly use it to make Cuban coffee. Here is how:

1. Add your ground coffee to the portafilter and tamp it down.
2. Pull a shot (or two) of espresso.
3. Proceed with creating the ‘espumita’ and mixing it with the espresso.

Final thoughts

The most traditional Cuban coffee technique is to use a Moka pot. However, as you have seen, you can use other coffee brewing methods like French press, AeroPress, and Espresso machine. Creating rich crema in Cuban coffee is the most important part next to brewing a strong cup of beverage. The brewing method is only that, a method. 

FAQ

What’s the difference between Cuban coffee and regular coffee?

Cuban coffee is typically a dark roast coffee that is brewed strong and sweet. The key difference lies in the preparation method, which involves creating a sugar crema or ‘espumita’. This gives Cuban coffee its distinctive sweet taste and rich, foamy top. Regular coffee, on the other hand, can range from light to dark roasts, is typically served black or with milk, and is not as strong or sweet as Cuban coffee.

What’s the key to achieving the perfect crema in Cuban coffee?

The secret to a perfect crema, or ‘espumita’, in Cuban coffee is in the vigorous mixing of sugar with a small amount of brewed coffee.

Are there variations of Cuban coffee recipes?

While Café Cubano is the classic, there are several variations, each with its own unique taste. Some popular ones include Cortadito, a Café Cubano topped off with steamed milk, and Café con Leche, a cup of steamed milk with a shot of Café Cubano. 

Can I make a larger batch of Cuban coffee for gatherings?

Yes, you can! The key is to maintain the ratio of coffee to sugar, and ensure you create enough ‘espumita’ for the entire batch. If you’re using a Moka pot, you might need to brew multiple pots to get enough coffee. Alternatively, you can use a larger stovetop espresso maker or even an electric percolator to brew a larger batch.