How To Make Cuban Coffee | The Ultimate Guide

Cuban coffee is bold, it’s intense, and it’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. This unique brew is gaining a lot of attention on social media, and people are most impressed with the sugar foam, which makes it stand out. Here, you will see how to make Cuban coffee at your home by following this simple and tasty recipe. 

What is Cuban coffee? 

Cuban coffee, also known as cafe Cubano or Cafecito, combines espresso with sugar to form a foam called espuma.

To brew Cuban coffee, traditionally, you should use a Moka pot. But there are alternative brewing methods, as you are going to see in this blog post.

This strong and flavorful brew is not just a coffee; it is a cultural symbol that represents the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people. It is often enjoyed in social gatherings, after meals, or as a pick-me-up during the day.  

How to make Cuban coffee (Cafecito)?

Ingredients and equipment

•  2 tablespoons of finely ground Cuban coffee (dark roast)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• Cuban coffee maker
• Small pot for creating espuma
• Heat source

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Fill the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with water. Unscrew the top part and fill the bottom chamber with water up to just below the safety valve. Make sure not to overfill it. In a separate smaller pot, add 2 tablespoons of sugar; you will need it later. 

Step 2: Place the coffee filter basket into the bottom chamber of the Moka pot and add the 2 tablespoons (for one serving) of finely ground Cuban coffee into the coffee filter basket. Use a tamper or the back of a spoon to level the coffee grounds gently.

Step 3: Screw the top part of the Moka pot and place it on the stovetop over medium heat.

Step 4: Watch for the first few drops. As soon as they appear, pour them into a small pot with sugar. Bring back the Moka pot on the heat and start vigorously whisking sugar and a few drops of coffee until you create a smooth crema. This way, you will create that well-known espuma. 

Step 5: Once you see there is no more water in your moka pot, remove it from the heat source. Pour the coffee into the smaller pot where your espuma is. Give it one last mix and pour the coffee into the cup. 

Step 9: Your Cuban coffee is ready. The only thing left to do is to enjoy it. 

Nutrition details

Cuban coffee will have around 100 calories if you use 2 tablespoons of sugar. However, it’s important to note that the sugar content can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Sugar alternatives

Unfortunately, if you are looking for more calorie-friendly options, Cuban coffee requires sugar. You can’t make it with stevia or other sweeteners, but you can use demerara or brown sugar if you want to play with flavors. 

Popular variations

There are a few popular alternative ways to make Cuban coffee. 

Colada coffee

Colada refers to a larger portion of Cuban coffee that is typically served in a communal cup with multiple small cups. It’s a social way of enjoying Cuban coffee, perfect for sharing with friends or coworkers.

Cortadito coffee

Cortadito is a delightful variation of Cuban coffee that combines strong espresso-like coffee with a small amount of steamed milk. This creates a creamy and slightly milder flavor while still maintaining the boldness of Cuban coffee.

Cafe Con Leche

Cafe Con Leche is a beloved Cuban coffee drink that combines equal parts of Cuban coffee and steamed milk. It results in a smooth and creamy beverage that’s perfect for those who prefer a milder coffee experience.

Iced coffee

When the weather gets hot, iced Cuban coffee is the perfect way to cool down while still enjoying the robust flavors of coffee.

Coffee with condensed milk

This variation adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to Cuban coffee by replacing granulated sugar with condensed milk. The condensed milk adds a rich and velvety texture to the coffee, creating a decadent treat.

How to serve Cuban coffee?

Cuban coffee is traditionally served in smaller cups. These cups are typically smaller than standard coffee mugs, holding about 2 to 3 ounces of liquid. Serving Cuban coffee in smaller cups is not only a cultural tradition but also enhances the overall experience.

In contrast to belief, Cuban coffee isn’t served in small cups because of its strength. Even if it packs a powerful kick, it isn’t the strongest. One cup of Cuban coffee contains around 70 mg of caffeine. Check out here how Cuban coffee caffeine is compared to other popular brews.  

Cleaning moka pot

When it comes to cleaning your Moka pot, there are generally two types of cleaning: regular maintenance cleaning and deep cleaning. Regular maintenance cleaning involves routine cleaning after each use, while deep cleaning is a more thorough process to remove built-up residue and maintain the longevity of your Moka pot.

Here, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to clean your Moka pot and keep it in optimal condition.

Alternative ways to make Cuban coffee without moka pot

While authentic Cuban coffee involves using a Moka pot, there are alternative ways to enjoy this delightful beverage if you don’t have one on hand. For example, you can use an espresso machine, French press, or even AeroPress.

Final thoughts

With its rich flavor, iconic espuma, and undeniable boldness, it’s no wonder this coffee has made waves beyond its Cuban shores. While the Moka pot remains the traditional method of brewing this delightful drink, it’s reassuring to know that modern methods like the espresso machine, French press, and AeroPress can also give us a taste of Cuba in our own kitchens.