Many people who prefer regular coffee find this Cuban variation too strong. There are 3 reasons that make Cuban coffee taste strong for some. Here, we will explore them in detail.
💡 You may want to know how strong Cuban coffee is.
3 reasons why Cuban coffee is so strong
It’s the espresso of the Caribbean, a caffeine kick that will wake you up and keep you going.
Coffee beans
Cuban coffee is made from Arabica beans, which are known for their rich, full-bodied flavor. But what sets Cuban coffee apart is the roasting process. The beans are dark-roasted, which gives the coffee a robust flavor profile that can border on the intense.
This dark roasting process creates a stronger, more concentrated flavor, resulting in a brew that packs a punch.
Amount of water
The amount of water used in brewing plays a crucial role in the strength of your coffee. Cuban coffee traditionally uses less water than other coffee brewing methods. This results in a higher coffee-to-water ratio, making the final product stronger and more potent.
It’s like the difference between a shot of whiskey and a beer – they both contain alcohol, but one certainly hits harder than the other.
Brewing method
Cuban coffee is typically brewed using a stovetop espresso maker, also known as a Moka pot. This method forces hot water, under pressure, through the coffee grounds.
This high-pressure brewing method extracts more flavor and caffeine from the beans, resulting in a stronger, bolder cup of coffee. If you are concerned with strength, check out when Cuban coffee can be bad for you.
Is Cuban coffee the strongest?
When it comes to caffeine content, the crown doesn’t necessarily go to Cuban coffee. While it is stronger than many other varieties, it’s not the most potent. A shot of espresso, for instance, contains more caffeine per milliliter than a serving of Cuban coffee. Similarly, there are other contenders, for example, Turkish coffee, that packs a powerful caffeine punch.
The taste and flavor intensity of Cuban coffee are bold and robust. This is due to the dark-roasted beans and unique brewing method. However, this doesn’t necessarily translate to being the strongest.
For instance, you can find Italian espresso to have a much more intense flavor because of the high-pressure extraction process.
So, is Cuban coffee the strongest? Not necessarily. If you compare it to regular coffee, then yes. However, plain espresso and Turkish coffee have a stronger taste than Cuban coffee.
How much Cuban coffee is too much?
Cuban coffee is strong, and like any strong coffee, it’s high in caffeine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day – that’s about four 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee – is generally safe for most healthy adults.
Since this type of coffee is typically served in smaller servings but is more concentrated, you may reach this limit quicker than you’d think.
Remember, everyone’s tolerance to caffeine is different, and factors such as weight, age, and overall health play a role in how much caffeine you can safely consume. Too much caffeine can lead to jitters, insomnia, or more serious health issues.
One more thing to keep in mind is that traditional Cuban coffee has a sweet, frothy layer known as ‘espumita’ that is made with sugar.
It is recommended that women should limit added sugars to about 25 grams (4 to 6 teaspoons) per day, while most men can add up to 9 teaspoons (about 36 grams). Depending on how much sugar is used in your coffee, you could be hitting these limits quicker than you’d expect.
Final thoughts
Even if this type of coffee doesn’t have the strongest taste or highest caffeine content, some people may still find it too strong. For that reason, you can create espumita by mixing white sugar and a few drops of coffee and adding it to the top. This will make the coffee more sweet, but make sure that you don’t exceed the recommended sugar intake.
FAQ
Is Cuban coffee strong?
Yes, Cuban coffee is strong. Its strength lies not only in its caffeine content but also in its bold, robust flavor. The dark-roasted Arabica beans, the high coffee-to-water ratio, and the unique brewing method all contribute to its strong profile.
What makes it different from others?
This type of coffee is often served ‘cafecito’ style, with sugar cream added on the top to create a sweet, foamy layer known as ‘espumita’.
Is the strength due to the beans or the brewing process?
The strength of this coffee is a result of both the beans and the brewing process. The beans, usually of the Arabica variety, are dark-roasted, contributing to a strong, rich flavor. The brewing process further amplifies this strength.
Can I adjust the strength of this type of coffee to my preference?
Absolutely! You can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to lighten the brew or use a lighter roast of beans for a milder flavor. Additionally, the amount of sugar used to create the ‘espumita’ can also be adjusted to your preference.
My journey through renowned bars and coffee shops over five years, as a barista, coffee aficionado, and former bartender, has honed my pursuit for the perfect cup. My passion for coffee isn’t just about the brew—it’s about sharing the knowledge and insights I’ve gleaned along the way.
