You might be familiar with Cuban cigars, but did you know that the country is also known for its coffee? In fact, Cuban coffee has a long and rich history dating back to the 1800s.
Why do I need to show you Cuban Coffee Explained?
I was first introduced to Cuban coffee during a trip to Miami. I ordered a Café con Leche (coffee with milk) at a local café and was surprised by its bold flavor.
I later learned that Cuban coffee is made with dark roast espresso and has a higher caffeine content than regular coffee.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Cuban coffee, the types of coffee available, and how to drink it.
We’ll also share some tips on where to buy Cuban coffee so you can enjoy a cup for yourself.
Let’s get started!
What Is Traditional Cuban Coffee Explained?
Cuban coffee is a type of espresso that’s made with dark-roasted Cuban-style ground coffee, such as Café Bustelo.
The coffee grounds are combined with boiling water and brewed espresso-style using a stovetop espresso maker or Moka pot.
Traditional Cuban coffee is quite strong and bitter due to the dark roast beans that are used.
The crema, or foam, is also thicker and more espresso-like than what you might find in a regular cup of coffee.
The foam is created by adding sugar to the brewing process, which helps to create a unique and delicious espresso drink.
The coffee is served in small espresso cups (demitasse cups) and is often enjoyed with a piece of Cuban bread or other pastries.
What Makes Coffee Cuban Different?
So, what makes Cuban coffee different from regular espresso? The main difference is the type of sugar that’s used. To make Cuban coffee, you must use raw, unrefined sugar.
This type of sugar is also known as demerara sugar.
Demerara sugar is a type of brown sugar that is less processed than regular white sugar. The sugar crystals are larger, so it does not dissolve as quickly in coffee.
This results in a slightly thicker espresso drink.
The demerara sugar is added to the espresso during the brewing process rather than being added afterward. This helps to create the signature foam layer on top of the coffee.
Why Is Coffee From Cuba Served in Small Cups?
When I first had Cuban coffee, I was surprised that it was served in such a small cup. I mean, espresso is already a pretty small serving, so why make it even smaller?
I later found out that there’s a good reason for this. Cuban coffee is very strong and rich, and a little goes a long way.
That’s why it’s served in espresso-sized cups, so you can enjoy the full flavor without getting overloaded with caffeine.
In addition, serving Cuban coffee in small cups helps to keep it hot. This is important because the coffee is usually made fresh to order, and you want to enjoy it while it’s still steaming.
So, the next time you have Cuban espresso, don’t be surprised by the small cups.
Enjoy the strong, rich flavor and be grateful that you don’t have to drink much of it to get your caffeine fix!
Cuban Coffee Names
If you order Cuban coffee in Cuba, you might be surprised by the many different names for this popular espresso drink. Here are some of the most common Cuban coffee names:
- Café con Leche: Café con Leche literally means “coffee with milk.” The coffee is served with steamed milk on the side, so you can add as much or as little as you like. This unsweetened Cuban espresso is often served with a piece of Cuban toast or a tostada on the side.
- Cortadito: A cortadito is similar to a café con Leche, but it’s made with half steamed milk and half Cuban coffee. This results in a stronger coffee flavor with less milk. The cortadito is sweetened with sugar, so it is a good choice if you have a sweet tooth.
- Colada: A colada is a Cuban coffee that is served in a styrofoam cup. It is made with espumita, which is the sugar foam from Cuban coffee. The colada is usually shared with friends, and each person has a straw to enjoy the coffee.
How to Drink Cuban Coffee
Cuban coffee is typically served black, with sugar whipped into a thick foam (called “espuma”).
To drink it, top off your black coffee with the espuma, then stir it all together.
Serve immediately in small espresso cups.
If you want to add milk, it is typically served on the side. Just pour the milk into your coffee cup and stir it together to create a café con Leche.
Cuban coffee is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s best to drink it as soon as it’s made. However, if you need to reheat it, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Where to Buy Cuban Coffee Tips
If you want to make Cuban coffee at home, you’ll need to find the best espresso coffee beans.
The best place to buy Cuban coffee beans is online, from a specialty coffee roaster.
I personally like to buy my Cuban coffee beans from Amazon.
They have a good selection of beans, and the prices are reasonable.
You can also find Cuban coffee beans at some brick-and-mortar stores, but the selection is usually more limited.
To find Cuban coffee beans on Amazon, just search for “Cuban coffee beans.” You’ll be able to find a good variety of beans to choose from.
If you want, you can try MAYORGA COFFEE Café Cubano Roast. This is the brand of Cuban coffee that I use, and it’s smooth and flavorful.
You can also make an iced Cuban coffee with our recipe here.
FAQs
What Is the Best Cuban Coffee Brand?
The best Cuban coffee brand is Mayorga Organics. It is a USDA-certified organic coffee brand that sources its beans from Peru, Honduras, and sometimes Nicaragua. The company commits to quality and sustainability, and its coffee is roasted in small batches.
Why Is Cubano Coffee So Good?
Cuban coffee is known for its strong, bold flavor. The coffee beans are roasted longer than other coffee beans, giving them a darker color. This also results in higher caffeine content. Cuban coffee is often brewed with a lot of sugar, contributing to its characteristic sweetness.
What Are the Different Types of Cuban Coffee?
The most popular types of Cuban coffee are cafecito, cortadito, colada, and café con leche. Cafecito is a strong, black coffee that is sweetened with sugar. Cortadito is made with half steamed milk and half Cuban coffee.
Colada is a Cuban coffee that is served in a styrofoam cup with espumita, which is the sugar foam from Cuban coffee. Café con Leche is a Cuban coffee with milk served on the side.