Cuban coffee recipe : Make it yourself (2024)

PHOTO – Emine Gizem Dokuzlar

If you are thinking of trying to make a Cuban coffee recipe at home, you are thinking great because it’s more than a regular cup of Coffee. It’s a piece of culture. Cuban Coffee is famous in some selected cities, of which Miami is its hub. There, it’s not just a drink but a way of life. People gather at small coffee windows, called vanitas, to grab a shot of this strong, sweet Coffee and catch up with friends.

One of the most popular variations is the Colada. It comes in a small cup with several smaller cups for sharing. The aim of serving Coffee like this is to connect people, chat, and bond with each other.

Today, you can find Cuban coffee shops across the United States. Even if you’re not in a city with a large Cuban population, you can experience the taste by making it at home. To make a Cuban coffee recipe, all you need are a few points to remember; let’s do it!

PHOTO – Abdus Salam

To make a Cuban coffee recipe at home, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients.

Cuban Coffee: Use darkCoffee, finely ground Coffee like Cafe Bustelo or Pilon. These brands are known for their strong flavor, which is perfect for Cuban Coffee.

White Sugar – Regular white sugar is used to make a special sweet foam called espuma.

Water – You’ll need Water to brew the Coffee in a Moka Pot or espresso machine.

Equipment– you need a Moka pot or Espresso machine for brewing Coffee.

PHOTO – Jonathan Borba

Here is easy to follow guide to making Cuban Coffee:

• First, Fill the moka pot or espresso machine with Water. Make sure to fill it up to just below the safety valve. Don’t overfill it; it may affect the brewing process.
• Add the Coffee to the machine scoop. Now, Insert the filter basket into the bottom chamber of the scoop. Make sure the Coffee is level with the top; don’t press it down. This keeps the coffee light and airy, which helps it brew evenly.
• Screw the top chamber of the Moka Pot back on tightly.
• Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Don’t use high heat, as this can make the coffee taste bitter.
• When the Water in the bottom chamber heats up, it creates pressure and pushes the hot Water up through the coffee grounds into the top chamber. You’ll see the Coffee start to bubble up at the top.
• When the top chamber is filled with Coffee, remove the Moka Pot from the heat. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
• While the Coffee is brewing, add 2 tablespoons of white sugar to a small cup.
• When brewed Coffee comes out, pour about 1 teaspoon of these drops into the sugar.
• Use a small spoon to stir quickly until the sugar and coffee turn into a thick, smooth foam. This will take a minute or two. The result should be a light-brown foam called espuma that gives Cuban Coffee its special sweet flavor.
• After the Coffee has finished brewing, slowly pour it into the cup containing the Espuma.
• Stir gently until the Coffee and Espuma are fully mixed. A creamy layer in the form of foam will rise on top, adding sweetness to every sip.

Now, Pour the Coffee into small espresso cups. Cuban Coffee is usually served in small portions because it’s very strong and sweet.

If you’re making a Colada (meant for sharing), pour the Coffee into a larger cup and serve with little small cups for others.

PHOTO – Vural Yavas

• Always use finely ground, dark Cuban Coffee like Cafe Bustelo or Pilon. These coffees have the bold flavor needed for true Cuban Coffee.
• When you add Coffee to the Moka Pot, do not press it down. Keep the grounds loose, which helps the Water flow through evenly.
• Brew the Coffee on medium heat; high heat can make the coffee taste burnt or bitter.
• Use the first few drops of brewed Coffee to make the puma perfectly. Stir until the sugar turns into a thick, smooth foam.
• Cuban Coffee tastes best when served fresh and hot. The longer it sits, the more its flavor is lost.
• Cuban Coffee is usually very sweet, but you can add more or less sugar based on your preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust as needed.