Cuban Coffee Recipe

I absolutely love this Cuban coffee recipe because it transforms the simple act of brewing coffee into an art form, where every step builds anticipation for that rich, sweet, and incredibly satisfying sip. Plus, creating the signature “espuma” gives me major barista vibes and turns my kitchen into an artisanal coffee haven, making my mornings feel extra special.

I enjoy the strong taste of Cuban coffee, which is a delightful mixture of very finely ground Cuban coffee or espresso. Using a strong brew made from 1/2 cup of coffee and 1 cup of water along with sweetness from 1/2 cup of sugar, the drink packs an energizing punch.

Ingredients

Cuban or espresso coffee, finely ground: Rich in antioxidants; boosts energy and metabolism.

Provides sweetness; adds carbohydrates for quick energy.

H2O: Required for beer making; moistens and does a splendid job of dissolving saccharides.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup finely ground Cuban or espresso coffee
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Start with making the coffee. Put
1/2 cup finely ground Cuban or espresso coffee into the filter of a coffee maker, or use a stovetop espresso maker following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Add 1 cup of water to the machine you are using, either the coffee maker or espresso maker. If using the coffee maker, add the water to the reservoir. If using the espresso maker, add the water to the bottom chamber.

3. Commence the coffee brewing. Once it begins, pay close attention to catch the initial few drops of coffee that are brewed (approximately 1 tablespoon). These will be utilized to make the “espuma.”

4. In a sturdy cup or small bowl, mix together the first few drops of brewed coffee and 1/2 cup sugar.

5. Beat the coffee-sugar mixture with a spoon until it turns into a thick, frothy, pale paste. This is known as “espuma.”

6. When brewing is finished, gradually pour the leftover brewed coffee into the bowl or cup containing the espuma, and stir gently to mix.

7. Make certain that the frothy mixture ascends to the uppermost section, imparting to the coffee its distinguishing cappuccino-like foam layer.

8. Serve the Cuban coffee in small, espresso-sized cups.

9. Serve right away to appreciate the full richness, sweetness, and concentration of this flavor.

10. Pair with traditional Cuban pastries for a complete experience, if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Coffee maker or stovetop espresso maker
2. Coffee filter (if using a coffee maker)
3. Measuring cups
4. Spoon
5. Sturdy cup or small bowl
6. Small, espresso-sized cups

FAQ

• What type of coffee should I use for Cuban Coffee?Cuban coffee is customarily produced using very finely ground Cuban or espresso coffee. Choices like Café Bustelo and Pilón are popular.
• Can I adjust the sugar level?Certainly, adjusting the sweetness is possible. The conventional formula calls for 1/2 cup of sugar, but if your palate desires less sweetness, you can feel free to use a smaller amount.
• Do I need a special coffee maker?An espresso maker that produces a strong brew of coffee can work, but the “moka pot” is often used. The “moka pot” is more commonly found, being used by both homegrown and professional baristas.
• How do I make the sugar foam?Prepare the “espuma” by taking a small quantity of very fresh coffee, no more than 3 oz, and working it into a froth with sugar and air. This is done in a deep dish with a whisk. Don’t work it too hard or too long, though; you want the mixture to stay very hot but not too cool to the touch, and you want to incorporate just enough air to make it light in weight but not so much that it becomes whip-worthy and might hold a peak.
• Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?Obtaining an authentic taste and texture requires using espresso or Cuban coffee. Regular coffee will not yield the same flavor profile.
• Is Cuban coffee served hot or cold?Cuban coffee is served in the traditional manner; it is hot and, like most espressos, is served in small cups. Cuban coffee is sweetened as it is brewed. The result is a very strong, very sweet coffee that gives you quite a boost. While the espresso is typically served with a glass of water (to cleanse the palate before enjoying the coffee) and an afterthought of a biscotto, Cuban coffee is served unapologetically on its own.
• How long does it take to brew Cuban coffee?It usually takes 5-10 minutes to brew Cuban coffee using a stovetop espresso maker.

Substitutions and Variations

Finely ground Cuban or espresso coffee can be replaced with finely ground dark roast coffee for a similarly strong and bold flavor. But what if you can’t get either dark roast coffee or coffee that is a Cuban or espresso type for your morning cup of joe? Well, you’re in luck because there are quite a few substitutes for finely ground coffee that will yield a strong and bold flavor as well as a texture similar to that of finely ground dark roast coffee.
A lower-calorie option than sugar can be found in sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit.
A 50/50 mix of water and milk can replace the water to provide a creamier texture to the coffee.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the “espuma,” ensure you use the freshest possible coffee grounds. Freshly ground coffee will yield a richer flavor and more aromatic brew, which can improve the crema-like foam on top.

2. For a more authentic experience, use a traditional stovetop espresso maker, like a Moka pot, as it tends to produce a more robust brew compared to a drip coffee maker, giving you a richer base for the “espuma.”

3. When you’re beating the coffee-sugar mixture to make the “espuma,” use a metal spoon and beat vigorously. The more air you incorporate, the thicker and frothier your “espuma” will become, which is key to achieving that signature texture.

4. Measure the sugar carefully and adjust according to your taste. While the traditional recipe uses 1/2 cup, based on your preference for sweetness, you can start with a little less and add more, blending well into the coffee to achieve the desired balance.

5. To add a nuanced flavor twist, consider adding a tiny pinch of salt or a few drops of vanilla extract to the coffee mixture. This can help to enhance the overall flavor profile and bring out the sweetness and richness of the coffee.